Ohio Property Tax Reform: A Call for Fair, Sustainable Solutions
Summary of Education Leaders’ Open Letters on Proposed Tax Reform
A Growing Concern Across Ohio Communities
Education leaders across Ohio are raising serious concerns about proposed property tax reforms being considered by the state legislature. While many agree that rising property taxes are a real burden — especially for seniors, low-income families, and individuals with disabilities — the current proposals could create even greater problems in the long run.
The Root of the Problem: State Disinvestment in Public Education
Over the past two decades, Ohio has steadily reduced its share of public school funding, placing more responsibility on local taxpayers:
In 2002, Ohio ranked 35th in state funding for education. By 2023, it had fallen to 45th,
among the lowest in the nation.
The state’s share of education funding dropped from 44.8% to 33.5%, while the local
property tax share rose from 49.5% to 53.1%.
Ohio now spends $2,672 less per student in state funding than the national average and
ranks 41st in state revenue per pupil.
What’s at Stake With the Proposed Reform
The proposed tax reform would significantly reduce or eliminate property taxes as a source of school funding, replacing them with state-level revenue sources like sales or income taxes. While this may sound appealing, it comes with serious risks:
1. Loss of Local Control
Currently, school districts can raise funds locally and decide how to spend them.
The reform could centralize funding decisions at the state level, reducing flexibility and
responsiveness to local needs.
2. Funding Cuts to Vital Services
Property taxes fund more than just schools — they also support:
Fire, police, and EMS services
Road and bridge maintenance
Libraries, youth sports, and senior services
Eliminating these taxes could cause widespread cuts to essential services.
3. More Regressive Taxes
To replace property tax revenue, the state may raise sales and/or income taxes.
Sales tax, in particular, is regressive and hits low-income households the hardest.
4. No True Relief — Just a Shift
While property tax bills may go down, increases in other taxes could leave residents
paying the same or more.
The real issue — the state’s lack of financial support for schools — remains unaddressed.
Real Solutions That Protect Communities
Rather than shifting the tax burden from one group to another, leaders across the state call for a more balanced approach:
Targeted Relief for Those Who Need It
Enhanced property tax exemptions for seniors, disabled residents, and low-income
families.
Strengthened homestead exemptions to protect vulnerable homeowners.
Sustainable, Transparent Funding Practices
Revenue caps tied to inflation or income growth to prevent excessive increases.
Community oversight of significant tax changes or levies.
Transparency in tax incentives and abatements at the local level.
Renewed State Commitment
Ohio must restore its commitment to funding public education at levels consistent with
national averages.
A stronger state role would reduce pressure on local taxes without sacrificing services
or local control.
Why It Matters
Public schools are more than places of learning — they are the cornerstone of communities. They prepare children for the future, instill important values, and support families in countless ways. If Ohio’s lawmakers expect schools to deliver excellent outcomes, then the state must provide a reliable, fair, and sustainable funding system — one that reduces inequities and supports local decision-making.
A Final Call to Action
Education leaders urge residents to:
Stay informed about property tax reform proposals.
Engage with local and state officials to advocate for smart, balanced solutions.
Contact information Rep. Bob Peterson 614-466-3506 or
Contact information Senator Shane Wilkin 614-466-8156 or wilkin@ohiosenate.gov
Reject short-term fixes that threaten community services and local authority.
Demand that the state fulfill its responsibility to adequately fund public education.
“If we get public education right, everything else will follow. But if we get it wrong, not much else will matter.”
— Steve Kagen
Let’s get this right — for our kids, our communities, and the future of Ohio.
Thank you,
Rick Bowman & Nathan Webb, Eastern Local School District
Wes Hairston & Megan Williams, Scioto Valley Local School District
Bill Hoover & Becki Peden, Waverly City School District
Brock Brewster & Tyler Cooper, Western Local School District
Eric Meredith & Tonya Cooper, Pike County Joint Career Technology Center