Melissa Cropper, President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers (OFT), joined the America’s Work Force Union Podcast to discuss funding shortages hitting the Toledo Public School system, this year’s gubernatorial election and its implications for school funding, as well as a surge of successful union organizing efforts in Central Ohio.
Cropper began by addressing the latest fallout from the state’s school funding crisis. She explained that Ohio’s fair school funding formula, intended to be phased in over six years, was left unfinished because the legislature did not fund its final two years. This budget shortfall resulted in the Toledo Public Schools receiving $100 million less than expected, forcing the district to lay off educators, support staff and administrators midyear. Cropper expressed her frustration with the local administration, criticizing its lack of collaboration with the union and calling for greater transparency and joint problem-solving to mitigate the effects of these cuts.
Next, Cropper shifted to Ohio’s gubernatorial race, which she said carries high stakes for public school funding and the future of teachers’ unions. Cropper discussed the contrasting positions of candidates Amy Acton, endorsed by OFT and other unions, and Vivek Ramaswamy, whose chosen running mate has been instrumental in expanding vouchers and siphoning money away from public schools. Cropper argued that Acton and her running mate, David Pepper, have consistently advocated for fully funding public education and working alongside educators to find real solutions.
Finally, Cropper highlighted a wave of recent organizing victories throughout central Ohio. Charter schools, public libraries and local businesses such as Jenny’s Ice Cream have all voted to unionize, signaling rising enthusiasm for workers’ rights in the region. Cropper observed that much of this momentum is being driven by younger workers, whose passion and solidarity have inspired seasoned labor leaders. This groundswell reflects a generational shift in attitudes toward unions and bodes well for the future of organized labor in Ohio’s education sector and beyond.
For more from Cropper, listen to the full episode of America’s Work Force Union Podcast above.