Columbus, Ohio (WCMH) — It’s been a week full of hearings. Governor Mike DeWine’s budget proposal at the Ohio State Capitol.
On Thursday, the House Finance Committee heard input from the Ohio Department of Education and the Ohio Department of Higher Education. Commission representatives and witnesses said the proposed budget is an investment in the state’s future workforce.
Chairman Jay Edwards, Republican Nelsonville, said:
Stephanie Ciddens Interim Superintendent of Public Education emphasized the importance of literacy. She said 40% of her in her junior year in Ohio did not read at the grade level.
“We need to make sure that we are treating all students holistically,” said Minority Party Assistant Leader Dontavius Jarrells (D-Columbus).
In a statement, the Ohio Department of Education said it was “thrilled” that the state school board’s budget priorities were not only met, but exceeded.
“The proposed budget expands our priorities to help students recover from the effects of the pandemic,” the statement read. We are committed to meeting the needs of Ohio students, with a special focus on strengthening strength readiness and supporting the health of our students and staff.”
The proposed budget is also phasing into a new bipartisan spending formula for school districts. Known as the “Cup-Patterson” plan, the plan calculates school district shares by dividing property values and family income 60/40.
“The phase-in of the Kapp-Patterson plan is very important,” Edwards said. “Make sure you fund your schools properly and fund your children.”
In a statement, the State Department of Education said of its funding plans:
“State foundation funds make up the largest portion of the department’s budget, and school funds are the largest expenditure of the state’s General Revenue Fund (excluding federal funds). Funding from the Foundation is the largest source of income.The school’s funding formula takes into account the wealth and capabilities of the local school district when calculating and distributing state resources, to ensure that students It works to ensure schools have the resources they need, no matter where they live.”
On higher education, the department’s president, Randy Gardner, said the proposed budget was “transformative.”
“Workforce development is a big part of this conversation,” says Edwards. “We’re hearing from employers across the state that jobs and opportunities are in short supply, so this guy has to meet two.”
This budget will help families save an estimated $31 million in tuition and fees. It also allocates $10 million annually to mental health services.
“Overall, it’s an opportunity for students to make sure they are their best selves,” says Jarrells.
Both education departments said they look forward to working with the General Assembly to ensure equitable and affordable education across the state.
https://www.wkbn.com/news/ohio/ohio-education-department-heads-approve-proposed-state-budget/ Ohio Education Director Approves State Budget