Ohio budget will cut $103 million from public schools

Melissa Cropper, President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the state's school funding proposal, efforts to protect federal education funding and recent union victories in higher education.

Cropper claims Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine's latest budget proposal cuts $103 million in public school funding, because he used calculations on outdated 2022 costs while using current property valuations for revenue projections. Cropper said this discrepancy could leave over 350 Ohio schools with less funding. She is working with the All In for Ohio Kids Coalition to ensure districts receive adequate resources. The coalition, comprising educators, parents and community members, is raising awareness about the impact of underfunding and voucher programs on public schools.

Cropper then spoke about potential cuts to the U.S. Department of Education, which provides crucial funding for at-risk students, literacy programs and career technical education. The Ohio Federation of Teachers organized actions across the state to educate the public about the importance of federal education funding. Events included school-based "clap-ins," press conferences with local officials and demonstrations outside legislators' offices to urge the protection of these vital resources.

Discussion then turned to higher education, as Cropper celebrated recent union victories. Faculty and librarians at Miami University ratified their first contract, securing academic freedom protections, fair promotion processes and a 9 percent wage increase over three years. Meanwhile, faculty at Ohio University completed voting on their union election, with results expected soon. These successes demonstrate growing momentum for collective bargaining in Ohio's higher education institutions.

Listen to the full episode for more insights on Ohio's educational landscape.