Cincinnati Board discusses $350M budget cuts amid state funding challenges

The Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) Board Business Meeting on April 7, 2025, focused on critical budgetary challenges and the implications of state funding policies. Board members discussed the suspension of the fair funding plan, which could result in a significant $350 million cut to the district's budget. This decision comes as the state plans to allocate $1 billion towards vouchers, raising concerns about the equity of educational funding.

Treasurer Wagner presented a new budgeting approach, emphasizing a zero-based budgeting method that starts from a minimum funding level and builds up from there. This strategy aims to prioritize essential costs and strategic investments while addressing the financial realities faced by the district. Board members expressed appreciation for this method, noting its potential to clarify budget priorities and foster community understanding of financial decisions.

The meeting also highlighted the discrepancies between state funding formulas and the actual needs of CPS. For instance, the state funds significantly fewer teachers than the district employs, leading to potential staffing challenges. Board members acknowledged the inadequacies of the current funding model, particularly for urban districts, and discussed the need for a more equitable approach that reflects the unique challenges faced by CPS.

Looking ahead, the board plans to continue refining the budget, with further discussions scheduled for April 21. Members emphasized the importance of making informed decisions based on successful practices from other schools in Ohio, aiming to improve educational outcomes for CPS students. The meeting underscored the ongoing struggle to balance fiscal responsibility with the need to provide quality education in a challenging funding environment.