My Impressions and Takeaways from the August 25th School Board Meeting

John Wheeler
Aug 26
4 min read

Thank you for taking the time to read this. As you may know, I’m running for a seat on the Franklin City Schools Board of Education in the November 4th General Election.

I want to be clear: my campaign is not about speaking ill of anyone. My purpose is to share information, provide transparency, and invite conversation. These posts are about helping our community understand what’s happening with our schools so we can move forward together.

Why I’m Running for School Board

The question I hear most is: “Why are you running?”

The simple answer: our students deserve better.

For years, I’ve watched the community and the board clash over funding. I’ve seen rumors and conflicting information spread from all directions, and in the middle of it all, students have lost opportunities. We can’t keep letting that happen.

Trust has been broken between the board and the community. And as a licensed counselor, I know that while trust can be lost quickly, rebuilding it takes time and consistent effort.
Our schools can’t afford to wait. Without change, the current budget projections show we’ll face a fiscal emergency in just a few years.
This is personal for me. I grew up in Franklin. I was in school during the levy fights of 2004–2005, when the Washington, D.C. trip was cut, classmates left for other districts, and pay-to-play fees were introduced. I even spoke at a Schenck Elementary meeting as a junior high student, advocating to keep schools open. These experiences shaped me—and they remind me that decisions made today directly affect the lives of our kids.

I’m not running to benefit myself. I see myself as an underdog, but one determined to stand for transparency, accountability, and rebuilding trust.

Key Takeaways from the August 25th Meeting

Five-Year Forecast and Treasurer’s Report

Treasurer Mr. Hawley presented updated financial projections reflecting recent cuts (busing, half-day kindergarten, etc.) and reduced state funding.

By 2027, Franklin is projected to enter fiscal emergency without new income tax or levy support.
State per-pupil funding will drop from $3,500 in FY 2025 → $3,000 in FY 2026 → $2,500 in FY 2027.
Only two Warren County districts saw funding cuts: Franklin and Carlisle.

Additionally, the 2027–2028 renewal levy will be required regardless of the proposed 1% income tax. The renewal will not raise property taxes—it simply continues existing support.

👉 You can read the full treasurer’s report here: Board Docs

Addressing Social Media Concerns

Before public comments, Mr. Sizemore and board members responded to common complaints and misinformation circulating online. Highlights included:

Busing radius: The 2-mile radius complies with Ohio Administrative Code; formal complaints were dismissed. Cutting five routes saved $560,000.
Busing if tax passes: The board has not ruled out restoring busing; it will be reconsidered if finances allow.
Dr. Sander’s contract: He received only a standard 2% raise, not $40,000, and no car allowance.
Elementary school sales: None have been sold—buyers have faced roadblocks.
Why trailers instead of empty schools? Lower operating costs, fewer staff needed, and ability to reduce nine teaching positions (≈$900k savings).
Where did savings go? They were offset by state funding cuts; reflected in the 5-year forecast.
Pay-to-participate fees: These cover athletic costs, not transportation.
New buildings: No holdup—the district is waiting on state funds.

…and more, all documented in the board’s public minutes and recordings.

Public Comments and Questions

Community members raised strong concerns, especially about:

Transportation maps not matching reality and routes passing student homes.
Cuts vs. new positions (Assistant to Transportation, Athletic Director at the Junior High).
Restoring full-day kindergarten if income tax passes (board indicated it would be reconsidered).
Communication gaps: Calls for clearer, more accessible explanations to the public.
1% income tax clarity: It applies to adjusted gross income (line 5 of the 1040); Social Security, child support, and some other income sources are exempt.

My Questions at the Meeting

I asked the board directly:

Does the five-year forecast reflect all cuts? (Yes.)
Will you publish May and August projections side by side for clarity? (Yes.)
What are the job duties of Mr. McFarland (Assistant Superintendent/Curriculum Director)? (They will repost the job description; no pay raise was given.)
What is the scope of Mrs. Longworth’s role as Director of Student Services? (She manages 100 staff, serves 900 students with IEP/504s—24% of the district.)
Were central office positions cut? (Administrators absorbed new duties without pay changes.)
Could the district avoid negative cash balances in January? (Not under current projections.)

Fiscal Impact Highlights

The three major cuts announced this year saved about $1.4 million:

$560k from busing
$250k from pay-to-participate
$600k from half-day kindergarten

But those savings are fully offset by state funding reductions. Without new revenue, the district still faces a fiscal emergency within two years.

👉 You can listen to the full meeting recordings here: Board Meeting Recordings

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, the numbers matter—but what matters more are the students and families behind those numbers.

I’ll continue attending meetings, asking questions, and sharing updates with you. My goal is simple: to restore trust, improve transparency, and put students first.

If you’d like to support this work—through volunteering, donating, or simply staying informed—you can do so here:👉 www.johnwheelercfa.com

Together, we can strengthen Franklin schools.