LEWIS CENTER, Ohio — A push to secure school funding for the next biennium budget is at the top of the list for educators across the state.

“The alternative is to slide back into what was a dysfunctional system. So, we want to go forward, not backward,” said Ohio House Speaker Robert Cupp, R-Lima. 

While the state already distributed nearly $300 million in funding to districts, worry over whether Ohio legislators will keep the funding flowing is at the forefront of many minds. Dozens of superintendents, treasurers and chief financial officers and the original authors of the Fair School Funding Plan showed up for a summit at Olentangy High School.

Cupp and John Patterson, a former state representative, shared updates on how some districts were doing with the new formula in place.

“Acknowledging some hesitancy among districts who have yet to spend large amounts of the money received to hire new people or implement new programs,” Cupp said. “I think the proof will be when the second biennium phase-in is funded this upcoming year and that’ll give schools some confidence.

“I have heard, quite frankly, from others who really appreciate the predictability of the new system that if they want to hire a teacher… if they want to create more course selections they can put in what the cost is going to be, see how much they’re gonna get from the state and determine whether they can find the remainder locally.”

Rick Carfagna, a former state representative, also shared details about the importance of the funding.

“It had buy-in from every public school district in this state,” he said. “It had buy-in from Republican legislators, Democratic legislators, school superintendents, treasurers — pretty good solidarity across the state.”

Carfagna said he knew the state of the economy will affect what happens with the budget.

“What happens if we go into a recession? What happens if our state revenues dwindle and we don’t have the funds to properly fund the formula at the state level?” he said. “That certainly is always something that’s out there. And if that’s the case, we’re gonna have a lot more to worry about than just school funding.”

Cupp was hopeful the economy would allow funding to continue.

“The economy’s doing very well right now and so if that holds, we ought to be able to find the funding for the second biennium phase-in of the fair school funding plan,” Cupp said.

Taking on questions throughout the day and listening to the progress and struggles of districts, educators said some of the biggest challenges they face right now include, growth in their area, property wealth increases and low enrollment while still receiving the same funding, which will go away soon under the new formula.

The workgroup said it will take the issues and work to fix them.

“We want to be ready to propose any possible amendments or edits or tweaks to the formula to make sure it’s that much better for the next general assembly,” said Ryan Pendleton, CFO of Akron Public Schools.

In the meantime, educators are being encouraged to connect with legislators and the public before the end of the year, to make sure they understand the need for continued funding, especially since it’s election season and a new Ohio House speaker will be in place Jan. 2023.