Fair School Funding Plan Integral for Rural Public Schools

COLUMBUS – The League of Women Voters of Ohio and Ohio Farmers Union held a Statehouse rally today, billed as a “Tailgate for Rural Public Schools.”

Several speakers, including two educators from rural and small-town public-school districts participated. The speakers included, Bryn Bird, president of the Ohio Farmers Union; Jen Miller, executive director of the League of Women Voters of Ohio; John Patterson, former state representative and an original author of the Ohio Fair School Funding Plan; Daniel Murphy, an Ironton teacher and football coach and Alex Myers, a public school teacher from Marietta.

Those gathered asked the Ohio Senate to enact the Ohio Fair School Funding Plan which passed in a recent General Assembly. Advocates also are asking the State Senate to not punish public school districts for having carry-over funds related to COVID-19 and other federal government programs from the past few years – the so-called 30 percent carryover cap from the House budget.

“Today, we are calling upon the Ohio Senate to fully fund our rural public schools, Miller said.

“As a rural public school graduate, I can tell you that our public schools put the heart in the heartland. Not only are public schools major employers and a source of multi-generational pride, but they also educate the next generation of voters and civic leaders. Shortchanging public education harms us all.”

“The question of funding Ohio’s public schools is not just a constitutional mandate, but it is also a moral litmus test. Does the Ohio legislature have the desire, the courage, and the will to take such a stand?  Their actions will be judged now and by future generations for the FSFP the right approach, and the right time, for the right reasons,” said Patterson.

“The 30% carryover suggestion is misguided. Who among us does not, in good financial stewardship, create a rainy-day fund?  If such a fund is good enough for the State of Ohio, it is good enough for local school districts,” Patterson added.

Bryn Bird said, “I am proud that my first event at the Statehouse as OFU president is for fair public school funding.”

“Rural Schools are the heart of a community. It’s not just a place where kids go to school – You are generationally a Viking, a Bulldog, a Bearcat or a Golden Gale, Bird said.”

by Melissa Cropper, president, Ohio Federation of Teachers

This op-ed was orignally published on Barn Raiser:

Rural communities depend on strong connections between neighbors, local businesses, nonprofits and local government. Public schools are the glue that holds these connections together. As president of the Ohio Federation of Teachers, a statewide union representing K-12 teachers and staff as well as other education, library and social work professionals, I’m able to see what this looks like at a granular level in our rural school districts across the state.

Big things are happening in this small school district: a daycare program trains high school students in early childhood education by allowing them to provide free child care to New Lexington Schools staff; a pre-apprenticeship program for juniors and seniors with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers guarantees apprenticeship placement for successful participants; a working farm owned by the district gives agriculture students hands-on experiences with crops and animals; a phlebotomy career program has plans to expand into other health care pathways; a commercial kitchen that serves the community teaches culinary skills and life lessons to students with multiple disabilities. Such opportunities aren’t just for older students. In one part of the program, third grade students learn how to weld and use those skills to complete art projects.

In New Lexington, teachers, business and community leaders and Casey Coffey, the visionary superintendent of the district, have worked together to integrate education with the needs of the community, making learning more relevant for students and providing them with multiple pathways for success after graduation.

Connecting students with the community is common in rural schools across Ohio. In Van Wert County, school counselor Kerry Koontz runs CEO (Career Education Opportunity), a program that allows juniors and seniors in Van Wert City Schools to explore careers with local businesses, nonprofits and government agencies. Many of these students return to Van Wert after college to work at the same place, helping reverse the rural “brain drain” that saps communities of homegrown talent.

In Medina County, Ohio, two eighth grade students at Buckeye Junior High and an elementary school student at the Confetti Project’s Books on Blankets event, where the older students read books and led discussions with the younger students.
In Buckeye Local Schools in Medina County, middle-school teacher Jody Keith runs the Confetti Project, a reading program that connects students with teachers, administrators, school board members and other community members. After the COVID years, when students started meeting again in person, Jody noticed the lack of social interaction in the school. She talked with her principal about starting a reading program that would build engagement and spread kindness “like confetti.” She invited her students to choose a book that resonated with them in some way, and then to invite an adult in the school system or community to read the same book and discuss it with them. Adults who have participated in this program often get teary-eyed talking about how they bonded with students. And Jody beams as she shares how students have interacted with each other and sharing their experiences.

