By 1808Delaware
As Ohio begins tackling the thorny issue of property tax reform, Governor Mike DeWine has tapped leaders from across the state to help chart a path forward. Among them is Dublin City Schools Superintendent Dr. John Marschhausen, whose career spans nearly three decades and every type of district Ohio has to offer.
A Working Group with a Broad Mandate
The Governor’s 11-member Property Tax Reform Working Group met for the first time on July 24. Their charge: recommend ways to give Ohio homeowners and businesses meaningful tax relief while still ensuring that schools, first responders, libraries, and other vital services remain securely funded. The group will present its recommendations by September 30.
The panel is co-chaired by Pat Tiberi, President and CEO of the Ohio Business Roundtable, and former State Representative Bill Seitz. Other members include elected officials, county auditors, and school leaders from every corner of the state.
A Superintendent with Statewide Perspective
For Dr. Marschhausen, the assignment draws on 26 years in education leadership. He has served as superintendent in districts small and rural, like Tri-Village and East Knox; suburban, like Loveland; and large, fast-growing systems such as Hilliard City Schools. Today, he leads Dublin City Schools, where more than 17,000 students represent one of the most diverse and high-achieving districts in Ohio.
“The property tax structure in Ohio is complex, and our public school districts rely heavily on it,” Marschhausen said. “As school leaders, we understand the tax fatigue that exists across our state, and we are eager to be part of creating potential solutions that balance the needs of taxpayers with the importance of strong, well-funded schools. From leading a rural district of 1,000 students to now serving a diverse, high-achieving district of 17,000, I’ve seen firsthand how property taxes impact communities of every size.”
Dublin’s Local Approach
In Dublin, Marschhausen has put forward a Responsible Staffing Plan designed to stretch levy cycles, safeguard taxpayer dollars, and protect the quality of educational programs. That balance between fiscal prudence and educational excellence mirrors the kind of statewide approach the working group is seeking.
Beyond district leadership, he serves on the Governor’s Executive Workforce Board, is the Novice G. Fawcett Leadership Fellow at The Ohio State University’s College of Education and Human Ecology, and previously served as Superintendent in Residence at OSU.
Looking Ahead
The working group’s makeup reflects the diverse interests at stake in Ohio’s property tax debate. Alongside Marschhausen are Krista Bohn, Allen County Treasurer; Chris Galloway, Lake County Auditor; Matt Nolan, Warren County Auditor; Steve Patterson, Mayor of Athens; Stephanie Starcher, Superintendent of Fort Frye Local Schools; Denise Driehaus, Hamilton County Commissioner; Gary Scherer, Pickaway County Commissioner; and Jeff Chattin, Pike County Commissioner.
By the end of September, their recommendations could set the tone for the most significant shift in Ohio’s tax policy in decades — one with direct implications for the state’s schools, communities, and families.
For more information on the Property Tax Reform Working Group, visit governor.ohio.gov.
Image by Steve Buissinne from Pixabay
