School will not be in session tomorrow, April 18, or Monday, April 21. Enjoy your time with your families and we look forward to seeing the students back on Tuesday, April 22, for the last 23 days of school! 

Every two years, our Ohio legislature creates the state’s biennial budget. Public school officials pay close attention to this process, as it has a significant impact on school funding. About five years ago, the Fair School Funding Plan (FSFP) was a bipartisan effort approved by our state lawmakers to provide a more stable state funding mechanism for our public schools. The FSFP had even more meaning to Columbus Grove Schools, as CGHS alumnus Bob Cupp (R) sponsored this bill, along with Representative John Patterson (D). Unfortunately, this funding plan is not only in jeopardy of existing for the foreseeable future, but the House’s version of the upcoming biennial budget would cap a school district’s carryover to only 30%. 

As the superintendent of Columbus Grove Schools, I want to express my deep concern regarding the House’s proposed 30% cap on school district carryover balances. While the intent may be to promote fiscal responsibility and reduce taxpayer burden, this provision directly conflicts with the conservative values of local control, responsible budgeting, and long-term financial planning.

Local boards of education – elected by and accountable to their communities – are best positioned to make decisions about how to manage 

District finances. A top-down, one-size-fits-all cap removes the flexibility that districts need to navigate financial uncertainty, capital improvements, and strategic investments in our students’ future.

Ironically, this proposal penalizes the exact behavior that fiscal conservatives have long supported: saving for the future, living within one’s means, and avoiding unnecessary debt. Districts like Columbus Grove that have practiced careful, long-range financial planning are now being told that maintaining reserves is no longer acceptable.

The carryover funds we maintain are not idle. They provide a safeguard against economic downturns, fluctuations in state funding (like we are experiencing right now), unexpected facility needs, and rising costs, especially in smaller, rural communities with fewer revenue options. Most importantly, they help keep us off the ballot asking for additional taxpayer revenue. As our “new” building continues to age, significant maintenance replacements will be needed, such as our roof, HVAC, etc. Our goal is to not go back to the voters for a permanent improvement levy, but use General Fund reserves instead. Forcing districts to stay below an arbitrary threshold risks our district not being able to utilize this strategy, as it creates a “use it or lose it” mindset that discourages wise financial practices that we’ve implemented since the building’s construction.

This proposal is not just a funding issue—it’s a fundamental shift away from local autonomy and prudent stewardship. 

If enacted, it could undermine years of responsible planning by our Board of Education that has worked hard to remain financially stable and independent.

Before coming to Columbus Grove 13 years ago, I served as an educator in the Dayton area for 16 years. It was not uncommon for districts in that region to be on the ballot requesting new operating dollars every 4-6 years. During my 13 years at CG, there has been only one time that a Putnam County school district has been on the ballot for additional operating dollars. Putnam County school districts perform at a high level and do so in a fiscally responsible manner. We should not be punished for being good stewards of our taxpayers' dollars.

We strongly encourage lawmakers to reconsider this provision. Preserving local control and encouraging disciplined, forward-looking financial management are foundational to strong public schools and strong communities.

The Columbus Grove Girls’ Basketball Team is excited to announce its 12th Annual Water Softener Salt Fundraiser! This popular event helps support our student-athletes and includes the convenience of home delivery. We are offering:

• Yellow Salt Bags (40 lbs.) for $9.00

• Green Salt Bags with Iron Out (40 lbs.) for $10.00

Delivery is included and will take place on Wednesday, June 26, with the salt placed in your designated area. Orders are due by May 9 and can be submitted in one of two ways:

1. Online: Complete the form at https://forms.gle/J2koeaRAAbyyH8c8A or scan the QR code provided in this newsletter.

2. Paper Form: Fill out the attached order form and return it to the school.

Please note: Online payment is not available, so all payments must be sent to the school or turned in to a team member. Thank you for your continued support of our girls’ basketball program—we appreciate the opportunity to serve you!

The Columbus Grove Band Boosters are now accepting orders for the 63rd edition of the Community Birthday Calendar through the end of May. Orders can be placed with any band member or by completing and mailing the order form available at https://bit.ly/CGBand2526. The Band Boosters sincerely appreciate the continued support of our community and local businesses in making this fundraiser a success! 

