Chapter 16 – School Districts
16.4 School Districts Are Local Governments
School districts in Ohio are local government entities responsible for providing public education to students within their geographic boundaries. They operate independently of other local government structures such as municipalities or counties but often overlap with these jurisdictions.
School districts are governed by elected boards of education and are funded through a combination of state aid, local property taxes, and federal funds. Their primary function is to manage and control public schools, ensuring that students receive a quality education in accordance with state and federal guidelines.
There are currently 611 individual school districts in the state of Ohio operating 3,599 schools.
Classifications of Ohio School Districts
- City School Districts serve areas within incorporated cities and often cover larger, more densely populated regions. They typically have higher student enrollments and more resources than smaller districts. Governance is provided by an elected board of education, and these districts must follow state regulations while also addressing the specific needs of urban student populations.
- Local School Districts generally serve smaller communities and rural areas outside the boundaries of cities. They are the most common type of school district in Ohio and are governed by an elected board of education. These districts often face unique challenges related to lower property values and funding disparities compared to their urban counterparts.
- Exempted Village School Districts are a specific type of local school district that typically serves small villages or towns. These districts were established before a change in state law in 1954, which no longer allows for the creation of new exempted village districts. They are similar to local school districts in governance and funding but are distinct due to their historical status.
- Joint Vocational School Districts (JVSDs) provide career and technical education to students from multiple home school districts. They offer specialized programs that prepare students for various trades and technical careers. Governance of JVSDs is usually provided by a board composed of representatives from the participating home districts, and they receive funding from both state aid and contributions from these districts.
Reference
Bethel, Alyssa. 2015. Overview of Ohio Local Government. Ohio Legislative Service Commission. Columbus OH.