In Cory-Rawson Local Schools in Hancock County, Wendi Davis and Emily Boerger, co-presidents of their OFT local union, started a food pantry and closet to help meet the needs of students and their families who can’t always afford regular meals or adequate clothing.

Our rural schools are the hubs of our small towns and rural areas. Investing in them brings people closer together and that proximity leads to innovative collaborations that benefit students, families and the whole community.

However, instead of investing in our students’ futures by fully and fairly funding the public schools that more than 90% of rural students attend, a national movement to privatize education through a voucher system is sweeping the nation, backed by Trump administration and anti-public education legislators in states across the country.

In Ohio, the overwhelming majority of private schools are in urban metro areas—many rural counties have zero or just one private school that accepts vouchers—but the costs of vouchers has a downward impact on public school funding. This results in a transfer of wealth from rural communities to a private school industry that barely serves rural areas. This disinvestment in public schools tears at the connective tissue of Ohio’s rural areas and small towns. When school districts are reduced to minimum funding levels, they don’t have the staff or resources to take on big projects that advance their students and communities.

For decades, voucher proponents couched their agenda as a pathway for low-income students to “escape their failing local school.” The first problem with this is that private schools do not perform better than these supposedly failing schools. Instead, studies in Ohio in 2016 and 2020 showed that public school students outperform their peers in private schools.

The second problem is that as vouchers expanded, they were used not by students leaving the public school system but rather students who were already private schools. For example, when Ohio went to universal vouchers in 2023, almost 69,000 new vouchers were given out; however, private school enrollment only grew by 3,700 students. The other 65,000-plus vouchers went to students who were already in private schools. Furthermore, the percentage of low-income students receiving these vouchers dropped from 67% to 17%.

Legislators strictly limit assistance for basic needs, but issue vouchers at all income levels.
The annual income cap for a family of 4 to access school vouchers is $140,000. (Policy Matters Ohio)
That’s when the rhetoric changed from “helping disadvantaged students” to “school choice.” But in rural Ohio, as in other rural areas across the country, there is no real “choice” because rural areas don’t have the population density to support competing school systems. Likewise, many students with special needs, regardless of whether they live in a small town or big city, are shut out of private schools, which are allowed to deny admission to any student they don’t want. Our public schools are open to all children because all children deserve a quality education.

Yet more and more money is being drained from our rural public schools each year. Republican Governor Mike DeWine’s budget proposed that Ohio spend $2.5 billion over the next two years on private school vouchers, while cutting funding at 349 public (mostly rural) school districts. The Republican supermajority in the Ohio House, under the leadership of House Speaker Matt Huffman, is in the process of passing their budget proposal, which also underfunds public schools, completely eliminates a bipartisan funding formula and creates a brand new voucher that can be used at non-regulated private schools that were previously exempt from receiving vouchers.

At the same time, the Trump administration is hollowing out the Department of Education and creating extreme uncertainty about federal support for public schools, which primarily funds programs for students with disabilities and students in low-income school districts. Rural public schools rely on this funding stream and will need to make devastating cuts if that funding is interrupted.

This would hit hard in areas like Brown County in southern Ohio, where I grew up and began my career. Our school district, Georgetown Exempted Village Schools, is in Ohio House District 63 with 28 other school districts. Together these districts serve 14,875 students and they will lose a combined $8,327,571. In this same area however, only one voucher-eligible school exists, which serves 191 students. Instead of being able to expand education opportunities—like those that are happening in New Lexington, in Van Wert, in Cory-Rawson, and in districts throughout Ohio—our public schools are going to be forced to make tough decisions about what they can provide for students.

We can, and must, stand up for our rural public schools before it’s too late. Here are three things that you can do in your communities:

Educate yourself and your neighbors about the damage that private school vouchers do to rural public schools. Some helpful resources include: the National Coalition for Public Education, EdTrust, Public Funds Public Schools and the Economic Policy Institute.
Be vocal about your opposition to vouchers. Write editorials in your local newspaper. Share information on social media. Testify at statehouse meetings. Most importantly, contact your state and federal legislators. Let them know that you, as their constituent, expect them to protect your public school and to vote against any privatization efforts.
Make public education a priority in future elections. Educate candidates on the impact that privatization has on rural schools. Many candidates erroneously believe that vouchers only impact urban and suburban areas. Let them know that rural schools are the most impacted because of their reliance on state funding. Refuse to vote for candidates who support privatization.
Our rural students, indeed all students, deserve good schools. We cannot stand by silently as voucher expansion is being pushed from a federal level to all areas of the country. Our rural voices are not only needed in this conversation, they are critical to turning back this privatization tide.

