May 4, 2005 - Sponsors House Resolution to correct unconstitutional school funding formula
by Jennifer Garrison
May. 5, 2005
For immediate release Contact: Danielle Nelson
Wednesday, May 04, 2005 (614) 644-8728
Rep. Garrison sponsors House Resolution to correct unconstitutional school funding formula
COLUMBUS - State Representative Jennifer Garrison (D-93rd District) testified Tuesday before the House Finance & Appropriations Committee to establish a new school funding method that results in a thorough and efficient system of primary and secondary education in Ohio.
"This Resolution is merely a first step. It calls on this Legislature to completely address the unconstitutional school funding formula now," said Rep. Garrison, a member of the House Education Committee. "I believe what makes our system unconstitutional is the great disparity in revenues generated from local property tax millage when used to determine the level of funding in our schools."
Rep. Garrison has made funding education her top priority. Rep Garrison pointed out that the current funding formula helps wealthy school districts, who are able to generate far more per pupil revenue and receive far more per pupil funding than students from low wealth districts. In Ohio, 1 mill in the wealthiest districts generates $582 per pupil and in the poorest district $33 per pupil.
"There is a problem with the current method of education funding, when children in low wealth districts are cutting extra-curricular programs, laying off teachers, and resorting to pay to play policies in sports and band activities, while levies still continue on the ballots in record numbers."
In Ohio, 203 school money issues in 76 of 88 counties were on the ballot Tuesday. This clearly illustrates a school funding problem. "The Ohio Supreme Court, parents, schools, and voters understand that the current formula is not working. It's time for this Legislature to do its job," said Rep. Garrison.
"Investing in education should be a basis for improving Ohio's economy because the more educated our work force, the more money for our tax base. Ohio has the worst economy in the country. What we are doing is not working."