Take Action: Advocate for Fair School Funding in Ohio

As Ohio prepares its FY 2028–2029 state budget, important decisions lie ahead regarding public school funding, property-tax relief, and the financial responsibilities shared between the state and local communities.

These decisions affect more than school district budgets. They influence educational opportunities, classroom resources, student services, and the financial demands placed on Ohio property taxpayers.

Now is the time for Ohioans to become informed, engage with their elected officials, and communicate their priorities for public education.

Three Priorities for Ohio's Next State Budget

1. Adequately Fund the State's Share of Public Education

Ohio's school funding system should provide adequate, stable, and predictable state support.

When state funding does not keep pace with educational costs, school districts may face difficult budget decisions and greater pressure to seek additional local revenue.

Our priority: Encourage state lawmakers to provide sufficient state resources to support public education while limiting additional financial burdens on local taxpayers.

2. Update the Fair School Funding Plan's Base-Cost Inputs

The Fair School Funding Plan uses a methodology intended to reflect the cost of providing educational services.

However, funding calculations must account for changing costs, including staffing, transportation, instructional materials, technology, and student support services.

Our priority: Support updating the formula's base-cost inputs using current, verifiable cost data and establishing a regular process for future updates.

3. Align Property-Tax Relief With School Funding

Property-tax relief is an important concern for Ohio homeowners, particularly as property values and household expenses change. At the same time, local property taxes remain an important source of school district funding. Changes to property-tax policy can affect district revenue and financial planning.

Our priority: Encourage lawmakers to evaluate property-tax relief and school funding together, including the need for sustainable state support when legislation reduces local school revenue.

How You Can Take Action

Step 1: Identify Your State Legislators

Find the Ohio House representative and state senator who represent your community.

https://findmydistrict.ohiosos.gov/

Step 2: Contact Your Representative and Senator

Personalize your message by including your school district and explaining why public school funding matters to your community.

Step 3: Ask for a Response

Encourage your legislators to explain their positions on updating the funding formula, supporting the state's share of education costs, and coordinating property-tax relief with school funding.

Step 4: Stay Engaged

Follow state budget discussions, communicate with local education leaders, and share reliable information with other community members.

Ohio's school funding challenges affect students, families, educators, taxpayers, and communities across the state.

Advocating for public education is not about political parties or candidates. It is about encouraging informed, transparent decisions that balance educational needs, state funding responsibilities, and taxpayer concerns.

Ohio Advocacy for Fair School Funding encourages all Ohioans to stay informed, ask questions, and participate in the public discussion surrounding the next state budget.

Sample Letter Template:

Dear Representative/Senator [Last Name],

I am writing as an Ohio resident and constituent to express my concern about the future of public school funding and the growing financial pressures facing school districts and local property taxpayers.

As the Ohio General Assembly prepares to consider the FY 2028–2029 state budget, I urge you to prioritize a sustainable and equitable approach to funding Ohio's public schools.

I respectfully ask you to address three important priorities:

1. Ensure the State Meets Its School Funding Responsibilities

Ohio must provide adequate and predictable state funding for public education rather than increasingly relying on local property taxes to support essential educational services. School districts need stable resources to plan responsibly, maintain educational opportunities, and serve their students.

2. Update the Fair School Funding Plan's Base-Cost Inputs

The Fair School Funding Plan was designed to calculate funding based on the actual cost of educating students. However, the formula's base-cost inputs must be updated to reflect current expenses, including personnel, transportation, instructional materials, and student support services. I encourage you to support updating these inputs and establishing a consistent process for keeping them current.

3. Coordinate Property-Tax Relief With School Funding

I recognize the financial pressures facing Ohio homeowners and the importance of meaningful property-tax relief. However, property-tax policy and school funding cannot be considered independently.

When legislation reduces school district revenue, the state should carefully evaluate the financial impact and provide sustainable funding solutions that protect educational services without transferring additional costs to local taxpayers.

As your constituent, I would appreciate your response to the following questions:

Will you support updating the Fair School Funding Plan's base-cost inputs in the FY 2028–2029 budget?
What steps will you support to ensure Ohio provides an adequate and predictable state share of public school funding?
How will you address the impact of property-tax relief legislation on school district revenue and long-term financial stability?

These issues affect students, families, educators, homeowners, and communities throughout Ohio. They deserve thoughtful, bipartisan consideration grounded in fiscal responsibility, transparency, and the educational needs of Ohio's children.

Thank you for your public service and consideration. I look forward to learning how you intend to address these priorities during the upcoming budget process.

Sincerely,

[Your Full Name]
[City, Ohio]
[School District — Optional]
[Email Address — Optional]