Marysville schools report lowest funding and highest student teacher ratio in Ohio

During the March 20, 2025, Board of Education meeting for Marysville Exempted Village Schools, significant concerns were raised regarding the district's financial standing and its impact on educational quality. The meeting highlighted alarming statistics that place Marysville schools at a disadvantage compared to state averages and county peers.

One of the most pressing issues discussed was the district's expenditure per pupil, which is nearly $2,700 below the state average. This positions Marysville among the lowest in the county, with 83% of schools in Ohio spending more per student. The implications of this funding gap are profound, as it directly affects resources available for students and teachers.

The student-to-teacher ratio was another critical point of discussion. Currently, Marysville's ratio stands at 26 to 1, significantly higher than the state average of 20 to 1. This statistic places the district fifth highest in the state for student-to-teacher ratios, meaning that 99% of Ohio schools have a lower ratio. If a contingency plan were enacted, Marysville would tie for the worst ratio in the state, raising concerns about the quality of education and individual attention students receive.

Additionally, the meeting addressed administrative expenditures. Marysville's student-to-administrator ratio is 177 to 1, compared to the state average of 117 to 1, indicating that 92% of Ohio schools have more administrative support per pupil. However, the district's administrative cost per pupil is lower than the state average, suggesting a more efficient use of administrative resources.

Perhaps the most striking statistic presented was the revenue per pupil, which is almost $5,000 below the state average. This places Marysville in the bottom 3% of all Ohio schools, with 97% of schools receiving more funding per student. This lack of revenue severely limits the district's ability to enhance educational programs and support services.

The discussions at the meeting underscored the urgent need for increased funding and resources to ensure that Marysville students receive a quality education comparable to their peers across the state. As the district navigates these challenges, the implications for students, teachers, and the broader community remain significant, highlighting the importance of advocacy for equitable funding in education.