Debate intensifies over major cuts to Ohio's Fair School Funding Plan

Farah Siddiqi

At the Ohio Statehouse, proposed budget cuts to the Fair School Funding Plan have sparked debate among lawmakers and educators.

Also known as the Cupp-Patterson plan, it is in its fourth year of a six-year implementation, designed to address disparities in school funding across the state. Backers are urging the full completion of its phase-in.

Rep. Matt Huffman, R-Lima, Speaker of the House, has suggested in recent weeks reducing the state's public education budget by at least $650 million, challenging the state's ability to continue the current funding model.

"Implementing of the Cupp-Patterson Plan that many believe is a fait accompli that we decided four years ago -- that in this budget we're going to do that -- in my estimation, is a fantasy," Huffman stated.

Critics of the proposed cuts argued reducing funding could exacerbate inequities, particularly in under-resourced districts. Huffman contended offering scholarships toward Ed-Choice vouchers for private schooling offers families more educational choices and can lead to taxpayer savings.

Scott DiMauro, president of the Ohio Education Association, pointed out the potential effect on public schools, which he said serve 95% of Ohio students.

"The governor has proposed a budget that would cut public schools by over $100 million, while at the same time increasing funding for vouchers for private schools and charter schools by $500 million," DiMauro stressed. "We know that is just absolutely unfair."

DiMauro worries such major shifts in funding could lead to larger class sizes and reduced services in public schools, placing additional burdens on local taxpayers to fill the gaps.

He emphasized now is the time for Ohioans who are concerned about the issue and how it might affect their communities to contact their representatives in Columbus.