A new plan to fund Ohio’s public schools is long overdue

    Written by: Matthew Deevers, PhD – Executive Director 

Imagine, if you can, what life was like in the first days of September 1996. The world had never heard of Harry Potter. Jack and Rose had yet to board the Titanic. Tupac and Biggie were still alive. Bill Clinton was campaigning for president. LeBron James was in sixth grade. Only one in five households had that thing called “The Internet.” General Motors and Ford were the two biggest Fortune 500 companies. Apple was number 114; Amazon was preparing its first public offering.

A LOT has changed since September 1996.

One thing that has not changed in all that time is Ohio’s system for funding public schools. On September 10, 1996, the Ohio Supreme Court first heard arguments in the DeRolph v. Ohio case, which challenged the existing and arbitrary system for funding school districts. The Court later ruled that the state was failing to provide a “thorough and efficient” education for its students. Our system was unconstitutional. That ruling came down on March 24, 1997 – 8,651 days ago.

Nothing has changed in 8,651 days. But in the next 31 days – between today and the end of 2020, there is a chance Ohio could finally do the right thing. Bipartisan legislation is pending in the Ohio House and Senate that would establish a new formula for Ohio’s system of funding public education. Under the proposals of House Bill 305 and Senate Bill 376, every school district in Summit County would see an increase in state support. The plan would also provide guaranteed preschool for all low-income 4-year-olds in Ohio, an investment that we know will yield many positive returns.

Since this is not 1996, and since you are reading this message as electronic mail, I know you have access to the Internet. You have the power to make a difference. Please consider reaching out to your Ohio Representative and Senator. Encourage them to support House Bill 305 and Senate Bill 376.

Take this rare opportunity to correct an injustice that has disadvantaged Ohio’s schools, and its children and families, for generations. Take this a chance to strike a positive note in the cacophony that has been 2020. Please support this legislation.

You can find contact information for your Ohio Representative HERE and your Senator HERE.