Strong schools are the foundation of a thriving community and economy. They prepare students for the workforce, attract families to the area, and ensure businesses have access to a well-educated talent pool. However, without consistent and predictable funding from the state, school districts will be forced to turn to local property owners—including businesses—to make up for funding gaps through new or increased tax levies.

That’s why Ohio’s Fair School Funding Plan is so critical. The formula was designed to provide stable, predictable funding that reflects the actual cost of educating students. While the plan isn’t perfect, it is a significant step in the right direction after decades of inaction on public school funding in Ohio. However, state lawmakers are considering reducing or eliminating funding guarantees, forcing schools to cut programs or shift the financial burden to local businesses and homeowners through tax levies.

In Clermont County, under the current version of House Bill 96, seven out of ten school districts are projected to face funding cuts in Fiscal Year 2026, with eight out of ten facing cuts in Fiscal Year 2027. The remaining two districts are expected to receive only nominal increases, highlighting the widespread local impact if the current funding model is weakened.

Three of our largest school districts—Loveland, Milford, and West Clermont—would feel the effects immediately:

– Loveland City Schools estimates that eliminating funding guarantees could cost the district up to $25 million over the next four years, forcing difficult decisions about staffing, class sizes, and essential programs. The district has already cut $2.5 million, and further reductions would impact student learning and local economic stability.

– Milford Exempted Village Schools recently saw a 1% earned income tax levy fail, which would have helped stabilize the district’s finances. Without sufficient state funding, the district may have to reduce staff, cut transportation, and increase fees for families—moves that could discourage young professionals and families from moving into the area.

– West Clermont Schools already receive $1,900 less per student than what the Fair School Funding formula calculates as necessary. If the funding model is weakened, the district could face further shortfalls, requiring additional levies that increase costs for residents and businesses.

If the state pulls back from its commitment to fund schools fairly, businesses will bear much of the financial burden. Ohio’s tax structure already places too much weight on local property taxes to fund education, which creates uncertainty for businesses looking to expand, hire, or relocate in Clermont County.

The Clermont Chamber of Commerce, representing over 600 businesses, has made education and workforce development a top priority in its 2025 Legislative Agenda. A strong, consistent funding model ensures schools can prepare students for careers in healthcare, manufacturing, technology, and skilled trades—industries that fuel our local economy. Without stable funding, schools will be forced to reduce career training programs that businesses rely on for their future workforce.

We urge our state lawmakers to protect the Fair School Funding Plan by fully implementing years five and six of the Plan, reject any efforts to reduce funding, retain the funding guarantees, and update the cost inputs to ensure our schools receive the support they need. Businesses, schools, and families all benefit from a stable, well-funded education system—one that prevents excessive reliance on levies while ensuring our workforce and economy remain competitive.

Ohio has spent too many years avoiding real solutions to school funding. The Fair School Funding Plan may not be perfect, but it represents meaningful progress. Now is the time to strengthen—not weaken—this effort to ensure every student has access to a quality education without forcing higher taxes onto property owners and businesses.

Investing in our schools isn’t just about education—it’s about the economic future of Clermont County.

By Andrew McAfee, vice president of the Clermont Chamber of Commerce.