With Pirate Pride

Earlier this month, my youngest daughter, Miriam, participated in the OMEA District 4 Middle School Honor Band. This experience brought together students from across Northeast Ohio to learn, rehearse, and perform under the direction of a highly regarded conductor. In just two rehearsals, paired with individual practice, nearly 100 eighth-grade students came together to perform music they may not otherwise have encountered.

As a superintendent and as a father, being in the audience that day was incredibly special. For the nine Rocky River Middle School students selected to participate, it was more than just a performance. It was an opportunity to expand their horizons, build relationships through a shared passion, and even enjoy a free pizza lunch along the way.

As I reflected on the experience, I kept coming back to two individuals who made this moment possible for my daughter.

The first is someone many in our community know well: Mrs. Kelly Baiera, our middle school band director. Quite candidly, my youngest daughter is not a fan of school. She works her way through each day, and we have plenty of conversations about that at home. But she loves music. She plays piano, performs percussion in the concert band, experiments on the drum set at home, and even writes her own music. This is where she comes alive.

Mrs. Baiera has been an unwavering advocate for Miriam. She has found ways to connect with her, to build her confidence, and to challenge her. She places her in situations that require growth. Most importantly, she believes in Miriam, even during moments when Miriam may not believe in herself. As a parent, I have seen that growth firsthand, and I am deeply grateful for her investment.

The second person is someone many of you may not know: Bart Jackson – “Mr. Bart,” as we call him. Mr. Bart was Miriam’s former drum instructor when we lived in Marysville, Ohio. When he learned that Miriam would be performing in the Honor Band, he made the nearly two-hour drive north just to be there and support her.

That kind of commitment leaves an impact.

Mr. Bart has always pushed Miriam to be her best. He has challenged her to grow, to reflect, and to step outside of her comfort zone. His belief in her has been a constant throughout her musical journey, and it continues to shape who she is becoming.

In Rocky River City Schools, one of our core expectations for our staff is simple but powerful: “Believe in Growth”.

The beauty of education, and of life, is that we are never finished. Every individual has strengths to build upon and opportunities to grow. Each of us brings unique talents, perspectives, and experiences that can add value to the world around us. Our responsibility as educators is to recognize those qualities and help students grow into them.

In partnership with our families and community, this belief drives our work each day. We aim to provide high expectations, meaningful opportunities, and the support necessary to build confidence in our young people. We want them to take risks, embrace challenges, and continue growing into whatever their future holds beyond Rocky River.

Mrs. Baiera and Mr. Bart embody this belief for my daughter. They challenge her appropriately. They create opportunities for growth. And they consistently reinforce the belief that she is capable of more.

I am proud to serve in a community filled with educators and families who live out this commitment every day. At our core, we want our students to grow into the best versions of themselves over time.

When we believe in them, it is amazing what they can do.

Thank you to everyone who pours that belief into our young people.

With Pirate Pride,
Adham

Following the March 4 Swatting Incident

Dear Rocky River families, staff, and students,

On March 4, 2026, our school district was one of many across the state of Ohio subjected to what is known as a swatting incident.

For those unfamiliar with the term, swatting refers to a false report, often a threatening call or message, designed to elicit an emergency response from law enforcement. These incidents are intended to create fear and disruption, and unfortunately they have become more common across the country, particularly in schools and public institutions.

Yesterday at approximately 10:53 a.m., Rocky River High School received a detailed,threatening phone call. In response, our office staff immediately activated their emergency alert system, initiating a lockdown while our safety protocols were put into place.

In the minutes that followed, staff members quickly secured classrooms and accounted for students. Our students responded exactly as they have been trained to do during safety drills throughout the year. Law enforcement arrived quickly and began working through established response procedures.

In full transparency, the first 20 minutes of the event were as close to a critical incident as we could have experienced. I am incredibly grateful that this situation did not become a worst-case scenario and that we are now in a position to reflect, learn, and strengthen our response moving forward.

Over the past 24 hours, I have received many messages of support and encouragement from families, staff members, and community partners. Those messages are sincerely appreciated and reflect the care that exists throughout the Rocky River community. We also recognize this provides an opportunity for us to learn and reflect together as a community. 

Reflecting and Learning

An important part of any safety response is the review process that follows.

