Cincinnati Families Fight for Education Funding Amid Proposed Cuts

CINCINNATI — As public schools across Ohio face significant budget cuts, families and advocates in Cincinnati are taking their fight to the streets. On Wednesday, concerned parents rallied against Governor Mike DeWine's budget proposal that could strip $27 million from Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) over the next two years.

"Ohio's school funding system is vital for low-income Title I students and students with disabilities," emphasized parent Sarah Beach. "Cincinnati Public Schools are too valuable to lose $27 million — our kids are our future, and we’ve got to stand up for them." This sentiment captures the urgency many parents feel as they advocate for educational resources essential for their children's success.

The Broader Impact of Budget Cuts

The governor's proposed budget includes a staggering $103.4 million reduction in funding for public schools statewide over a two-year period. Advocates fear that such cuts would not only lead to a decline in educational quality but also funnel an additional $500 million towards charter and private schools, further exacerbating inequalities within the education system.

During the protest at Fountain Square, families marched towards the governor's local office, seeking transparency and representation. One protester expressed frustration, stating, "We don’t have anyone in that office to speak with; how are we represented?" This reflects a broader sense of disenfranchisement felt by many families amidst the proposed changes.

The Ripple Effect on Local Districts

CPS Superintendent Shauna Murphy raised alarms regarding the potential ramifications these cuts could have on the school district. She articulated that these budget reductions would necessitate either imposing a heavier tax burden on local communities or discontinuing crucial programs and services that many students rely on.

This urgency was echoed in a recent CPS budget committee meeting where Vice President Eve Bolton highlighted the immediate need for a realistic budget that acknowledges the financial crisis facing the district.

A Call for Action and Community Support

Beach's poignant remark about the Cleveland Browns receiving $600 million from the state legislature led to an empowering moment when she revealed the education community has resorted to crowdfunding initiatives for basic supplies—like the GoFundMe set up for math workbooks, indicating an emergency in educational funding.

The ongoing struggle for adequate public education funding is not just a local issue but part of a longstanding historical context. The anniversary of the DeRolph v. State case, which deemed Ohio's funding system unconstitutional back in 1997, serves as a reminder of the unresolved issues surrounding educational equity in the state.

The Power of Collective Voice in Education

While the threat of significant budget cuts looms, Cincinnati families are determined to advocate for their children's right to quality education. "If you want to make a change in the world, you should come out and do something," encouraged protester Jacob Houston, urging community involvement in the mission for educational advocacy.

Furthermore, this movement can prompt community awareness and engagement around educational issues, calling on locals to support public schools actively. In these challenging fiscal times, sustaining public education is vital, not only for students but for the health of the broader community.

Join the Movement

As Cincinnati's families continue their fight against budget cuts, consider how you can help. Whether it’s spreading the word, attending local meetings, or even contributing to crowdfunding efforts, every action counts. These efforts highlight a critical moment for Ohio's public education system—let's support the next generation and cultivate an environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive.