Since my arrival in Columbus as your state representative, I am proud of the fact that we have funded our K-12 schools at record levels. Although funding has increased overall in recent state budgets, the state funding formula considers several factors in determining a school district’s allocation. In recent budgets, Richland County schools have collectively received more money, but not every Richland County school district has experienced the same increase. The one school district that consistently ends up receiving less of the pie is Ontario.
As your representative, I have studied the cost and performance of all the school districts in Richland County. With regard to Ontario, they receive the lowest revenue of any school district in our county and the second lowest of the five surrounding counties. When you look at expenditures, the Ontario school district has been a good steward of taxpayer’s money. They spend less money than any other school district in the same six county region while maintaining excellence in performance. Ontario consistently ranks as one of the county’s best with regard to producing college and career readiness students. Clearly, they make good use of taxpayer dollars.
I believe the Ontario school district is controlling their expenses and producing quality graduates. As an Ontario graduate and a school district homeowner, I encourage the Ontario community to continue their support for our schools by voting YES on the RENEWAL of the Ontario Local School District’s Emergency Operating Levy on May 2, 2017. Voting YES will NOT increase your taxes!
Thank you.
State Representative Mark J. Romanchuk