National Farmers Union (NFU) today concluded the Week of Action that gathered more than 100 farmers from across the country to the halls of Congress and spurred local action from hundreds of family farmers and ranchers in their home states. Farmers Union members’ message was clear: farmers across the country are facing a perfect storm of volatile markets, rising input costs, shrinking federal support and mounting trade tensions — all with no new farm bill in sight. “We are so deeply indebted to over 100 farm families who have taken time from what is the busiest time of year for many farmers and ranchers to travel here, deliver the news themselves and tell their stories about why action is so necessary right now,” said NFU President Rob Larew. On Tuesday, May 6, NFU hosted a press conference with Representative Marcy Kaptur (OH-09) at the House Triangle to spotlight five farmers who shared their personal stories on how the lack of a farm bill has caused stress and uncertainty during the crucial planting season. “Prices are low, and the time to do something for our  family farmers and ranchers is now,” said NFU Vice President Jeff Kippley. “Our safety net right now is inadequate. That is why we are taking time off of our farms and ranches when we should be calving out cattle, putting them to grass, putting seeds in the ground. We are out here in D.C. talking to our legislators and asking them to get the job done. Let’s get to work, let’s roll up our sleeves and let’s get a farm bill.” Farmers Union members advocated for easing the burden on farmers by passing a strong, united and comprehensive five-year farm bill that strengthens the farm safety net, builds upon voluntary conservation programs, fosters fairness and opportunity in the marketplace, delivers fast and reliable risk management programs and garners broad support from both farmers and consumers.

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A Talk in Kent, Ohio with Ohio Farmers Union and Others

Have you noticed the price of eggs? Who hasn’t! How do government actions and tariffs impact the livelihoods of farmers in Northeast Ohio and beyond? And what does that mean for consumers, especially as far as food safety? The public is invited to hear presentations on the significant changes in food and farm policy, Thursday, May 22, 7 p.m., Hobbs Hall, Kent.

The League of Women Voters of Kent and partners Haymaker Farmers’ Market, the Ohio Farmers Union and the Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent will sponsor a free educational event to address the growing concerns regarding tariffs, food safety and farming. Professionals will discuss current farm/food policies and how this affects farmers, distributors and consumers.

The presentation will begin at 7 p.m. at Hobbs Hall, 217 N. Mantua St., Kent, Ohio. Hobbs Hall is a facility of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent.

Speakers

Joe Logan

Logan is a 5th generation family farmer from Northeastern Ohio. The farm has specialized in producing a variety of products including milk, grass-fed beef, non-GMO grains, maple syrup and organic crops. Logan has served as the President of the Ohio Farmers Union, a Director of Agricultural Programs for the Ohio Environmental Council, a Director for the National Farmers Union Board, and a member of the Farm, Ranch and Rural Communities Committee of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Matt Herbruck

Matt Herbruck has been an organic farmer for 30 years. He currently owns and operates Birdsong Farm in Hiram, Portage County. There he grows USDA certified organic vegetables, herbs and flowers which he sells locally through several area farmers markets as well as a Community Supported Agriculture program. He also works with Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association on the Soil Health Initiative and the Farmer Mentor Program.

The purpose of this presentation is to provide facts and answer questions to help attendees make informed decisions. The event is free and open to the public. For more information: lwvkent@gmail.com.

The Ohio Farmers Union (OFU) is a non-profit, nonpartisan, member driven association. OFU is part of the National Farmers Union, established in 1902. Both organizations provide strong voices for family farmers, communities, and consumers. OFU opposes the dominance of corporate agribusinesses in food and farm policies. The Ohio Farmers Union adheres to the principals of education, legislation advocacy and cooperative development. You can learn more at https://ohfarmersunion.org.

Haymaker Farmers’ Market, Portage County’s oldest producer’s only farmers’ market, provides a connection between producers of local food and the community by creating a vibrant and sustainable gathering place promoting direct access to fresh and prepared food, agricultural and environmental education and the arts. Open year-round, it is located in downtown Kent on Franklin Ave, under Haymaker Parkway (Ohio 59) bridge. For information about the market hours, go here: https://www.haymakermarket.com.

