April 24, 2025
Dear CH-UH Community,
It is no secret that our public schools are under attack. One especially dangerous weapon that anti-public school lawmakers have to use against us is our funding. The current version of the Ohio state budget, which has passed the Ohio House, is a disaster for public education.
For the past four years, Ohio’s school leaders have worked to establish the bipartisan Fair School Funding Plan, a formula designed to ensure schools receive the full and fair funding they need. Governor DeWine and state legislators had been phasing in this plan since 2021. However, the current version of the two-year budget falls far short of this plan and would likely have a devastating financial impact for many Ohio school districts, including ours.
On Monday, May 5 at 7 p.m., the Heights Coalition for Public Education is hosting a community meeting on the topic at Heights High School. Attendees will learn about the policies in the state budget that harm public education and children, benefit private schools, and demolish fair funding of public schools. Sen. Kent Smith (District 21) will be on hand to give remarks.
Free childcare will be provided. RSVP here.
In the meantime, please consider sending a short, personal letter to our state senator and leadership. Here’s an easy format to follow:
Share your story – Why is your school important to you, your child, or your community?
Make your request – Ask legislators to prioritize public school funding, fully phase in the Fair School Funding Plan, and update cost calculations.
Thank them – Express appreciation for their attention and support.
Send your letters to:
Senate President Rob McColley
1 Capitol Square
Second Floor 201
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Senator Kent Smith
1 Capitol Square
Second Floor 223
Columbus, Ohio 43215
Thank you for taking action to support our students, our schools, and our community.
Sincerely,
Superintendent Liz Kirby