Concerns Over Funding Shortfalls
Ohio House Republicans have voted to scrap the state’s Fair School Funding Plan, a long-standing model for funding public education, in the latest state budget proposal. The move has sparked concerns over funding shortfalls and potential cuts to public schools.
Key Points of the Controversy
• The Fair School Funding Plan was set to see its third and final phase-in this budget cycle, with the aim of increasing funding to schools by $226 million. • The plan was co-created by the Fair School Funding Plan’s co-creator, who now advocates for the plan’s continuation. • The Ohio House budget proposal includes a $226 million increase in public education funding, but critics argue that this is still underfunding public schools by billions over the next two years. • The removal of the Fair School Funding Plan model would result in a mere $50 increase in funding per student for over 300 districts. • Researchers at Policy Matters Ohio estimate that the budget “underfunds Ohio public schools by $2.75 billion over the biennium”.
A Call for Action
The decision to scrap the Fair School Funding Plan has been met with opposition from Democratic legislators and education researchers. Advocates argue that the plan is essential for providing fair funding to public schools, as it is based on the cost of educating a child.
“Representatives are heading home on recess having put their names on a bill that gives Browns owners Jimmy and Dee Haslam $600 million and Ohio kids 50 bucks,” said Hannah Halbert, Executive Director of Policy Matters Ohio.
Consequences of the Decision
The removal of the Fair School Funding Plan has significant consequences for public schools. According to Jennifer Schrock, a board member of New Philadelphia City Schools, the district would lose nearly as much funding as it would receive under the new proposal. “…when we can’t count on steady support from the state, eventually we could have to make cuts or ask voters to pass more levies — something no one wants to do,” said Schrock.
Alternative Funding Options
While the Fair School Funding Plan is no longer on the table, the Ohio House budget proposal includes a provision for property tax relief, which may be seen as an alternative funding option. However, critics argue that this would force districts to dip into their reserves, potentially leading to further funding shortfalls.
Other Changes to the Budget
• The House draft includes a new system for comparing the performance data of state scholarship students enrolled at chartered nonpublic schools with similar students in nearby public schools. • Applicants for private school voucher scholarships would be required to include the school in which they were previously enrolled before applying for the scholarship. • The Ohio Senate is now holding budget hearings and working toward its own draft, which may be released next month.
Conclusion
The decision to scrap the Fair School Funding Plan has sparked a heated debate over funding for public education in Ohio. While the Ohio House budget proposal includes some increased funding for public education, critics argue that it is still underfunding public schools by billions. The Ohio Senate is now working on its own budget draft, which may address some of the concerns raised by advocates. As the debate continues, it remains to be seen what the final budget will look like.
