Bill that could bring millions of dollars to area schools headed to the Senate

COLUMBUS - The Ohio House of Representatives recently passed House Bill 305 on comprehensive reform of Ohio's primary and secondary school funding framework. 

It passed by a vote of 87-9 and now heads to the senate for consideration. Among those approving the bill was Adam Holmes (R-Nashport) of the 97th District. 

“Ohio House members have been working diligently to create a reformed policy for Ohio’s schools. This is exactly what Ohio’s students, teachers and administrations need and deserve,” said Holmes in a press release.

The bill prescribes a unique base cost per pupil for each school district, which is an evidence-based amount that accounts for all of the costs of providing a quality education. The base cost calculation is derived from four components: teachers, students, district leadership and accountability and building leadership and operations.  HB 305 ensures adequate funding to operate a traditional school district.

The legislation also adjusts the distribution formula for schools with an emphasis on a more accurate measure of school district capacity by using both property and income wealth to determine the local share.

After being fully phased in, school districts in the 97th house district will receive $2,126,544 for East Muskingum, $206,462 for West Muskingum, $30,000 for Franklin, $3,450,041 for Maysville, $178,543 for Tri-Valley, $4,673,968 for Zanesville, $154,783 for East Guernsey, $2,061,077 for Cambridge and $813,350 for Rolling Hills. In addition to base cost, H.B. 305 contains categories of aid aimed at creating an equitable system of funding for schools. These categorical aid components include gifted education, special education, English language learners, economically disadvantaged and transportation. Each component was modified with input from practitioners and child advocates from across Ohio.