What is the Fair School Funding Plan (FSFP)?
The Fair School Funding Plan (FSFP) was designed as an objective, needs-based, and transparent funding formula for Ohio’s K-12 public schools. Inspired by former Ohio legislators, Speaker Bob Cupp (R) and Representative John Patterson (D), the plan was conceived and developed by active Ohio Superintendents and Treasurers/CFOs. The Ohio General Assembly overwhelmingly approved House Bill 110, which contained the FSFP, with a vote of 84 to 13, making it effective in fiscal year 2022. By fiscal year 2025, 66.67% of the planned funding levels had been implemented, with the phase-in set to reach full funding by fiscal year 2027. Once fully phased in, the FSFP will provide constitutionally appropriate funding levels for traditional school districts, Career Tech Centers, and Education Service Centers.
How did it come to be? How did it happen?
Bob Cupp, a Republican from Allen County’s Lima, and John Patterson, a Democrat from Jefferson in Ashtabula County, once served as Ohio legislators who left a significant legacy in school funding reform. Cupp, an experienced public servant with 30 years in elected office, had a reputation for being principled and effective. Patterson, a former history teacher, brought passion and a fresh perspective to his first elected role, driven by a commitment to “fix school funding.”
During the summer of 2017, shortly after the Legislature adopted its biennium budget for fiscal years 2018 and 2019, the two began discussing the status of the state’s existing school funding formula. They both found it unfair and inconsistent, with provisions that had lost their meaning. This, they noted, had led to “residual budgeting,” where school appropriations were based on available funds rather than actual student needs.
From 2015 to the end of their terms, Cupp and Patterson served together on the House Education Committee, the House Finance Committee, and the Finance Committee’s Subcommittee on Primary and Secondary Education, where Cupp served as chair. Their shared concern over the funding formula’s failure to meet Ohio’s educational needs led them to the conclusion that it needed a complete overhaul. They agreed that this reform should not be driven by consultants but crafted by Ohio educators, who best understood the needs of the state’s students. The formula, they believed, should be objective, transparent, and rooted in research, best practices, resource analysis, and the professional judgment of educators.
“Justify! Justify! Justify!” became their rallying cry for the members of the FSFP WorkGroup, encapsulating their commitment to ensuring every element of the new formula was thoroughly validated. Although both legislators have since left office, their work laid the foundation for ongoing efforts to create a more equitable and effective school funding system in Ohio.
How does the Fair School Funding Plan (FSFP) help Ohio’s public schools?
The FSFP has led to significant funding increases for Ohio’s public schools:
Has provided approximately $1.5 Billion increase in State Funding since FY 2022 and a 12.1% Increase to traditional PK-12 school funding in the latest budget
Raised State’s Base Cost from $6,020 per pupil in FY 2021 to an average of $7,350 in FY 2023, and $8,240 in FY 2025
How is the FSFP different from past funding models?
This formula is built around the student and their entire educational experience. It considers the "whole student" by including elements such as instruction, co-curriculars, professional development for teachers, social-emotional and career readiness counseling, and technology—components that were not part of previous models.
This is a unique model, designed to address the needs of Ohio’s students today and prepare Ohio’s workforce of tomorrow.
Also, it is not prescriptive; it respects local control and allows districts the flexibility to direct the prescribed resources to meet the specific needs of their students.
What are the essential components of the FSFP?
There are three Essential Components of FSFP:
Base Cost – Establishes a foundational per-pupil funding level
State and Local Share – Equitably divides funding responsibilities
Categorical Aid – Addresses additional educational needs, such as special education, English Language Learners, and economically disadvantaged students
How does the FSFP benefit
Ohio’s public schools?
The Fair School Funding Plan (FSFP), adopted by the Ohio General Assembly, is transforming public education funding across the state. Phased in over six years, the plan will be fully implemented by FY 2027. Below is an overview of its significant benefits:
Base Cost Calculation - A new needs-based, objective formula calculates the per-pupil funding necessary to provide a high-quality education for students without special needs; the per-pupil base cost has increased from $6,020 in FY 2021 to $8,240 in FY 2025, a 37% rise.
State and Local Share - An improved local share calculation ensures fairer contributions by assessing property values and personal income per pupil.
Career Tech Centers - Adjusted base costs tailored to career tech education reflect unique needs, including pupil/teacher ratios and equipment allowances.
Community Schools - Funding formulas now include tailored calculations for classroom instruction and allowances for facility rentals.
Open Enrollment - Funding now follows the "where taught" model, removing financial transfers between districts and including all students in the teaching district’s local share.
Transportation Improvements - Enhanced calculations based on ridership, with a state share increase from 25% (FY 2021) to 50% (FY 2027); major boosts in funding for special education transportation and the reintroduction of a bus purchase program; a new Transportation Guarantee.
Educational Service Centers (ESCs) - Interim funding ensures essential personnel and facilities costs are covered, with tiered per-pupil amounts for ESCs serving over 5,000 students.
Special Education - Funding increased from 90% to 100% of formula needs, with weighted mechanisms for different disability classifications and expanded transportation support.
Economically Disadvantaged Students - Temporary funding increase to $422 per pupil (up from $272), with additional adjustments for CEP districts.
English Learners (EL) - Extended support for EL students in organized programs until they achieve proficiency, with a two-year monitoring period post-proficiency.
Gifted Education - Funding enhancements based on Ohio Department of Education and Workforce studies to better support gifted programs.
The Fair School Funding Plan is already demonstrating its effectiveness and fairness; but it must become permanent.