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Article Summary
A proposed Ohio state bill, House Bill 671, could withhold $156 million in state funding from Cincinnati Public Schools if they continue participating in a lawsuit challenging the state’s private school voucher program. Cincinnati public schools officials warn the cuts would devastate classrooms and staffing, potentially eliminating funding for the equivalent of 1,400 teachers. Proponents of the bill say it aims to discourage tax dollars from being used to sue the state. The bill is now before the Ohio House Finance Committee, and its progress could reshape the funding landscape for public education across Ohio.
Proposed funding loss tied to voucher lawsuit
Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) now face deep uncertainty.
State legislators consider a bill that could strip critical funding from districts challenging Ohio’s universal voucher program in court.
Leaders of Cincinnati Public Schools warn that the proposal amounts to a financial crisis for the city’s educators and students.
Moreover, CPS would risk losing about $156 million in state funds — roughly a quarter of the district’s budget. This could happen if House Bill 671 becomes law, according to local reporting from FOX19 NOW.
The bill targets more than 330 Ohio districts. These districts have joined a lawsuit asserting that Ohio’s EdChoice voucher programs pull money away from public schools.
If enacted, state funding for participating districts would be placed in escrow until the lawsuit ends or the district withdraws from the case. Cincinnati Public Schools officials say that could mean lost wages, programs, and services for students.
School board voices strong opposition
Cincinnati Public Schools Board Member Eve Bolton described the bill’s consequences as catastrophic, arguing that the lawsuit is about defending taxpayers and the constitutional promise of strong public education.
“This would be a financial disaster for many, many districts,” Bolton told board members during a recent meeting according to a report by FOX19.
Supporters of the lawsuit, known as Vouchers Hurt Ohio, say the EdChoice program is unconstitutional. They argue it diverts taxpayer dollars into private and religious schools with minimal oversight.
State legislative context and sponsors
House Bill 671 was introduced by Republican Rep. Jamie Callender and referred to the Ohio House Finance Committee. If the committee approves it, the bill must then clear the full Ohio House and Senate before reaching the governor’s desk.
State Senator Jerry Cirino, a supporter of the bill, said it would prevent public school districts from using state funds to sue the state. However, critics counter that such a consequence penalizes districts for defending constitutional rights.
Legal backdrop: voucher system under scrutiny
The lawsuit at the center of this dispute stems from a 2025 trial court ruling. The ruling said Ohio’s EdChoice voucher program violated the state Constitution by creating a “parallel system” of private schools funded at the public’s expense.
The state has appealed that ruling to the Tenth District Court of Appeals. Higher courts are likely to decide the program’s future.
Around half of Ohio’s public school districts have since joined the legal challenge. Many leaders argue that voucher expansion — which cost the state nearly $1 billion last fiscal year — has strained public district budgets.
Impact on classrooms, staffing, and local levies
District officials estimate a funding cut of this magnitude could equate to eliminating the budget for 1,400 full-time teaching positions across Cincinnati Public Schools.
Without state dollars, the district might need to reduce programs or delay facility upgrades. Alternatively, they may need to pursue new local levies to maintain operations and classroom offerings.
Community advocates are mobilizing to educate parents and voters about the potential impact. Local leaders emphasize that Cincinnati public schools already face enrollment and resource challenges that make sustained funding vital.
Broader education policy debates in Ohio
This issue connects to larger state debates about public school funding fairness. The debate also addresses how taxpayer dollars should be allocated between public and private education. Past budget proposals in Ohio have shifted significant money toward voucher programs. Meanwhile, public districts struggle with rising costs and inflation.
Some lawmakers argue that setting boundaries on how districts use state funds is appropriate. Others say rigorous public dialogue and legislative compromise are needed. Cincinnati Public Schools advocates continue to press their case in Columbus.
What’s next for house bill 671
House Bill 671 remains under review in committee. Lawmakers are expected to debate amendments and fiscal impacts in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, stakeholders on both sides are preparing testimony and public comment.
If the bill advances, it could mark a significant turning point in how Ohio funds and regulates public education.
FAQs
What is House Bill 671?
House Bill 671 is proposed Ohio legislation that would place state funding for public school districts — including Cincinnati Public Schools — in escrow if those districts participate in a lawsuit challenging the state’s voucher program.
Why are Cincinnati public schools at risk of losing funding?
Cincinnati Public Schools joined a lawsuit arguing that the EdChoice voucher system diverts taxpayer money from public to private schools. The proposed bill targets districts that are part of that lawsuit.
How much funding could Cincinnati public schools lose?
The district could lose about $156 million in state funding, roughly 25% of its annual operating budget.
What would happen to the withheld funds?
Under the bill, funds would be held in escrow until the lawsuit is resolved or the district withdraws from it.
What is the legal status of the voucher lawsuit?
A lower court ruled parts of the EdChoice program unconstitutional, and the decision is now under appeal in the Ohio Tenth District Court of Appeals.
How could this affect local levies?
If state funding decreases, districts like Cincinnati Public Schools may need to seek additional local levies to maintain staffing and programs.
