CANFIELD — Ten staff members with a combined 282 years of service with the Canfield Local School District were honored as retirees at Wednesday’s Board of Education meeting.

On the licensed staff side, the retirees included Hilltop Elementary kindergarten teacher Lisa Zetts with 39 years of service, Canfield Village Middle School history teacher Kim Wilson with 24 years, CVMS science teacher Valerie Weingart with 33 years, Canfield High School intervention specialist JoAnne Smotrilla with 26 years, and CVMS English teacher Ruthanne Altiero with 34 years.

From classified staff, the list included transportation aide Janice Welch with 40 years of service, special needs aide Terri Konik with 23 years, special services secretary Josie Homsey with 29 years, Hilltop playground aide Shari Francis with nine years, and CHS head cook Denise Carkido with 25 years.

Half of the retirees showed up at the board meeting and were treated to cake prior to the meeting, and were called up front during the meeting.

“I can’t even begin to add up all the years (these retirees) have put in,” said board Vice President Traci DeCapua.

SCHOOL FINANCES

After the honors were given, the board turned to Superintendent Joe Knoll for an update on school finances. He started off with the Ohio biennial budget and the line items the governor vetoed.

“I don’t see a significant loss for Canfield,” Knoll said. “In fact, districts are being rewarded for good performance.”

He showed a chart with Canfield receiving $130 per student in 2026 that would equal a performance supplement of $313,900. It would be duplicated in fiscal year 2027.

He said even though the governor’s vetoes favored public schools, the house and senate will be looking at veto overrides. The Ohio House will meet July 21 in special session in an effort to override three of Gov. Mike DeWine’s four property tax vetoes.

Knoll said his big concern is with HB335 that proposes major changes in school funding.

“One of the most concerning changes is the proposal to eliminate what is known as inside millage, which would result in a loss of nearly $2 billion in school funding,” Knoll said. “For Canfield, this would mean losing $4.7 million every year. That would have a devastating impact on how we educate our students.”

He added the bill proposes limiting carryover funds to just 40 percent of the operating budget.

“The bill would (also) eliminate emergency and substitute levies,” Knoll said. “One of Canfield’s current emergency levies brings in $890,000 each year, and under HB335, we would no longer be allowed to renew it. We would instead be forced to place a new levy on the ballot, which would cost taxpayers more due to the loss of state tax credits.”

Knoll asked residents to contact State Rep. Lauren McNally, D-Youngstown, Ohio Senator Al Cutrona, R-Canfield, and State Rep. Tex Fischer, R-Boardman, and share concerns over school funding. He said a lot is at risk and school districts are watching the bills and what will happen.

“This is a very crucial time for public education,” DeCapua said. “Call the legislators. The stronger the voice the better chance we have.”

A financial update is being planned at 5 p.m. Aug. 13 at the high school. Knoll said it will be a very informative session.

Knoll also mentioned the change in the calendar with the additions of Dec. 1 and March 6 professional days. He said the December professional day will extend Thanksgiving break for students. The March 6 date will help with a big event in the district.

On March 6, Canfield will cohost with South Range the state finals speech and debate tournament. Knoll said those attending will be shuttled between the two schools as students compete for a state title.

Knoll also mentioned the stadium is getting a new scoreboard on July 22. The project cost is $250,000 and the Canfield Boosters already have $193,000 in pledges to fund it.