How Lakewood's Representative Voted On School Funding Reform

LAKEWOOD, OH — The Ohio House passed a bipartisan plan to reform public school funding in Ohio.

Ohio's method of funding public schools was ruled unconstitutional more than two decades ago. However, change has been slow going.

House Bill 305, which passed the House on Thursday, would alter public school funding to a per pupil for individual districts, and will consider a host of factors when determining how much money each district should receive. The Fair School Funding Plan blends property and income wealth to determine local district funding.

State Rep. Mike Skindell, who calls Lakewood home, cast his vote in favor of the plan. The bill would also see the state directly fund private school vouchers and charter schools, rather than penalizing the funding of public schools.

"After decades of failing Ohio’s students, and its school systems with inadequate and unconstitutional funding levels, I was pleased to cast a vote, and co-sponsor, legislation to remedy this situation by giving all school children an equal opportunity for a fair and equitable education,” Skindell said.

Some of the factors that will now be considered in determining school funding include:

· Student-teacher ratios and school staff size,
· School staff salaries and professional development,
· Career readiness education,
· Student’s social and emotional needs,
· Residents’ wealth and poverty levels,
· Preschool services,
· Special and gifted education,
· English language learners,
· STEM and technical education