Ohio Schools Facing Tough Choices as Levies Loom

Ohio's public school districts are grappling with a complex funding landscape, as more than 100 of them prepare to ask voters to approve or renew tax levies, bond issues, or income taxes in the upcoming November elections. The state's school funding model, which relies heavily on local property taxes, has created a stark divide between wealthy and underprivileged districts, leaving many struggling to maintain essential educational services.

Funding Challenges Transcend Socioeconomic Boundaries

Mariemont Schools: Maintaining Excellence Amid Fiscal Constraints

Mariemont Schools, a high-performing district located just outside of Cincinnati, is facing a critical decision as it seeks to renew a levy that would generate over $3 million annually. Despite its reputation for academic excellence and strong community support, the district is confronted with the prospect of significant staffing cuts and program reductions if the levy fails to pass.Superintendent Steven Estepp emphasizes the importance of maintaining the district's high-quality educational offerings, noting that the proposed levy would prevent the loss of 32 staff members and preserve crucial services for students. "We're talking about significant reductions in our programming and services that we're able to provide for our kids. Increased class sizes and just fewer course offerings and opportunities," he explains.The district's reliance on local property taxes, which account for 72% of its revenue, is a direct result of the state's funding formula. As a relatively wealthy community, Mariemont receives only 10% of its funding from the state, placing a heavy burden on local taxpayers. Treasurer Tom Golinar acknowledges this imbalance, stating, "They look at the wealth of the district, so they look at the property value per pupil and the median income of the residents. So, when they do that calculation for our school district, we are minimum funded by the state."

Mt. Healthy Schools: Climbing Out of a Financial Abyss

The funding challenges faced by Ohio's public schools are not limited to affluent districts. Mt. Healthy Schools, a high-poverty district on the north side of Cincinnati, is also seeking voter approval for a $1.5 million annual levy to address its dire financial situation.In early 2024, the state auditor placed Mt. Healthy Schools in a state of fiscal emergency after projecting a budget deficit of over $90 million by fiscal year 2028. The district's previous treasurer had miscalculated budget forecasts, and the school had also taken on significant debt to construct a new early education building and invest in federal pandemic relief initiatives without a sustainable funding plan.As a result, the district was forced to let go of nearly 100 staff members and teachers, a move that drew the ire of the local teachers' union. Union president Julie Wakefield expressed the community's frustration, stating, "I speak on behalf of the 262 members of the Mt. Healthy Teachers' Association when I say that the district has failed us. The district has failed our community. The district has failed our students."Even if the proposed levy passes, Mt. Healthy will likely need to make additional cuts to inch closer to financial stability, underscoring the precarious position of many Ohio school districts, regardless of their socioeconomic status.

The Statewide Struggle: Ohio's Reliance on Local Levies

The funding challenges faced by Mariemont and Mt. Healthy are not unique; they are symptomatic of a broader issue plaguing Ohio's public education system. Mike Collins, a representative from the non-profit organization Support Ohio Schools, explains that the state's over-reliance on property taxes to fund schools has created a "financial tragedy" across the board.Despite the recent implementation of the Fair School Funding Plan, which aimed to direct more state resources to lower-income districts, many schools still struggle to secure adequate funding. Collins notes that the state's funding formula, which considers factors like property values and median incomes, continues to disadvantage districts with lower-income residents.As a result, Ohio has more school levies on the ballot than any other state, with dozens of districts seeking voter approval for additional funding. The upcoming November elections will be a critical test for these districts, as they strive to maintain essential educational services and avoid further cuts to staffing and programming.The uncertain future facing Mariemont, Mt. Healthy, and countless other Ohio school districts underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive, equitable solution to the state's school funding crisis. As communities grapple with the consequences of this complex issue, the stakes have never been higher for the students and families who rely on the state's public education system.