Like many small towns, the people of Fredericktown take great pride in our local school system.
The quality education our graduates receive has enabled many to go on to enjoy successful careers in a variety of fields, such as medicine, law, farming, business, education, trades, etc. The extracurricular activities offered by our school also provide important educational and leadership experiences.
The reason I am writing is to alert people that funding of public schools in Ohio is on the
chopping block.
Back in 2021, the Fair School Funding Plan was enacted to allocate resources fairly based on student needs and local funding ability. However, the final phases of this plan (years 5 and 6) still need budget approval. Without updates to adjust for inflation, schools could lose necessary funding.
Moreover, Governor DeWine’s budget calls for reducing “guarantee funding” that ensures schools do not receive less than they did in 2020. This reduction could cause Fredericktown Schools to lose nearly $620,000 a year beginning in 2027.
Without this money, cuts will need to be made that will severely curtail the value of a student’s total education.
If that isn’t bad enough, funding for voucher and charter school programs is set to increase significantly. House Bill 96 proposes $2.4 billion for voucher programs, representing a 16.5% increase, or $265.4 million over two years.
In addition, charter and private schools will receive an 11.7% funding boost, or an additional $221.8 million.
These increases shift resources away from the 80% of students who attend public schools. This is totally unfair and unacceptable.
Ohio families know the value of a public education. As a grandparent, I want to see my grandchildren receive the same quality education that I received. If you do not want to see public schools crippled by having our tax money redirected to vouchers and charters schools, please contact State Senator Andrew Brenner at 614-466-8086 and Rep. Beth Lear at 614-466-1431 as soon as possible and let them know you demand fair funding of public schools.
Sincerely,
Julie A. Shoemaker
Fredericktown, Ohio