Highlights
State Board of Education of Ohio Gets Emergency Funding, Avoids Upping Teacher License Fees
Source:https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/
Ohio’s State Board of Education has received $4.66 million in emergency funding from the Ohio Controlling Board to address a $3 million shortfall and avoid raising teacher licensure fees. This funding will cover essential expenses, including background checks for school staff, and ensure the board can operate through the fiscal year. Despite this financial relief, State Superintendent Paul Craft acknowledges that challenges will persist.
Key Highlight:
- The Ohio Controlling Board approved $4.66 million in emergency funding for the State Board of Education, exceeding the original $1.85 million request by the Office of Budget and Management (OBM). This increased funding is necessary due to the SBOE’s financial struggles after its separation from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, which left it reliant solely on the teacher licensure fund for all expenses. Despite OBM’s efforts to manage the budget through service sharing and cuts, the SBOE continues to face significant financial challenges.
- The State Board of Education’s funding from the teacher licensure fund is not consistent throughout the year, leading to periods of deficit, particularly from fall until spring when the fund’s revenue is replenished. Following the board’s separation from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, staffing was cut by nearly 20%, including payroll and budget personnel, with these functions now managed as shared services by the Office of Budget and Management. The recent emergency funding request will not restore the laid-off staff.
- The State Board of Education has taken measures to cut costs, such as reducing board meetings to one day and freezing travel and conference expenses. However, emergency funding is still needed to maintain current teacher licensure fees and cover background check costs. State Superintendent Paul Craft praised the board’s efficiency despite the challenges. Some legislators, like State Sen. Shane Wilkins, expressed concerns about relying on emergency funds, fearing it might set a precedent for future requests.
- State Sen. Bob Hackett questioned the need for emergency funds specifically for background checks, given that the checks would continue regardless, with the SBOE working with the Ohio Attorney General to address the funding shortfall. State Superintendent Paul Craft emphasized the importance of fulfilling agreements with agencies for peace of mind.
- State Rep. Jay Edwards, who supported increasing the SBOE’s funding to $4.66 million, highlighted the extensive discussions and reductions from the initial $10 million request. He stressed the necessity of funding to maintain teacher licensure fees and background checks, correcting previous budget errors and avoiding potential backlash from educators over fee increases.
- State Rep. Jay Edwards, emphasizing the conservative push to reduce taxes and fees, opposed raising teacher licensure fees, noting that teachers in Ohio are not well-compensated. Ohio House Democrats, including Rep. Beryl Brown Piccolantonio, supported the emergency funding as it prevents a 75% increase in licensure fees. Craft noted that the approved funds will allow the SBOE and the Office of Budget and Management to plan for the next year while awaiting the governor’s budget proposals.
Image Source: https://ohiocapitaljournal.com/
