Ohio school district leaders express mixed reactions to Governor Dewine's budget vetoes

Yahoo

2 days ago

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — The new state budget is in effect after Gov. Mike DeWine issued 67 vetoes, many of which directly impacted public education funding.
Leaders from Ohio's largest school district, Columbus City Schools, shared their reaction to the budget.
The superintendent, treasurer, and school board president all said there are pros and cons to the budget. They are happy with the governor's vetoes, but are still worried about having enough money to educate students.
CCS leaders said the biggest issue with the budget comes down to the Fair School Funding Plan, a bipartisan effort created in 2021 that makes sure school districts get the state funding they need.
Superintendent Dr. Angela Chapman said the funding formula in the current budget does not keep up with inflation.
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'We know that the cost of educating our students today has not decreased. Those costs are actually increasing, but the revenue has not caught up with those that increase cost,' said Dr. Chapman.
Treasurer Ryan Cook said the formula uses cost data from 2022 instead of 2025.
'We continue to evaluate every way possible to do more with less,' said Cook.
Cook and Chapman said this lack of funding could have immediate and long-term effects on students' education.
'We have to make sure that our classrooms have the resources that they need. Our teachers are ready,' said Dr. Chapman. 'Our staff are ready to support our students when they return, regardless of what funding source is in or out.'
The superintendent and treasurer both expressed their gratitude to Gov. DeWine and his many vetoes that are beneficial to school districts, including those on property tax relief and a cap on how much money districts could carry over.
'I think it's important to note the appreciation to Governor DeWine on all of his vetoes that help protect public education, public funding of that, local control, not just for school districts but municipalities,' said Cook.
Columbus Board of Education President Michael Cole said if lawmakers decide to override any of these vetoes, it could be detrimental to CCS and other districts statewide.
'The way that the governor set this is right and appropriate. Don't change it. Don't undo things that were thoughtfully put in place to protect students,' said Cole.
Ohio House members said they will return to the statehouse later this month so they can talk about overriding some of the governor's vetoes, most regarding property tax relief.
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