Lawmakers say funding change should help build new schools

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(The Center Square) – Gov. Mike DeWine signed legislation lawmakers say will districts to building new schools across the state.

House 479 allows the local share of building projects to be calculated on the government’s existing financial conditions rather than older property valuation and income data.

State Rep. Kevin Miller, R-Newark, one of the sponsors of the bill, cited an example of the benefits in Heath City Schools, which previously would have been required to pay 84% of school building costs, but under the new methodology would only have to pay only 48%, saving local taxpayers $25 million, which would be covered by state taxpayers.

“This is about fairness for taxpayers and school districts," Miller said in a statement. "Communities change over time, and our funding formulas should recognize those changes. By updating local share percentages to reflect current economic realities, we can reduce the burden on local taxpayers while still ensuring students have access to safe, modern school facilities."

Districts that have experienced declines in property tax values, income of residents or other declines, “are not locked into funding formulas that no longer reflect their communities' circumstances,” Miller said.

Every two years, the state approves a capital budget which includes funds for the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission to supplement local funds for building schools, Miller’s office said. The current capital budget is $600 million.  

Money from those state funds would supplement the shortfalls in districts that can no longer afford to meet their previously required share of their building projects. Local school districts could also vote to approve a tax levy to help pay its share of the construction costs.

Miller sponsored the legislation after school districts complained that they had been trying for years to get funding through the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission but had been unable to obtain help.

Some school districts attempted to get help for 10-15 years, according to Miller’s office.