Chapter 16 – School Districts
16.6 School Funding in Ohio
School funding in Ohio relies on a combination of state aid, local property taxes, and federal funds. The state’s funding formula is intended to ensure each district receives a basic level of funding to meet the educational needs of its students. However, this system faces significant challenges, particularly regarding equity and adequacy across different districts.
Ohio has a long-standing tradition of providing universal, free public education, rooted in its early state constitutions. This commitment ensures that all children, regardless of their background, have access to quality education.
To learn more about the historical context and evolution of this principle, watch the following video from the Ohio Statehouse education project:
YouTube URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRWn5q1Cwws
Duration: 3:57
State funding is distributed through a formula considering student enrollment, local property wealth, and specific student needs such as special education and English language learners. This aims to supplement districts with lower property wealth, ensuring a more equitable distribution of resources. Local property taxes, a major revenue source, lead to disparities between wealthy and less wealthy districts, as those with higher property values can generate more funding.
Federal funds, although a smaller portion of school budgets, come through programs like Title I for low-income students and Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) funding.