The League of Women Voters of Kent is a nonpartisan political organization encouraging the informed and active participation of citizens in government. It influences public policy through education and advocacy. The Kent League is committed to building a diverse organization that supports a community of respect, celebration and empowerment for people of all backgrounds, generations and cultures to participate in government. All other information about the league can be found at kentlwv.org or on the Facebook page at League of Women Voters of Kent.

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National Farmers Union (NFU) applauds the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) emergency fuel waiver allowing nationwide sale of E15 gasoline during the summer driving season. NFU has long advocated for year-round access to E15 and the expansion of higher ethanol blends, such as E30. 

“Nationwide E15 is a win for American farmers and consumers. Expanding access to homegrown E15 and higher blends during the summer travel season strengthens America’s biofuels economy, creates new markets for our farmers, and keeps more energy dollars here in our rural communities,” said NFU President Rob Larew. “Administrator Zeldin’s announcement provides welcome reassurance to family farmers and ranchers facing increased uncertainty in the agricultural economy.” 

NFU proudly endorsed the bipartisan Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, reintroduced in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. NFU urges Congress to act swiftly to pass this critical legislation, ensuring stronger, more reliable biofuels markets year-round. 

The waiver allows E15 to continue being sold this summer. It takes effect May 1, 2025, and runs through May 20, 2025. 

National Farmers Union (NFU) today sent a letter to the U.S. House and Senate, urging lawmakers to support the Trade Review Act of 2025. This bipartisan legislation would reassert Congressional authority to review and approve any new tariffs imposed by the administration.  

“We need congressional oversight of tariffs and trade policy to ensure measures are thoughtful and positively impact the agriculture economy. Family farmers and ranchers are facing historic levels of uncertainty, and the recent flurry of tariff announcements, followed by abrupt reversals, has only deepened that volatility,” said NFU President Rob Larew. “These actions force our long-standing trading partners to retaliate with tariffs on U.S. agricultural goods and look elsewhere for more affordable products. Once we lose these markets, they’re nearly impossible to win back.” 

The Trade Review Act of 2025, introduced by Sens. Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Reps. Don Bacon (R-NE-02) and Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ-05), would restore Congressional oversight as outlined in Article 1, Section 8 of the U.S. Constitution. 

“We appreciate these congressional leaders’ bipartisan, pragmatic approach on behalf of American agriculture. We urge all lawmakers to stand with family farmers and ranchers by supporting the Trade Review Act of 2025,” added Larew. 

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, on National Agriculture Day, announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is issuing up to $10 billion directly to agricultural producers through the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) for the 2024 crop year. Administered by USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA), ECAP will help agricultural producers mitigate the impacts of increased input costs and falling commodity prices.

“Producers are facing higher costs and market uncertainty, and the Trump Administration is ensuring they get the support they need without delay,” said Secretary Rollins. “With clear direction from Congress, USDA has prioritized streamlining the process and accelerating these payments ahead of schedule, ensuring farmers have the resources necessary to manage rising expenses and secure financing for next season.”

Authorized by the American Relief Act, 2025, these economic relief payments are based on planted and prevented planted crop acres for eligible commodities for the 2024 crop year. To streamline and simplify the delivery of ECAP, FSA will begin sending pre-filled applications to producers who submitted acreage reports to FSA for 2024 eligible ECAP commodities soon after the signup period opens on March 19, 2025. Producers do not have to wait for their pre-filled ECAP application to apply. They can visit fsa.usda.gov/ecap to apply using a login.gov account or contact their local FSA office to request an application once the signup period opens.

Eligible Commodities and Payment Rates

The commodities below are eligible for these per-acre payment rates:

• Wheat – $30.69	Eligible oilseeds:
• Corn – $42.91	• Canola – $31.83
• Sorghum – $42.52	• Crambe – $19.08
• Barley – $21.67	• Flax – $20.97
• Oats – $77.66	• Mustard – $11.36
• Upland cotton & Extra-long staple cotton – $84.74	• Rapeseed – $23.63
• Long & medium grain rice – $76.94	• Safflower – $26.32
• Peanuts – $75.51	• Sesame – $16.83
• Soybeans – $29.76	• Sunflower – $27.23
• Dry peas – $16.02
• Lentils – $19.30
• Small Chickpeas – $31.45
• Large Chickpeas – $24.02

Producer Eligibility

Eligible producers must report 2024 crop year planted and prevented planted acres to FSA on an FSA-578, Report of Acreage form. Producers who have not previously reported 2024 crop year acreage or filed a notice of loss for prevented planted crops must submit an acreage report by the Aug. 15, 2025, deadline. Eligible producers can visit fsa.usda.gov/ecap for eligibility and payment details.