Today, our administrative team began a debrief process to capture the sequence of events and identify areas for improvement. We also distributed a survey to high school staff to gather feedback about what went well, where we can improve, and what additional support may be helpful during future incidents.

Additionally, members of our administrative team participated in a debrief with the Westshore Enforcement Bureau and the Rocky River Police Department. Input from our law enforcement partners will help us strengthen and refine our safety procedures moving forward.

Overall, the feedback we have received thus far has been very positive. The consensus among our administrative team and law enforcement partners is that the response was immediate, appropriate, and guided by a clear safety-first mindset.

Several strengths were highlighted during the law enforcement debrief, including:

Strengths observed during the response

• Rapid response time from staff and law enforcement
• A clear incident command structure once first responders arrived
• Consistent district communication with families throughout the afternoon
• Effective traffic control around the campus and during the early dismissal process

At the same time, responsible safety planning requires us to examine where we can improve. Several areas for refinement were also identified.

Areas for continued improvement

• Strengthening initial communication between the building and outside law enforcement agencies responding from beyond Rocky River
• Increasing familiarity and consistent use of emergency alert system and staff training protocols
• Sharing information internally using PA systems for clarity and efficiency
• Communication with stakeholders for other school building activities such as morning kindergarten, preschool, and other student programs that require transportation throughout the school day. 

This is something we will continue evaluating as we refine our safety procedures and communicate expectations with students and families.

In addition, our review process will likely lead to new protocols in several areas, including transportation procedures that will help our transportation office and bus drivers access buses safely and efficiently during similar situations.

Gratitude for Our River Community

Events like this are unsettling, and they naturally create concern for families and students. Schools are places where students should feel safe, supported, and able to focus on learning.

Yesterday also demonstrated something incredibly important about our district: 

• Our students followed procedures and supported one another.
• Our families supported processes, communicated with our schools, and cared for each other.
• Our law enforcement partners acted swiftly and worked seamlessly with our team.
• Our staff responded with professionalism, urgency, and care for students.

Most importantly, everyone returned home safely.

While incidents like this are deeply disruptive, they also reaffirm something we believe strongly in Rocky River: preparation matters, partnerships matter, and community matters. Preparedness is not something that happens once. It is a process of continuous learning, practice, and refinement.

Our responsibility as educators is not only to respond when incidents occur, but to continually strengthen the systems that protect our students and staff. Yesterday demonstrated that the investments we have made in safety training, planning, and partnerships with law enforcement make a real difference when it matters most.

We will continue to learn from this event, improve where needed, and remain committed to ensuring that our schools are places where students feel safe, supported, and ready to learn.

Thank you again for the support you have shown our schools over the past 24 hours. It is deeply appreciated, and it reflects the strength of the Rocky River community.

With Pirate Pride,

Adham

Today, we are excited to kick off the next phase of our journey to understand artificial intelligence and its impact on teaching and learning in Rocky River City Schools.

One of the guiding adages for our leadership team has been simple: go slow to go fast. As we begin exploring AI in a K–12 environment, the most important place to start is with collective learning.

Thanks to the generous support of the Rocky River Education Foundation, twenty of our teachers and administrators are participating in specialized coursework developed in partnership with the University of Pennsylvania. This learning experience focuses on the ethics, capabilities, and classroom implications of artificial intelligence. It has been designed specifically for our district.

These lead learners will help share knowledge, build capacity across our schools, and shape what we hope will become a thoughtful, forward-looking approach to AI integration in K–12 education.

Learning First, Designing With Purpose

Over the past several months, we have often been asked, “What is your end goal?” Our answer has been consistent: we begin with learning.

As with any meaningful work in education, we believe the right path is to first, understand deeply first, then design exceptional experiences for students, families, and staff. That is what makes this process so exciting. While we do not yet know exactly where this journey will lead, we do know what will guide us:

• Keeping the best interests and safety of students at the center of every decision
  
• Following best practices that lead to strong outcomes
  
• Honoring the expertise of our professional educators

As we move forward, several important questions continue to shape our thinking:

• How do we ensure student safety?
  
• How do we nurture critical thinking rather than replace it with instant answers?
  
• What guardrails must be in place to support families, students, and staff?

These are questions we take seriously every single day.

Safety, Guardrails, and Responsible Exploration

Whenever technology enters the classroom, student safety is paramount. Recently, our district entered into a 90-day trial with School AI, selected through a careful review by a district committee. One important feature of this platform is that students do not need to sign in or share personal data.

