July 2, 2025
Dear Liberty Local Schools Community,
Our community plays a crucial role in the success of our district. We greatly value the support local organizations have provided over the years. At Monday night’s Board of Education meeting, we discussed House Bill 335, known as the “Property Tax Relief NOW Act,” and the significantly negative impact this bill could have on our ongoing efforts to improve Liberty Schools.
House Bill 335 would severely affect our educational programs for students. The district could potentially lose approximately $1,394,250 per year without inside millage collections. This loss represents about 8.5% of our general fund operating expenses, which translates to $1,100 per student. This would be the most significant change to public school funding since HB 920 in 1976.
This is an exciting time to be a Leopard! As many of you have noticed, our district has made important strides in offering diverse learning opportunities that prepare our students to be future-ready leaders in the community. For the 2025-2026 school year, we plan to implement the Capturing Kids’ Hearts program alongside our new Science of Reading curriculum. We have also enhanced our course offerings for high school students, including a new multimedia program that allows them to explore various careers in electronic media. Our students will also begin career exploration at all grade levels. Our goal is to continue providing programs like these, but drastic funding cuts would significantly impact the district’s ability to do so.
Liberty is a strong community with a proud sense of identity. Our district is actively working with our elected officials and education partners to advocate for the needs of our students and their families, but we need our representatives to hear from you.
You can contact your state legislators and urge them to vote NO on House Bill 335. Let them know that Liberty values our young people and does not want to limit their opportunities for success!
Thank you for your continued support for Ohio’s students and the students of Liberty.
Sincerely,
Brian C. Knight , Superintendent
Amber Shaeffer, Treasurer
Liberty Local Schools
Key Contacts
Senator Sandra O’Brien (District 32)
Phone: 614-466-7182
Email: o'brien@ohiosenate.gov
Representative David Thomas (District 65)
Phone: 614-466-5441
Email: rep64@ohiohouse.gov
Governor Mike DeWine
(614) 644-4357