Public Schools Face Reduced Property Tax Relief in Ohio Education Budget
Ohio House Republicans have removed the Fair School Funding Plan from their state budget, dealing a major blow to public education advocates who have spent years fighting to make the plan permanent. While the House budget includes a $226 million increase from current education funding levels, critics say that still leaves Ohio’s public schools underfunded by billions of dollars over the next two years. More than 300 school districts would receive just $50 more per student under the new plan.
The Fair School Funding Plan, which had been used in the last two state budgets and was set to reach its final phase this cycle, was replaced with a new funding formula that critics say ignores the actual cost of educating a student. At the same time, the House budget expands private school voucher programs and includes a controversial provision that could force school districts with healthy cash reserves to lower property taxes, potentially draining critical funds.
Public school advocates argue the move will force local districts to make cuts or ask voters to approve new levies. One board member from New Philadelphia City Schools said the removal of the Fair School Funding Plan would cost their district nearly as much as the new budget would provide.
Policy Matters Ohio estimates that the new budget underfunds public schools by $2.75 billion. Executive Director Hannah Halbert noted that while students receive a nominal increase, the same budget allocates $600 million for a new football stadium for the Cleveland Browns’ billionaire owners. “Representatives are heading home on recess having put their names on a bill that gives Browns owners $600 million and Ohio children 50 bucks,” she said.
The Ohio Senate is currently holding hearings and is expected to release its version of the budget in the coming weeks. Advocates are watching closely, hoping for a course correction before the final budget is passed.
