On Monday, April 7, Springfield Local School District served as the proud host of a powerful and passionate press conference–one that united educators, legislators, students and advocates under one roof to speak out against the proposed state budget and its harmful impact on Ohio’s public schools. The event, held inside Springfield Middle School, highlighted the consequences of inadequate school funding and elevated the call for justice, equity, and investment in Ohio's future–its students.
Ohio State Representative Erika White (D., Springfield Township) led the event with purpose and clarity, declaring her unwavering support for public education and the communities it serves. “It is deeply disturbing to see a budget that proposes redirecting essential funding away from the most important people in our communities–our children,” White stated. “Public education is not a line item. It is the heartbeat of our democracy.”
Flanked by more than 50 individuals dressed in Red for Ed, White was joined by Springfield Superintendent Matthew Geha, Sylvania Superintendent Jane Spurgeon, other area superintendents, Springfield Board of Education President Tanya Baldwin, union leaders and two high school students who spoke on behalf of their peers.
A Sobering Reality for Springfield
Superintendent Geha offered a stark reminder of the real-world effects these proposals have already had on his district.
“We’ve seen two proposals this school year–the governor’s budget and the House’s edition– and neither of them supports meaningful progress for public schools,” Geha said. “These proposals set schools up to fail. The only option districts are left with is to put up additional levies just to bring in the dollars needed to keep schools running.”
Springfield Local School District recently passed a renewal levy in November 2024, reducing a previous 5.27-mill levy to 4.58 mills. Still, the district is facing significant staffing cuts. More than 15 teaching positions have already been eliminated for the upcoming school year due to funding shortfalls.
Voices of the Future Speak Up
Two Springfield High School students shared heartfelt testimony during the press conference. Though they personally may not feel the direct impact of the proposed changes, they emphasized how their classmates–and future generations– would.
They spoke about how the opportunities they’ve received through a well-funded public education have transformed their lives. From athletics and academic clubs to access to quality classroom instruction, they credited their success to the opportunities made possible through strong public investment.
“Without these resources,” one student shared, “I wouldn’t be standing here today. We’re not just fighting for ourselves– we’re fighting for those who come after us.”
A Broader Conversation Across Ohio The Springfield press conference was part of a larger movement across northwest Ohio, where multiple leaders and organizations expressed concern about the direction of the state’s budget priorities.
While the proposed House budget promises that no school district will receive less than it did the previous year, critics say it still falls far short of fully funding public education according to the Fair School Funding Formula. The proposal also threatens to restructure public library funding, replacing the existing fund with a flat appropriation–raising alarms among library advocates as well.
Meanwhile, the state’s proposed investment of $600 million in public funds to support a new domed stadium for the Cleveland Browns added fuel to the frustration.
“When I come into a school gym and we talk about buying $2.50 popcorn to support student activities,” Rep. White said, “and then think about $15 popcorn at a professional stadium– where those dollars go right back into private hands–something is wrong. Our money should be staying in our communities.”
Springfield Board President Tanya Baldwin echoed that sentiment. “If you cut public funding for schools,” she said, “you won’t have anyone left to build the stadium–or play in it.”
The Fight Continues
As the Ohio House prepares to vote on the budget, Representative White remains committed to voting against it. Superintendent Geha continues to extend invitations to state legislators to visit Springfield Local Schools, walk the halls, meet the staff and see firsthand the impact of their decisions.
“This is not about politics,” Geha said. “This is about children. And we owe them better.”
