Education funding has to add up

Published 10:05 am Friday, March 25, 2011

It seems to be sadly ironic that the math doesn’t add up on Ohio’s proposed education funding claims.

As the state continues to grapple with a $7 or $8 billion deficit, more details are emerging about Gov. John Kasich’s proposed cuts that will impact nearly every aspect of state government and the agencies which it funds.

The governor released data Wednesday that his administration claims shows 70 percent of Ohio’s school districts would actually see their state funding increase.

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School associations and treasurer’s don’t see it the same way. They claim that the end result would cut funding by just about $1.5 billion a year, with the biggest hits stemming from the loss of federal stimulus moneys and tax changes, according to the Associated Press.

Our legislators – and our educators — owe it to our children to find real answers devoid of political spin.

We need to know exactly how these changes will impact local school districts here in southern Ohio and Lawrence County.

Although many of these districts know cuts are looming, it is important that real data is provided so that a legitimate plan can be put in place.

Politicians are notorious for using fuzzy math to uphold their agendas and political positions.

When it comes to education funding, Ohio taxpayers and the children of our state deserve to see how everything adds up.

Two plus two should still equal four, regardless of which side of the aisle you are on.