On Wednesday, The Buckeye Institute presented its views on Ohio's K-12 budget during a testimony before the Ohio House Education Committee. Greg R. Lawson, a research fellow at the institute, emphasized the importance of funding students directly rather than educational systems. He praised the proposed budget for taking steps in this direction.
Lawson highlighted several aspects of the budget he found commendable. These include phasing out funding guarantees that benefit schools with declining enrollment and increasing per-student allocations for charter school capital costs. He noted that these measures would help ensure state resources go to schools attended by students rather than maintaining "empty desks and classrooms."
Additionally, Lawson pointed out modifications to how public school districts should handle underused buildings, suggesting they be sold to high-performing charter schools. He also welcomed the addition of a college, career, workforce, and military readiness component to state report cards.
Lawson suggested further revisions to enhance student and family support. One proposal is allowing all scholarship recipients, including those from EdChoice, access to Disadvantaged Pupil Impact Aid (DPIA) aimed at supporting lower-income students. According to Lawson, extending DPIA funds could enable non-public schools to educate more disadvantaged students.
He concluded by urging lawmakers to monitor and expand a pilot school transportation program initiated in the previous budget. This program allows two educational service centers to transport students attending participating charter and private schools, thereby easing transportation challenges faced by school districts.
In his closing remarks during the testimony prepared for delivery on March 5, 2025, Lawson stated: “Thank you for your time and attention. I am happy to answer any questions the Committee might have.”