Genoa Area Local Schools appreciates the Village of Genoa's efforts to explore responsible economic development opportunities that can strengthen the future of our community.

The District supports a transparent, fact-based process that keeps residents informed and carefully considers both the benefits and challenges of future development. Strong schools and strong communities go hand in hand, and a stronger local economy benefits everyone.

One of the greatest financial challenges facing Genoa is the lack of a significant commercial and industrial tax base. Unlike neighboring communities that benefit from businesses such as First Solar, Amazon, Home Depot, and the Davis-Besse Nuclear Power Station, Genoa relies heavily on residential property owners to support local services, including education.

At the same time, the State of Ohio continues to shift a greater share of the responsibility for funding public education to local communities (State funding decreased almost 20% over the past 25 years for Genoa) while increasing demands on school districts in unfunded mandates. This creates a difficult situation for both taxpayers and schools. Residents want tax relief, and school districts need adequate resources to provide students with the educational opportunities they deserve.

Responsible economic development offers a path to both. Expanding Genoa's business and industrial tax base can help reduce the burden on homeowners, create jobs, support local businesses, and provide long-term financial stability for schools and other essential public services. Communities across Northwest Ohio have shown that strategic investment can strengthen both local economies and local schools.

Genoa Area Local Schools commends the Village's leadership for exploring opportunities that could benefit our community for generations to come. The District looks forward to working alongside Village leaders and community members as these conversations continue, with the shared goal of making Genoa an even better place to live, work, raise a family, and educate our children.

Genoa Area Local Schools

Board of Education

Cheryl Routson  –  President

Dominic D'Emilio – Vice President

Nicole Bergman

Mark Morrison

Ben Widmer