By Sue Kiesewetter
Enquirer contributor

TRENTON - The Edgewood Schools have a message for Gov. Bob Taft and Ohio's legislators.

You owe us: $4,178,760, to be precise. And it's due in 90 days.

On Thursday, Superintendent Tom York finalized a letter and invoice to Taft, legislators and state officials.

The $4.1 million represents the difference between how much Edgewood spends per student - $7,271 - and what it would be if the district spent the state average - $8,435. The figure is based on last year's enrollment of 3,590. Enrollment has since grown another 282 students, York said. Based on the school funding formula, York says, he will receive funding for only 71 of those students.

"It's a gesture," York said. "I think the public needs to understand we're trying our best to get some movement in the legislature. We hope that it makes a point."

They aren't alone. About a half-dozen schools across the state have sent similar bills in the past few months. Edgewood's bill was based on one sent by the Northeastern Schools in Clark County.

West Clermont Board of Education member John Gray suggested his district do the same, but decided against it after Treasurer Charles "Chuck" Gossett became a member of the Governor's Commission on Funding.

"The timing wasn't right," Gray said. "It's our intention to look at it again. I'm in support of doing anything that makes people in Ohio aware of what's happening."

Gov. Taft's office could not be reached for comment.

York said he would ask every school in Butler County to send similar "bills."

Edgewood voters have twice turned down operating levies this year and will vote Nov. 2 on a third levy. More than $1 million in cuts have been made.