Educational leaders from Lucas and Wood county school districts gathered October 9 at the Springfield Local Schools district office to address the growing imbalance in Ohio’s school funding system and to call for statewide reform that ensures fair, sustainable support for public education.
The press conference, organized by Springfield Superintendent Matt Geha, brought together superintendents, treasurers and district representatives from across northwest Ohio to discuss the urgent need for reform related to House Bill 186, property tax structure and state support for local schools.
“Ohio’s funding model has become increasingly unbalanced,” said Geha. “Local homeowners and farmers are carrying a heavier share than ever before, while state support has not kept pace with the actual cost of running schools. Our goal is to raise awareness and encourage meaningful change at the state level.”
Ohio Schools are Doing More with Less Data shared at the conference underscored how Ohio now ranks 45th nationally in state funding for public schools.
•In 1991, homeowners and farmers contributed 47 percent of school property taxes.
•Today, that share has grown to nearly 70 percent, as business and utility tax contributions have been reduced or eliminated.
•Over the past 22 years, state funding for schools has increased by less than 1 percent annually when adjusted for inflation.
These trends leave districts more reliant on local levies to sustain essential programs, student safety and facilities.
Regional Representation Speakers included:
•Matt Geha, superintendent, Springfield Local Schools
•Kerri Weir, superintendent, Northwest Educational Service Center
•Kevin O’Shea, superintendent, Otsego Local Schools
•Troy Armstrong, superintendent, Wauseon Exempted Village Schools
•Chris Lake, superintendent, Swanton Local Schools
•Ed Ewers, superintendent, Penta Career Center
•Erik Belcher, superintendent, Napoleon Area Schools
•Eric Smola, superintendent, Evergreen Local Schools
•Kadee Anstadt, interim superintendent, Perrysburg Schools A Call to Action
District leaders encouraged residents to:
•Contact state legislators and voice support for balanced school funding reform.
•Share accurate information within their communities.
•Ask local officials what proposed changes could mean for students and taxpayers. Media Contact Tayler Redinger, director of community public relations, Springfield Local Schools, 6924 Spring Valley Drive, Holland; email taylerredinger@springfieldschools. org, or call 419867-5720.
About the Initiative The regional collaboration among Lucas and Wood county districts reflects a shared effort to advocate for equitable school funding and to spotlight the disproportionate burden placed on local taxpayers. The event marked a continued push for state-level reforms to ensure every Ohio student— regardless of ZIP code—has access to highquality education supported by a fair, sustainable funding system.
To watch the full press conference and questions, go to youtube.com/ watch?v=61dgmLdgRs0&f eature=youtu.be.
