Ohio education cuts raise concerns from Ohio teachers and students

Melissa Cropper, President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers and Secretary-Treasurer of the Ohio AFL-CIO, joined America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss the dismantling of the fair school funding formula, cuts to library funding and a push to eliminate elected positions on the State Board of Education.

The Ohio House recently passed their version of the state operating budget, which Cropper describes as destroying the bipartisan fair school funding formula. The new model limits districts' reserve funds to 30 percent of their budget before requiring refunds to the state. Cropper said that under this proposal, state funding for schools would fall below levels deemed unconstitutional over 20 years ago. She added that the budget also expands voucher programs, including new education savings accounts that could be used for private schools with zero accountability to the state.

Next, Cropper discussed the proposed changes in library funding in Ohio, potentially cutting $90 million from current levels. The proposal changes libraries' funding from a guaranteed percentage of the general revenue fund to a fixed figure, jeopardizing the stability of what Cropper called the best library system in the country. She praised librarians and library workers for their effective lobbying efforts, which have helped mitigate even deeper cuts.

Finally, Cropper discussed the push to eliminate elected positions on the State Board of Education, replacing the current 19-member board — 11 elected, eight appointed — with five governor-appointed seats. Cropper said this is part of a broader pattern of "power-hungry people" making structural changes to limit public voices and consolidate power within the majority party. She warned that these incremental changes could lead to more significant losses for workers' rights if left unchecked.

For more details on these education issues in Ohio, listen to the full episode with Cropper above.