Legislative Updates

Ohio Schools for Balanced Property Tax Reform

Families across our community deserve relief from rising property taxes, and our students deserve access to strong schools, safe neighborhoods, and reliable public services. Achieving both goals is possible, but only if the responsibility for funding is shared fairly among families, local governments, businesses, and the state.

Our district understands that Ohio’s school funding system needs reform, and we are committed to being part of a fair, forward-thinking solution. However, any changes must protect both taxpayers and the future of public education for our children.

What's Happening?

State Policy Shifts
Over time, state-level policy decisions have shifted more of the responsibility for school funding onto local property taxpayers. This means districts like North Ridgeville must rely more heavily on local levies to maintain essential programs and services. Currently, the state covers 30%, while our taxpayers contribute 63%.

District Efforts
Our district has worked hard to manage resources responsibly while keeping student learning and achievement at the center of every decision.

Changing Tax Burden
The funding balance has changed dramatically. Homeowners and farmers now contribute nearly 70% of school property taxes, up from just 47% in 1991. Meanwhile, businesses pay a much smaller share than they once did, increasing the strain on local families.

Key Point

Ohio’s public schools are partners, not the problem, when it comes to rising property taxes. Over time, state tax policy changes have dramatically shifted the funding burden onto local communities. It is time for balanced reform that provides relief for families while ensuring stability for schools and communities. With fair solutions and share responsibility, we can achieve both. 

The Myth of Rapidly Growing School Budgets

Despite what you may hear, school funding has not skyrocketed. Over the past 20 years, schools have been asked to take on significantly more, from advanced technology and safety upgrades to expanded mental health and student support services, yet the funding to pay for these initiatives has barely changed. When adjusted for inflation, state revenue per student has grown by only a fraction of a percent each year. In short, schools are being asked to do much more with essentially the same resources.

State Revenues Have Fallen Behind

• From 2000 to 2022, overall state revenue actually decreased by 2.2% after inflation.
• On a per-student basis, state revenue grew just 6.6% over 22 years. That's about 0.3% per year.
  • In other words, state funding for each student has been nearly flat for two decades.

School Spending Appears to Rise, But the Reality is Modest

• Overall, school spending rose only 9.4% over 22 years, or about 0.43% per year after inflation.
• On a per-student basis, spending increased 19.4% over 22 years, or just 0.88% per year after inflation.
  • Less than 1% growth per year is hardly the "massive increase" some claim.

Expectations Have Increased Dramatically, Funding Has Not

Today's schools are expected to deliver far more than they did in 2000: modern technology, secure facilities, robust career pathways, and expanded social-emotional supports. Yet, the dollars to meet these rising expectations have remained nearly flat.