March 4, 2025

Dear Columbus City Schools Families & Colleagues,

Over the past several weeks, we have worked urgently to secure the future of Columbus City Schools and ensure our students continue to receive the high-quality education they deserve. On March 4, CCS Treasurer Ryan Cook and I testified before the Ohio House Education Committee, advocating for fair and adequate funding for our district. We delivered a strong and clear message: Columbus City Schools cannot afford a significant reduction in state funding without putting essential programs and services at risk.

Governor Mike DeWine’s proposed state budget would significantly cut funding for our district. Columbus City Schools is set to lose over $45 million over the next two years. This loss is due to a flawed calculation that considers increased property tax valuations without adjusting for the actual cost of educating a child in 2025 and beyond. If enacted, these cuts would force us to divert the funds from our recently passed levy to fill the gap, depriving our students of the resources they need.

Columbus City Schools has welcomed approximately 2,000 more students this year, bringing our enrollment to more than 47,000 students. This growth further underscores the need for a fully funded and fair school funding model that supports the increasing demands of our district. More students means a greater need for resources, educators, and support services to ensure every child has access to a high-quality education.

In our testimony to the House Education Committee, we highlighted the significant impact these cuts would have on programs such as early childhood education, career academies, college and career readiness initiatives, mental health support, and academic interventions. We presented the financial reality of this proposed budget and emphasized the need for the Fair School Funding Plan to remain responsive to real-time economic changes. We urged lawmakers to fully implement the funding formula with updated cost inputs so that the burden does not unfairly shift to our local taxpayers.

Additionally, at the March 4 Board of Education meeting, the Board adopted the Fair School Funding Resolution. The purpose of this resolution is to reaffirm the Columbus Board of Education’s strong support for the Ohio Fair School Funding Plan and urge the Ohio General Assembly to fully fund it using the most current cost data available. The resolution highlights the need for a fair and transparent school funding system that accounts for the actual costs of education and provides additional resources for students such as students receiving specialized instruction and students living in poverty. It also directs the Superintendent and Treasurer to advocate for these funding measures and ensure that the district’s interests are represented in the legislative process.

While we have taken an important step by voicing our concerns at the Statehouse, our work is far from over. We need your support to continue advocating for Columbus City Schools. There is still time to make your voice heard, and we encourage you to take action by submitting written testimony or providing in-person testimony to the Ohio House Committees.

• The House Finance Committee will hear public testimony on March 11 and 12. Written testimony can be submitted to OHRfinancecommittee@ohiohouse.gov.

• To participate, you must submit a witness information form and your testimony at least 24 hours before the scheduled hearing. Please note that all testimony becomes a public record and will be published on the House of Representatives website.

Your voice matters. The strength of our community lies in our ability to come together and advocate for our students. We must ensure that lawmakers understand the consequences of these proposed cuts and their impact on the 47,000 students who rely on Columbus City Schools for their education and future opportunities.

Click here to read my testimony, as well as Treasurer Ryan Cook’s testimony.

I promise to keep you informed as this process moves forward. Thank you for your unwavering support, your advocacy, and your dedication to our students. Together, we will continue to advocate for the future of Columbus City Schools.

Yours faithfully,

Dr. Angela Chapman, Superintendent & CEO

Columbus City Schools