Westerville City Schools Board urges Governor DeWine to reform school funding formula

During the recent Westerville City School District Board of Education meeting held on February 10, 2025, members discussed a critical resolution addressing school funding priorities in Ohio. The resolution, aimed at Governor Mike DeWine and the Ohio General Assembly, highlights significant concerns regarding the current state funding formula for public education.

The resolution emphasizes that the existing funding model, which relies on outdated cost data from 2022, fails to account for inflationary increases affecting essential educational expenses such as teacher salaries, operational costs, and instructional materials. Board members pointed out that this inadequacy places an increased financial burden on local property taxpayers, as districts are forced to rely more heavily on local funding sources due to insufficient state support.

A key aspect of the discussion centered on the need for increased funding for special education, as identified in recent cost studies. The board urged state lawmakers to implement these findings into the funding model to ensure that students with disabilities receive the necessary resources for their education.

Additionally, the resolution calls for stabilizing the state share calculation, which currently creates unpredictability in funding and complicates long-term financial planning for school districts. Board members expressed concern that the state's failure to fully fund the school funding formula exacerbates reliance on local property taxes, further straining homeowners.

The board also addressed House Bill 920, which restricts inflationary growth on voted levies, effectively limiting districts' ability to generate revenue in line with rising costs. This legislation has been criticized for shifting the tax burden among local taxpayers without providing substantial revenue increases, leading to potential funding shortfalls for schools.

In conclusion, the Westerville City Schools Board of Education's resolution advocates for urgent reforms in school funding to ensure equitable and adequate resources for all students. The board plans to send copies of the resolution to key stakeholders, including Governor DeWine and members of the Ohio General Assembly, to push for necessary changes that will support the continued success of Ohio's public school students.