The Fair School Funding Plan was created to correct decades of inequity in how Ohio funds its public schools. Rather than relying almost entirely on local property taxes, the plan introduces a more student-centered approach—one that better reflects the real costs of educating children and the unique needs of each community.

1. It starts with what it actually costs to educate a student.

Rather than picking a number out of thin air, the formula looks at the real-world costs of things like teachers and staff, materials, technology and more.

2. It then looks at how much each local community can afford to contribute.

Not all communities have the same property wealth or income levels. The formula takes this into account by evaluating local property values and income.

3. The state covers the difference.

Once the base cost is determined and the local share is calculated, the state is supposed to make up the rest—ensuring every student, no matter where they live, has access to a quality education.

But despite bipartisan support and clear benefits, the plan remains only partially implemented. The Ohio House has proposed abandoning the plan altogether—slashing $2.75 billion in state funding for public schools over the next two years.

At the same time, Ohio is expanding private school voucher programs, diverting public taxpayer dollars to private tuition. Every dollar spent on vouchers reduces the funding available for students in public schools like those in Milford—placing even greater pressure on local communities to make up the difference.This undermines the original intent of levies and places an even greater burden on homeowners to fill funding gaps the state was supposed to cover.

It’s important to remember: public education in Ohio is a shared state and local responsibility. State funding comes from sources like income taxes and lottery profits. But here in Milford, property taxes paid by homeowners are the primary source of local funding. When state support is reduced, the burden shifts to our local taxpayers—which could lead to larger and more frequent property tax levy requests just to maintain current programs and services.

Milford Schools believes that honoring the will of the voters and preserving local decision-making is critical to keeping our schools strong and our community thriving.

Without full implementation of the Fair School Funding Plan and a commitment to public education, the future of Ohio’s schools—and the stability of communities like ours—is at risk.

Graphic Above Provided by All In for Ohio Kids

View their helpful Ohio Fair-School Funding Plan one-pager by clicking the link here.