DeWine plans $103M cuts to Ohio public school funding

Governor Mike DeWine's proposed budget for Ohio will cut over $100 million from traditional public schools while increasing funding for charter schools and private school vouchers by nearly $500 million over the next two years. The Legislative Service Commission's analysis highlights that the state share of funding is expected to drop for the majority of public school districts, with only three districts projected to see an increase in state funding in the first year and none in the second. Critics argue that this budget reflects outdated salary inputs from 2022, which may not accurately represent current needs. Despite claims of fully funding the school funding formula, many districts, including those with growing student populations, will receive less funding. The budget allocates $2.4 billion for voucher programs and $2.7 billion for charter schools, marking significant increases in spending for these alternatives to public education. As a result, the proposed budget has drawn widespread scrutiny and concern from educators and advocates for public schooling.