School Funding Plan Moves Forward as Standalone Bill
July 4, 2019 by Amy Patterson

While negotiations over Ohio’s biennial budget have stalled in Columbus, State Reps. John Patterson (D-Jefferson) and Robert Cupp (R-Lima) announced June 27 their Fair School Funding Plan will move forward as a standalone bill in the Ohio House of Representatives.

While negotiations over Ohio’s biennial budget have stalled in Columbus, State Reps. John Patterson (D-Jefferson) and Robert Cupp (R-Lima) announced June 27 their Fair School Funding Plan will move forward as a standalone bill in the Ohio House of Representatives.

Patterson, who represents parts of Geauga County in district 99, said House Bill 305 retains the framework of the formula released in March, while addressing concerns raised about inadequate funding for schools with high numbers of economically disadvantaged students.

“For Ohio to move forward relative to the rapid pace of the 21st century economy, an educated, multi-talented and multi-skilled workforce is essential,” Patterson said in a June 27 press release. “This funding proposal will offer districts the opportunity to provide those courses and experiences, as well as the local control necessary for implementation, to prepare our students for that future.”

HB 305 is intended to establish a base cost for educating a typical child in a typical school district, including classroom teaching, social-emotional health and student instructional supports.

Each district’s state and local funding share will vary under the new legislation based on funding capacity from property taxes and resident incomes, the statement said.

The bill also includes funding for special education, gifted student programs, English language education and education service centers.

“A better, fairer funding mechanism for Ohio’s schools has been an elusive goal for years,” Cupp added. “I am hopeful that this comprehensive, bi-partisan proposal – carefully crafted with the help of educators experienced in the complexities of school finance – will finally put Ohio on the right path.”

HB 305 was introduced to the House Finance committee June 30. Patterson and Cupp plan to continue vetting the bill throughout the summer.