At this time, the platform is not student-facing and will be used only by the cohort participating in the University of Pennsylvania learning experience. This allows us to explore instructional possibilities thoughtfully before considering any broader implementation.

Should School AI become a long-term tool, we will continue to communicate transparently about:

• Safety protections and privacy guardrails
  
• The full vetting and approval process
  
• Alignment with state protections such as Senate Bill 29
  
• Additional district safeguards required of any technology vendor

This careful approach builds on an already strong foundation for responsible AI exploration in Rocky River.

A Clear Commitment: AI Literacy for Our Community

The core outcome we are firmly committed to is AI literacy for students, families, and staff. Artificial intelligence will continue to evolve rapidly. Building understanding now will empower our learners and educators to use these tools ethically, responsibly, and effectively, ultimately enhancing the educational experience for everyone in our schools.

We are deeply grateful to the Rocky River Education Foundation for making this first phase of professional learning possible. By investing in our teachers and administrators, we are building the capacity needed to truly “go slow to go fast” and to create exceptional classroom experiences for our students.

What Comes Next

We look forward to sharing more as this work continues.

• On March 19, Pat Coleman will provide an update and community presentation at the Board of Education Committee of the Whole meeting.
  
• In April, Mr. Coleman will lead a community Q&A session. Final details and support information will be shared soon.

This is only the beginning of an important journey for Rocky River City Schools, and we are excited to learn alongside our community every step of the way.

With Pirate Pride,

Adham

Welcome to 2026, Rocky River!

As we turn the page to a new year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the many accomplishments of 2025 and share our optimism for the opportunities ahead in 2026. Rocky River City Schools continues to be a district defined by excellence, impact, and pride—because of the unwavering dedication, partnership, and support of our students, staff, families, and residents.

This past year brought meaningful milestones that demonstrate the strength of our school district and the power of our community working together.

Academic Excellence and Student Growth
Our students continued to achieve at high levels, reflecting the commitment of our educators and the support of our families. From strong academic outcomes to innovative learning experiences across our schools, Rocky River City Schools remains focused on preparing students for success today and in the future. Whether it is the Five-Star Rating, comprehensive AP and College Credit Plus offerings, or robust opportunities, River continued its strong history of academic excellence. 

Student Achievements Beyond the Classroom
Whether in athletics, the arts, service learning, or extracurricular activities, our students once again represented Rocky River with excellence and character. Their accomplishments are a direct result of hard work, teamwork, and the guidance of dedicated staff and supportive families. Dazzle awards, team championships, individual honors, and all-time firsts dotted the landscape for River this calendar year! 

As the calendar turns, we look forward to several items on the horizon for 2026.

On the Horizon for 2026

Rocky River High School Principal Hire
Over the next several weeks, the Rocky River High School Principal position will be posted publicly. We look forward to partnering with students, staff, and parents throughout the interview process. Committee interviews are planned for March, followed by a hopeful offer, acceptance, and Board of Education approval at the March regular meeting. We are excited to work alongside our community in identifying the next leader of Rocky River High School.

Technology Initiatives for 2026
Two important initiatives are underway in our technology spaces.

The first is a transition in our student information system from ProgressBook to PowerSchool. PowerSchool was selected by our staff as a seamless approach to student information management, including communicating grades, feedback, and strengthening connections with families. Please continue to watch for updates and information related to this transition as we partner with PowerSchool to enhance the experience for staff, students, and families.

The second initiative is a district website review and transition. We anticipate partnering with staff and community members to identify a platform that will serve as a true digital front porch for Rocky River City Schools: one that integrates communication, delivers information clearly, and tells the story of River. More information will be shared in the coming weeks as we begin this important work together.

Curriculum and Professional Development
Throughout the remainder of the 2025–2026 school year, our schools have been engaged in regular review of instructional practices and curriculum adoption. This year, we will adopt new curriculum models in social studies, business, and technology. Our staff has worked closely with Assistant Superintendent Elizabeth Anderson to identify instructional tools that will enhance learning in the classroom. These materials will be brought to the Board of Education later this year for approval.

