Chapter 16 – School Districts
16.17 Chapter Highlights: Strengthening Your Civic Engagement Skills
This chapter emphasizes the role school districts play in educating Ohio’s youth. Ohio has 611 school districts operating 3,599 schools, funded through a mix of state aid, local property taxes, and federal funds.
School districts in Ohio are primarily governed by boards of education, which set policies, adopt budgets, and oversee general administration. These boards are typically composed of five members elected by residents during nonpartisan general elections. Superintendents and treasurers play roles in the daily management and financial oversight of the districts, respectively. Principals are responsible for the administration of individual schools, focusing on curriculum implementation, staff management, and creating a safe learning environment. And teachers and other support staff deliver vital programming.
Understanding the operations of school districts is essential for informed civic engagement. Readers can use this knowledge to actively participate in local education policymaking, whether by running for a school board position, supporting educational initiatives, or advocating for equitable funding. By getting involved, individuals can help shape the educational landscape, ensuring that all students have access to quality education and contributing to the strength and development of their communities.