School districts fight to protect funding amid budget crisis

In a recent meeting involving administrators and board members from 53 school districts in Ohio, concerns were raised regarding the state's funding formula, particularly its impact on wealthier suburban schools. The discussion highlighted that many of these districts, including Forest Hills, are currently on a funding guarantee, which means they receive the same amount of funding as the previous year due to the inadequacies of the state formula.

The meeting underscored that 80% of Ohio's school districts operate under a 20-mill funding floor, which protects them from reductions in funding even when property values increase. In contrast, districts like Forest Hills, which do not meet this threshold, face stagnation in funding, risking a potential loss of nearly $4 million if the guarantee is eliminated during the biennial budget review.

Participants expressed a strong desire to maintain this funding guarantee and explore avenues for advocacy through organizations such as the Buckeye Association of School Administrators (BASA) and the Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA). They discussed the possibility of securing a small inflationary increase in funding, which, while modest in the context of the state’s overall budget, could significantly aid their financial stability.

Additionally, the meeting revealed that these districts do not collect income tax, further complicating their financial situation. The administrators emphasized the need for continued dialogue and organization to ensure their interests are represented in future state budget considerations. The conversation concluded with a commitment to further investigate potential strategies to enhance funding and support for these districts.