February 13, 2025

RE: URGENT CALL TO ACTION – PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Dear Parents, Staff, and Community Members,

For the past four years, Ohio’s school leaders have worked to improve school funding through the Fair School Funding Plan—a formula designed to ensure schools receive the full and fair funding they need. Before this plan, schools were funded based on whatever money was available, rather than what students actually needed.

Governor DeWine and Ohio legislators have been phasing in this plan gradually. Now, with the Governor’s new budget bill under review, we have a critical opportunity to ensure schools receive 100% of the funding they deserve. If we don’t act now, the formula may never be fully implemented, leaving schools underfunded. We also need legislators to update the cost calculations used in the formula—right now, they’re based on 2022 figures, which don’t reflect today’s higher costs and funding based on 2024 figures is needed..

WE NEED YOUR VOICE

School leaders cannot do this alone—legislators need to hear from parents, staff, and community members like you. They need to know why your local schools matter and how their decisions will impact your children, your family, and your community. Without these updates, schools may be forced to ask local taxpayers for more funding.

I am asking you to send a short, personal letter to the legislators who represent our district. Here’s an easy format to follow:

1. Share your story – Why is your school important to you, your child, or your community?

2. Make your request – Ask legislators to prioritize public school funding, fully phase in the Fair School Funding Plan, update cost calculations, and meet all guarantee requirements.

Here is an example you are welcome to use for this part of the message:

In 2011, the Aurora City School District (ACSD) earned the highest rating on the state report card of Excellence with Distinction and received 27.8% of its revenue from the state of Ohio. Ten years ago, the ACSD earned Straight A’s on its State Report Card which was the highest rating at the time, and received 24% of its revenue from the State.  That is a loss of almost 4% from four years earlier. This past year the ACSD was recognized as one of only six districts in Ohio to earn 5 stars in all 5 categories on our State Report Card three years running.  This again was the highest rating from the state yet we received only 18.1% of our revenue from the State demonstrating another erosion of our state support.  As you are aware, Governor DeWine’s proposed budget calls for a reduction in the school “guarantee” over the next two years.  This proposal would negatively impact the Aurora City Schools. I am reaching out to ask that you fully support the Fair School Funding Plan and protect the “guarantee” from being reduced, allowing the Aurora City Schools to maintain their high standard of support for our kids.

     3. Thank them – Express appreciation for their attention and support.

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PLEASE ACT NOW – 

The budget process moves fast, and legislators will soon begin hearings on school funding. Please send your letter by February 21 to ensure your voice is heard before decisions are made.

SEND YOUR LETTERS AND/OR EMAIL TO: 

Kristina Roegner - Ohio Senator 27th District

Senate Building

1 Capitol Square

1st Floor

142

Columbus, OH 43215

614.466.4823

roegner@ohiostate.gov

https://ohiosenate.gov/members/kristina-d-roegner

Steve Demetriou - Ohio Representative 35th District

77 South High Street

11th Floor

Columbus, OH 43215

614.644.5088

rep35@ohiohouse.gov

https://ohiohouse.gov/members/steve-demetriou

Thank you for taking action to support our students, our schools, and our community.

Sincerely,

Michael Roberto

Superintendent

Aurora City Schools

mroberto@aurora-schools.org