Have you purchased your Bulldog Bucks raffle ticket yet? If not, you are missing out on a chance to win $5,000, $10,000, or $50,000! The Columbus Grove Athletic Boosters, in conjunction with the Columbus Grove Volunteer Fire Department and Columbus Grove Lions Club, are selling only 800 tickets for this raffle. The drawing for the three lucky winners will take place on Saturday, June 14 at 10:00 p.m. at the June Jubilee, before the fireworks display. You need not be present to win. Tickets can be purchased in the high school office this year for $100 apiece. You may also purchase tickets from members of the various groups sponsoring this raffle. All proceeds will go to these groups sponsoring the raffle. Thank you in advance for your support of these important groups that do so much for the community of Columbus Grove!

Looking for community events, educational opportunities, or local resources in Putnam County? The Putnam County Resource Directory is your one-stop shop for information and assistance! This user-friendly directory includes a wide range of resources, such as:

• Upcoming community events

• Educational opportunities

• Service directories

• Child care options

• Churches

• Clothing assistance

• And much more!

Whether you’re seeking support or simply want to stay informed, the Putnam County Resource Directory has you covered. Explore it today at Putnam County Resource Directory and discover all the resources our community has to offer!

Looking for a new job, career advancement, or opportunities close to home? Check out PutnamCountyWorks.com, your one-stop resource for connecting with employers and job openings in Putnam County. This easy-to-navigate website features a wide range of positions across industries, tools for building your resume, and resources to help you succeed in your job search.

PutnamCountyWorks.com is powered by the Workforce Partnership of Putnam County, a collaborative initiative dedicated to supporting local businesses, job seekers, and students. The partnership works to strengthen the community by connecting employers with a skilled workforce and offering valuable career development resources.

PutnamCountyWorks.com serves as a hub for job seekers, students and parents, educators, and employers. Whether you're a seasoned professional, just starting your career journey, or exploring options for the future, PutnamCountyWorks.com and the Workforce Partnership of Putnam County are here to help you succeed.

Visit today and take the next step toward your future!

This past week, our talented Columbus Grove cafeteria staff brought some extra creativity and fun to the lunchroom with a “Can Decorating Competition”! Using cleaned-out cans from school lunch prep, the staff crafted unique Spring and Easter-themed masterpieces—showcasing how everyday items can be transformed into something new and beautiful.

The goal? To inspire students to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle—a timely message as we approach Earth Day on Tuesday, April 22, right after Easter break. All week long, the decorated cans were proudly displayed in the cafeteria, and today, students will cast their votes for their favorite creation. The winner will receive the coveted traveling trophy, which will remain in their work area until the next competition. Great job, ladies—your creativity and environmental awareness are shining bright!  

Thursday, April 17th

Varsity Track – Tracy Brown Invitational – 4:30 p.m.

JH Softball vs. Shawnee – 5:00 p.m.

JV Baseball vs. Maumee Valley – 5:00 p.m.

Varsity Softball @ Ada – 5:00 p.m.

JH Baseball @ Tinora – 5:30 p.m.

No School – Easter Break

Varsity Baseball @ Liberty Benton – 10:00 a.m.

Varsity Softball @ Liberty Benton – 10:00 a.m.

No School – Easter Break

JH Track – Grove Tri – 4:30 p.m.

JH Baseball @ Ottawa Glandorf – 5:00 p.m.

Varsity Baseball vs. Crestview – 5:00 p.m.

Varsity Softball vs. Crestview – 5:00 p.m.

Board Meeting – 8:00 p.m.

Varsity Track @ Kalida – 4:30 p.m.

JH Baseball @ Elida – 5:00 p.m.

JV Softball @ Wayne Trace – 5:00 p.m.

Varsity Baseball vs. Fort Jennings – 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday, April 23rd JH Baseball vs. Kalida – 5:00 p.m.

Varsity Softball @ Miller City

JH Softball @ Allen East – 5:30 p.m.