In addition, an exciting professional development opportunity has been sponsored by the Rocky River Education Foundation. In partnership with the University of Pennsylvania, 20 Rocky River City Schools staff members will engage in graduate-level coursework focused on artificial intelligence. This work is grounded in best practice, ethics, and the safe, responsible integration of AI in schools. By building capacity through learning, we can thoughtfully tailor these initiatives to fit River and further enhance the exceptional opportunities we provide.

As we move forward into 2026, our focus remains clear: maximizing impact for every student, strengthening connections across our community, and continuing to build on the proud tradition of Rocky River City Schools. Thank you for your continued partnership, trust, and Pirate Pride.

I look forward to all that we will accomplish together in the year ahead.

With Pirate Pride,
Adham Schirg
Superintendent
Rocky River City Schools

Pizza. Full stop. I love pizza. And in 2025, I ate quite a bit of it. As we head into early 2026, I’ll probably eat a little less, but my love for pizza hasn’t gone anywhere.

For Father’s Day this year, my family gave me a gift that turned out to be far more meaningful than they likely realized: a book on making homemade pizza. Pizza has always been one of my passions. I’ve enjoyed eating it for as long as I can remember, and now, I genuinely enjoy making it.

I start from scratch. Homemade dough, homemade sauce, and I personalize each pizza for the people who will be eating it. I’ve experimented with different styles along the way: Detroit-style, thin crust, and a few variations in between. Most of them turn out pretty well. And, like anything worthwhile, they’ve gotten better over time. I really enjoy the process.

But enjoying pizza isn’t really about the pizza.

I enjoy making it because pizza brings people together. I’ve never been in a place where pizza was present and it didn’t spark conversation about favorite toppings, preferred styles, or memories attached to a slice shared with others. Pizza has a way of lowering barriers, opening dialogue, and creating connection.

For me, that Father’s Day gift did more than introduce a new hobby. It gave me another way to live out what I see as part of my purpose: bringing people together. Whether in my family life or in my professional life, it is something that gives me tremendous joy. 

I find a deep sense of fulfillment in building community and creating spaces where people feel connected to something bigger than themselves. That’s one of the reasons I love the work I get to do every day in Rocky River City Schools. Across roles and communities—coaching teams, working alongside teachers, partnering with parents, or supporting community initiatives—the common thread has always been people wanting to come together with a shared purpose.

Each year, I choose one word that helps focus my intentions. For 2026, that word is purpose.

A strong sense of purpose matters. It matters for individuals, for organizations, and for communities. For example, as we begin the search for our next high school principal in the months ahead, one of the things I’ll be listening for most closely is evidence of purpose: grounded in service, care for kids, meaningful connection, and community.

As you step into 2026, I encourage you to find your word. What is the word, or the resolution, you intend to carry with you and truly commit to? This season is a natural time for reflection and for finding the fuel that moves you forward.

For me, 2026 is about purpose. And while I love pizza, it’s really just a vehicle. It is a simple, powerful way to bring people together.

I wish you a happy New Year, and I hope you find your one word for 2026.

With Pirate Pride,

Adham

Detroit Style (Pepperoni, Honey Drizzle, and Basil:-)

As we wrap up our stretch into winter break, I am filled with gratitude and pride for the incredible start to the school year across Rocky River City Schools. Every day, I see the meaningful work happening in our classrooms, hallways, rehearsal spaces, and throughout our community. Our students, staff, families, and residents continue to make a positive impact across the 4.9 square miles that make up our school district. That impact reaches far beyond our schools. It truly makes a difference for all of Rocky River.

Looking ahead to the holiday season and a well-earned winter break, it feels especially important to pause and reflect on a few of the many people and groups who are making a difference.

West Shore Young Leaders: Leading With Purpose
Members of our West Shore Young Leaders have demonstrated what it means to lead with care and intention. This holiday season, these middle school students organized a food drive that directly supported families across the West Shore. They did the planning, marketing and promoting the food drive throughout the school community.  Their commitment to service, empathy, and community is inspiring. These young leaders are true difference-makers, and they represent the very best of Rocky River City Schools. I am deeply appreciative of their efforts and proud of how they live out our shared values.

Celebrating the Arts: Our Music Department and Students
Over the past several weeks, our Music Department has filled our schools and community with talent, joy, and Pirate pride. From our fifth- and sixth-grade band to our middle school and high school bands, and the choral groups, our students have shined. These moments do not happen by chance. They are made possible by the dedication of our music educators, who have spent countless evenings working with students to make each performance special. Their commitment creates memorable experiences for students, families, and residents alike. Heading into break , they lift up our entire district.

