Ohio schools keep federal aid to save teacher jobs

COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio school districts are holding on to millions of dollars they received in 2010 to help save teachers’ jobs.

The Columbus Dispatch reports districts and charter schools in Ohio got $360 million in Education Jobs Fund money but have spent only about one-tenth of that. It was part of an aid package Congress passed.

Many Ohio schools kept the money in anticipation of cuts in the upcoming two-year state budget. The remaining $328 million complicates the debate over school funding as lawmakers and school officials try to sort out to what extent the one-time money might make up for other funding cuts.

South-Western schools treasurer Hugh Garside says his Columbus-area district saved nearly $4.4 million for “a rainy day.” He says it will help cover a funding gap next year.