Ohio Public School Funding 101
Funding for public schools in Ohio comes from three main sources: state, local and federal contributions. Each plays a critical role in ensuring students receive a high-quality education
State Funding
Ohio’s Fair School Funding Plan is designed to promote equity across districts. The funding formula considers:
- Student Needs: Factors such as special education, gifted programs and enrollment numbers.
- Local Capacity: The ability of a community to generate revenue through property values and income levels.
- Base Costs: The estimated per-pupil cost of providing a quality education, including teacher salaries, supplies and operational expenses.
While state funding helps bridge gaps between districts with different property wealth, it does not fully cover school budgets, making local contributions essential.
Local Funding
A majority of school funding in Ohio comes from local property taxes, which communities approve through levies.
Federal Funding
While federal contributions make up a small percentage of school funding, they are essential for targeted programs, including:
- Title I: Supports schools with high numbers of low-income students.
- Special Education Grants: Help districts meet the needs of students with disabilities.
- Nutrition Programs: Provide funding for free and reduced-price school meals.