Ohio public schools could lose state funding under proposed budget

PERRYSBURG, Ohio — Ohio school districts could lose millions in state funding under Gov. Mike DeWine’s proposed two-year budget.

The Ohio Legislative Service Commission projects that traditional public schools may see a collective $71 million reduction if the budget for the next two fiscal years is approved, while vocational schools and voucher programs could see increases.

Perrysburg schools Superintendent Tom Hosler is among those concerned about the potential impact on districts already facing financial challenges.

“Probably between $1-2 million of reductions over the next two years, which is critical for us given where we are financially,” Hosler said.

The school district has recently struggled to pass three levies, including the most recent one in November, which would have generated more than $13 million across eight years.

In response to budget constraints, the district recently approved a redistricting plan that will reassign 30% of its elementary students to different schools to save money, along with making more than $6 million in cuts.

Hosler is concerned about how the district will manage reduced funding.

“Where do we go to make up that difference in a growing community where we need to hire more teachers, purchase more buses? That has been really difficult for us,” he said.

State Rep. Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Twp.) defended the proposed cuts, saying they align with the Fair School Funding Plan, which determines funding based on student enrollment and property values. It’s a plan he claims school districts agreed to.

“Now that we have done that, some school districts who are struggling to pass levies are saying we don’t want you to do that. It’s fair game,” Williams said.

Hosler argues that the funding model is not fully implemented, leaving schools without the necessary resources. He hopes lawmakers will reconsider the funding formula before final approval.

“It’s imperative that the state at least comes to the table with numbers that represent what it costs to educate a child in Ohio,” he said.

The budget proposal must pass both chambers of the Ohio Legislature and be signed by DeWine before the June 30 deadline.