Math lesson: Expert talks about funds

By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
N EXPERT ON school funding issues and superintendents of three area school districts met with residents to explain the intricacies of Ohio school funding and why they are asking taxpayers for additional money.
Dick Maxwell, a professor at Ashland University and school funding expert, explained the funding process from its origin and place in the Ohio Constitution right up to the wallets of local taxpayers.
He was followed by superintendents of Poland, Canfield and Boardman school districts in their quest to gain support for levies on the November ballot.
In explaining how the system works, Maxwell pointed to a list of the 20 wealthiest and 20 poorest school districts in the state in terms of property value. Campbell and Wellsville local school districts appeared on the list of least wealthy. No school district in Mahoning, Trumbull or Columbiana counties appeared on the list of most wealthy districts.
Maxwell said it is important to understand what districts have the least amount of property value wealth because that is how the state determines what districts will get the most funding.
Figuring it out
A math formula is applied using the property valuation per pupil.
Maxwell said the problem with this system for districts considered to be somewhat wealthy, such as Canfield, Poland and Boardman, is something called "phantom funding."
He said as property values increase with inflation, the millage is adjusted so the money received by schools is not increased.
The state, in applying the math formula, will use the increased property values, but the school system does not see funds from the increase.
Because the property value is higher, the state gives that district less money, leaving those districts to ask taxpayers for more money, Maxwell said.
What districts are seeking
Boardman Superintendent Don Dailey said his district will ask taxpayers to approve an additional 5.9-mill levy. He said a combination of loss revenue and a list of added expenditures are responsible for the district's need for more money. This is the first request for additional funds in six years.
Dante Zambrini, Canfield superintendent, said his district will ask taxpayers for 6.9 mills in November. Should the levy fail, the district will soon be looking at a deficit and forced to eliminate some pupil busing and ask pupils to pay to participate in extracurricular activities.
"We, the three school districts represented here tonight, are proof that the funding system in Ohio doesn't work," Zambrini said. "I believe that the voters in these districts will do what is right and put children first."
The Canfield district has not requested additional operating funds since 1994.
Poland schools will ask voters for an additional 3.9 mills. Superintendent Dr. Robert Zorn said the district has not asked for additional money in about nine years. The funds are needed to continue the district's high level of education.
"How can we tell these kids, who perform so well, that we are not going to buy you any new books to keep you on the cutting edge, but when you go to take the [proficiency] test, we expect you to continue to score at the same level. That is not fair to the kids," he said.