Rocky River Education Foundation: Investing in Opportunity
Another group making a tremendous impact is the Rocky River Education Foundation. Through their thoughtful review of grants, scholarships, and projects, the Foundation continues to enhance learning and opportunity across our schools. This most recent grant cycle supported 7 total grants including initiatives such as AI professional development and the Pergola Project at Goldwood. The time, resources, and care invested by the Foundation cannot be understated. Their work truly benefits all of our Pirates.

As we head into winter break, I hope we all take a moment to recognize the difference each of us gets to make every single day in Rocky River City Schools. Academic excellence, meaningful connections through activities, and a strong sense of community are at the foundation of who we are as Pirates.

I am proud and honored to work alongside our dedicated staff, remarkable students, supportive families, and engaged community. Thank you for all you do to make Rocky River City Schools such a special place.

Have a wonderful, safe, and happy winter break. We look forward to welcoming you back in the new year. Happy Holidays!

With Pirate Pride,

Adham

There is a small coal-mining town southeast of Pittsburgh and north of Morgantown, West Virginia, called Uniontown, PA. Founded on July 4, 1776, the town grew alongside the rise of the coal and steel industries in western Pennsylvania. Route 40, the first national road, still runs through its center.

Uniontown is where Sead and Emmira Zubchevich eventually made their home after arriving in the United States. They first spent time in Central Ohio and Pittsburgh before settling in this small town. Emmira worked at the regional hospital and later opened her own private practice. Sead became a business investor. Their home included office space, something they had never had access to before coming to the United States, and it provided a sense of stability and possibility they deeply valued.

Both survivors and refugees of World War II, they came to this country with the hope of building a better life. Their three children, two sons and a daughter, grew up attending public schools and eventually went on to college. Over time, Uniontown became the center of their world, the place where their family gathered and grew.

Thanksgiving was Sead and Emmira’s favorite holiday. Their children and grandchildren would descend on their home for a long weekend filled with joyful chaos – TV on in the background, spirited debates, backyard football, naps, and shopping trips. The meal was a blend of classic American staples and the Mediterranean dishes they cherished: baklava, hummus, and tabouli. But the menu was secondary. What mattered most to the Zubchevich family was simply being together.

The United States brought two worlds together for Emmira and Sead. They carried with them the history, pride, and pain of their Eastern European heritage, shaped by war and political displacement. In Uniontown, those experiences blended with the hardworking ideals of a coal-mining Pennsylvania community. Their commitment to family and community made their assimilation not only possible but natural.

Thanksgiving became the perfect symbol of that merge, a uniquely American holiday that celebrates gratitude, hard work, and the kind of time together that becomes part of a family’s story. My grandmother, Emmira, would always tell me, “Ado*, there is nothing more important than your family.”

As we approach this Thanksgiving, whether you are near or far, I hope you enjoy the holiday with the people you love. That is exactly what Emmira and Sead would have wanted for all of us. Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!

With Pirate Pride,

Adham

*Ado was my grandmother’s nickname for me. She passed away in 2010, just shy of her 90th birthday. She was still seeing patients and had treated three on the day she passed. She lived a life dedicated to service—both to others and to her family. And every now and then, I can still hear her voice reminding me not to be an idiot. 🙂

*I have posted this story over the years, but wanted to share it again with the River community. 

Rocky River City School District is the fifth district I have had the privilege to serve during my career. When I first began my journey as an educator, I never could have imagined this path, but I am incredibly fortunate to have learned, connected, and worked alongside so many wonderful colleagues, families, community members, and students along the way. While every district faces its share of challenges, the positives always outweigh them. It is a tremendously rewarding and fun journey.

Serving in different districts has provided me with valuable perspective, especially on what it means to be new and how important it is to calibrate your lens to the culture and context around you. That process begins with listening, observing, and being open to challenging your own perceptions. While there are more similarities than differences across the places I have served, each one has its own unique culture, expectations, and history that make it special.

