Superintendent's Message

Understanding School Funding: A Shared Responsibility

Over the summer, conversations about property taxes were front and center across Ohio. With that in mind, I want to take a moment to thank our community for its continued support of the Aurora City Schools and to offer a brief explanation of how public education is funded.

Ohio law provides little to no alternate source of revenue for public schools outside of property taxes. Unlike other public institutions, we do not receive sales tax or income tax allocations from local sources. Compounding the challenge is House Bill 920 (originally passed in 1976), which limits school districts to collecting the same dollar amount that was approved when a levy originally passed, regardless of inflation or rising costs. That is why districts like ours return to voters roughly every five years: not for more, but simply to maintain current services.  In Aurora, we strive to create exceptional opportunities for our students while doing so in a fiscally responsible manner.

Today, Aurora receives only about 18% of its funding from the state. This percentage has steadily declined as Ohio has redirected more than a billion dollars toward its universal school voucher program (public dollars that now subsidize private school tuition). This program is currently under legal challenge, with its constitutionality being reviewed through the courts.

Despite these fiscal realities, our commitment remains unchanged. We continue to invest wisely and responsibly in programs, staff, and resources that place students at the center of every decision. And we do so with gratitude for a community that values strong public schools and the opportunities they create for all children, so that they leave us future ready!

Thank you for standing with us. Your support ensures that Aurora students receive the education they deserve, in a district that continues to thrive because of you…our Aurora community.

Go Greenmen!