Proposed Legislation Threatens Millions in School Funding for CPS

Cincinnati Public Schools could face a loss of millions of dollars over the next two years due to proposed changes in state legislation, jeopardizing vital services and programs that support student success.

The current budget proposal, House Bill 96, suspends use of the Fair School Funding Plan formula, replacing it with funding that is stagnant and doesn’t account for increased costs. Further, school districts would be limited to carrying over just 30% of prior year operating expenses, making long-term financial management far more difficult. 

There is also pending legislation that threatens the District’s main source of revenue– property taxes. Three bills currently under consideration in the Ohio General Assembly, House Bill 129, House Bill 186 and Senate Bill 66, would change how the “20 mill floor” is calculated. This floor is a key component in determining the minimum amount of local property tax revenue school districts are expected to generate.

Under Senate Bill 66, fixed-sum levies— which CPS and other districts use strategically to fund targeted initiatives like preschool expansion— would be included in the 20 mill calculation. This will cost the District $21 million in funding over the next two year budget cycle.

Budget reductions for public education, outlined in House Bill 96, and bills that change the 20 mill floor calculation will cause significant financial harm to public school districts across the state, while forcing districts like CPS to either place a greater burden on local taxpayers or cut critical programs and services. 

Why This Matters

The proposed Ohio budget will set the state’s financial support of public education for the next two years. It is critical that public schools are adequately funded. 

Fixed-sum levies are voter-approved and were never intended to replace the state’s obligation to adequately fund public education. These local levies are used by CPS to:

• Expand access to early childhood education
• Maintain critical staffing and support services
• Sustain programs that help all students thrive

Shifting the burden of funding back onto local taxpayers threatens to undermine years of progress and stability in public education—not just in Cincinnati, but in school districts across the state.

A Better Path Forward

CPS urges lawmakers to:

• Return to and fully fund the Fair School Funding Plan using current economic data to account for inflation 
• Remove the proposed cap on district carryover funds
• Oppose HB 129, HB 186 and SB 66
   

These actions would ensure fairer funding for schools across Ohio and reduce reliance on local property taxes, particularly in districts already facing economic challenges.

How You Can Help

Stakeholders—including families, staff and community members—are encouraged to take action. You can make your voice heard by sharing this information on social media, sending a letter and calling state representatives and senators.

We've provided templates to make it easy for you to let your elected officials know that our students deserve stable, equitable funding— now and in the future.

View and download letter template to State Representative: State Representative Letter Template
View Ohio House Directory -> here

View and download letter template to State Senator: State Senator Letter Template
View Ohio Senate Directory -> here