Rocky River is truly a remarkable school community. The history, pride, and pursuit of excellence come through in every interaction I have had across the district. Since July, I have had the opportunity to meet with each of our school PTAs, many of our support organizations, several community groups, including the Chamber of Commerce, and a number of local leaders. Across schools, community coffees, and informal gatherings, I have asked two simple questions::

1. What gives you a sense of pride about the district?
   
2. If you had a magic wand, what would you change or fix?

From those discussions, some clear themes have emerged:

Community Members: Across all sessions, community members consistently expressed pride in Rocky River’s academic excellence and strong sense of community, especially within our lower schools. At the same time, they highlighted opportunities for growth in areas such as governance, transparency, safety resources, and operational logistics.

Staff: Our staff consistently voiced pride in the district’s academic rigor and professional culture, while also expressing a desire for more collaborative decision-making and a balanced approach to performance expectations for both staff and students.

One theme that especially stood out was a shared desire for regularity:a sense of predictability, consistency, and support within our schools. When our environments are steady and reliable, students, staff, families, and community members all feel more confident and comfortable, even during challenging times.

This focus on regularity has been a priority for me since day one. In my personal life, I strive to be boringly consistent, and I take that same approach professionally. In education, being consistent, predictable, and supportive may sound dull, but it is the foundation for excellence. It allows us to collaborate more effectively and deliver on our shared mission of serving students, supporting staff, engaging families, and celebrating all that makes Rocky River exceptional. My hope is that you have begun to feel that sense of steadiness and focus over the past several months.

Being new to a place brings tremendous opportunities to listen, to learn, and to grow. I have thoroughly enjoyed connecting with our community and getting to know Rocky River. It is deeply humbling to have the opportunity to serve this district. With that privilege comes responsibility: first, to provide a consistent, predictable, and supportive environment, and second, to bring people together in pursuit of continued excellence.

Thank you for all that you do to support Rocky River.

Go Pirates!

With Pirate Pride,
Adham

I am a creature of habit. My mornings generally begin before 5:00 a.m. Around 5:30, I receive a batch of news updates, a mix of national and Ohio-based publications. Even when I lived in Central Ohio, one of my staples was the Cleveland Plain Dealer’s “The Wake-Up.”

Last week, a “Wake-Up” article focused on the pressures faced by senior citizens in Cuyahoga County. The challenges are many, such as  healthcare, mobility, and social isolation. But one of the most persistent concerns is housing affordability. That concern ties directly into one of the most complex, least understood issues in Ohio’s public policy: property taxes and how we fund our schools.

Over the past several months, property tax reform has moved to the forefront of legislative debate in Columbus. There is a pending ballot initiative that would eliminate all property taxes in the state of Ohio, along with multiple bills that could dramatically reshape how property taxes are assessed, levied, and distributed. As a superintendent of schools, I worry deeply: if we change the system without clearly defined replacement mechanisms, school districts could be left scrambling.

This tension cuts to the heart of a dilemma many educational and civic leaders face: How do we alleviate the burden our residents feel from property taxes, especially seniors on fixed incomes, while preserving the ability to deliver quality local services, including excellent schools?

Before we dive into the legislative proposals, it’s helpful to review the historical context over the past half-century.

A Half Century of Shifting Burdens

Here’s what the historical data tells us:

• In 1975, Class I (Residential + Agricultural) property accounted for 46.0% of the state’s property tax base; by 1999 that had grown to about 61.1%; and by 2011, it was 74.3%.
  
• In 2023, residential and agricultural property made up 74.8% of Ohio’s property tax base (i.e., class I share).
  
• Correspondingly, the business (non-residential) share has declined: from 54.0% in 1975 to 25.2% in 2023 (or more precisely, business property’s share of what remains).

These shifts illustrate how over time, the tax burden (in terms of share) has tilted more heavily toward residential property.

Looking more narrowly at school district levies:

• In 1975, 46.1% of school property tax revenue was borne by Class I (residential/agricultural) properties; by 2023, that share had risen to 67.5%.
  
• Meanwhile, business (non-residential) properties paid 43.9% in 1975, falling to 32.5% in 2023 (for school district levies).

These figures largely align with a comprehensive OEPI analysis of Ohio’s property tax trends from 1975 to 2022.

One pivotal moment in this history is the DeRolph case. In 1997, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled that the state’s overreliance on property taxes to fund public education violated the Ohio Constitution (DeRolph V. State – Wikipedia, n.d.). In part, it required that the state’s school funding system be revisited and reformed to reduce these disparities (Parr, 2024). 

After DeRolph, the state stepped into a larger role in funding education. At its peak, in fiscal year 2002, the state funded roughly 48.5% of the base cost of education (i.e. the formula-driven portion), though that share has gradually declined (Parr, 2024).  More recently, projections suggest by 2026–2027, the state’s share will fall to around 32%, marking one of the lowest state contributions since the pre-DeRolph era (Opinion: Ohio Needs to Support Public Schools With Adequate Funding, n.d.).

Put simply: over the decades, local property taxpayers have shouldered an increasing portion of the cost of education , precisely the dynamic the DeRolph ruling sought to curb.

On top of that, many Ohio counties have undergone reassessments in the past three to five years. Rapid appreciation in property values, without parallel reform in how taxes are apportioned, has exacerbated the pressure on homeowners, especially in jurisdictions where new levies pass or where rollback mechanisms are insufficient to cushion the increases.

The Current Reform Landscape: Bills & Ballot

The policy environment is unsettled. Here are major proposals and initiatives worth tracking:

The Ohio Property Tax Trilogy (Rep. Gary Click), also known as the Taxpayer Freedom Trilogy, this package includes:

• House Bill 420: would eliminate permanent tax levies, requiring that all levies specify an expiration date and be subject to renewal by voters.
  
• House Bill 421: would allow voters to initiate a ballot measure to reduce a county’s “inside millage” — the portion of property tax revenue collected without voter approval.
  
• House Bill 422: would raise the threshold for voter approval on new property tax levies. Larger or costlier levies would require a higher percentage of “yes” votes to pass.

House Bill 186

This bill proposes to limit increases in property tax for school districts that are on the 20-mill funding floor to keep pace with inflation. A more recent amendment would apply this retroactively, which could affect many Ohio districts (though not Rocky River). Roughly half of Ohio’s school districts fall into the category that could be impacted.

Other Initiatives

• Ballot Amendment (Committee to Eliminate Property Taxes): This constitutional amendment effort would ban all real property taxes in Ohio, eliminating them altogether.
  
• Governor’s Property Tax Work Group: An executive branch task force was finalizing recommendations for property tax reform and replacement revenue models.

All of this introduces great uncertainty for school districts. As a district, we aim to support local residents , especially seniors under pressure,  but we also must protect our capacity to deliver high-quality services: education, safety, infrastructure, and more. Dramatic changes without a well-defined replacement system could destabilize many communities.

A Call for Balanced Reform

As legislators reconvene and resume debate, I will continue to advocate for reforms that provide relief for our senior residents who are feeling the pressures of affordable housing while also pursuing a path that builds sustainability for our school communities. Here are key priorities: 

1. Provide meaningful relief to seniors and lower-income property owners, without sacrificing our ability to deliver excellent schools and essential local services.
   
2. Insist on transition plans. If existing taxes are scaled back or eliminated, there must be a reliable replacement revenue stream,  whether via general fund transfers, state-level taxes, or new revenue-sharing mechanisms.
   
3. Favor targeted tools like homestead exemption expansion and circuit breakers rather than sweeping abolition, which risks destabilizing local governance.
   
4. Ensure transparency and outreach so that homeowners, renters, and taxpayers understand both their current burdens and proposed changes.

The Ohio Legislature returned to the Statehouse after their summer break. Property tax is a boilerplate topic. This isn’t just about balancing budgets. It’s about our community, our neighbors — the shared investments we’ve made together in public education, infrastructure, safety, and shared future in River.

With Pirate Pride,
Adham

PS – Please continue to read, learn, and dialogue around these topics. Here are a few articles from earlier in the month. 

Ohio leaders fiddle while property tax ‘time bomb’ threatens to cripple public services

Education Politics & Gov Ohio property tax reform group weighs school funding, how to make cuts 

References

DeRolph v. State – Wikipedia. (n.d.). Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved September 30, 2025, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DeRolph_v._State?

Opinion: Ohio needs to support public schools with adequate funding. (n.d.). Crain’s Cleveland Business. https://www.crainscleveland.com/crains-forum-urban-education/ohio-needs-fix-its-school-funding-formula-opinion?

Parr, M. (2024, August 12). Members Brief. Members Brief. Retrieved September 30, 2025, from https://www.lsc.ohio.gov/assets/organizations/legislative-service-commission/files/derolph-v-state-school-funding-case-10020044.pdf?