Applying for ECAP

Producers must submit ECAP applications to their local FSA county office by Aug. 15, 2025. Only one application is required for all ECAP eligible commodities nationwide. ECAP applications can be submitted to FSA in-person, electronically using Box and One-Span, by fax or by applying online at fsa.usda.gov/ecap utilizing a secure login.gov account.

If not already on file for the 2024 crop year, producers must have the following forms on file with FSA:

• Form AD-2047, Customer Data Worksheet.

• Form CCC-901, Member Information for Legal Entities (if applicable).

• Form CCC-902, Farm Operating Plan for an individual or legal entity.

• Form CCC 943, 75 percent of Average Gross Income from Farming, Ranching, or Forestry Certification (if applicable).

• AD-1026, Highly Erodible Land Conservation (HELC) and Wetland Conservation (WC) Certification.

• SF-3881, Direct Deposit.

Except for the new CCC-943, most producers, especially those who have previously participated in FSA programs, likely have these forms on file. However, those who are uncertain and want to confirm the status of their forms or need to submit the new Form-943, can contact their local FSA county office.

If a producer does not receive a pre-filled ECAP application, and they planted or were prevented from planting ECAP eligible commodities in 2024, they should contact their local FSA office.

2025 Policy Proposals Passed

(Lima, OH) — The Ohio Farmers Union (OFU) held its 91st Annual State Convention on January 25^th. Members gathered in Lima to celebrate the organization’s work in 2024 and learn from experts on tariffs, state education funding and crop price outlooks for 2025. During the event, Bryn Bird was elected as the new President, succeeding Joe Logan, who has served the organization with dedication for the past 10 years.

Bird is co-owner of Bird’s Haven Farms in Granville. She is partners with her brother, Lee Bird. Bird’s Haven is a multi-crop vegetable farm that also operates a community supported agriculture subscription service. Bird’s Haven is a regular at area farm markets and Bryn Bird helped establish what is now the Canal Market District in Newark, Ohio. 

Bird has a history of advocating for family farmers and local agriculture. She has been an active member of the Farmers Union for more than ten years and has served on the National Farmers Union (NFU) policy committee.

“People are more concerned than ever about corporate control over our food system, and that’s exactly what the Ohio Farmers Union has been fighting against for the past 91 years,” said Bird.

“I’m excited to work alongside our members to tackle these challenges and continue advocating for policies that support family farms and protect consumers.”

Joe Logan, who has served as President of OFU for the past 10 years has been a tireless advocate for farmers across Ohio. His leadership has been instrumental in advancing the interests of family farmers, supporting fair trade policies, and promoting sustainable farming practices.

 Logan has earned widespread respect for his efforts regarding clean water throughout the state and working to educate farmers about their rights regarding various checkoff progams. 

“It’s time for this 91-year-old organization to shift to the next generation,” said Logan.

“Bryn Bird is uniquely qualified to represent a farm organization in Ohio that is solely dedicated to family farms, fairness in the ag industry and preserving our natural resources for the next generation,” Logan added.

As OFU president, Bird will serve on the NFU Board of Directors and have an active role in guiding the state and national Farmers Union public policy and government lobbying efforts.

During the convention, OFU also set their policy agenda for 2025. This agenda includes fair and adequate public-school funding, fair legislative districts, protecting Ohio’s natural resources while supporting American manufacturing, public option for health insurance, and continued concern over injection well contamination.

About Ohio Farmers Union
The Ohio Farmers Union is a nonprofit organization dedicated to representing the interests of family farmers in Ohio. With a focus on economic fairness, sustainability, and rural community support, the OFU works to ensure that family farms remain viable for future generations.

To see the Ohio Farmers Union 2025 policy proposals, (Special Orders of Business), please see ohfarmersunion.org.

91st Annual Meeting to be Held in Lima, Ohio with Keynote Speakers Ag Economists Ian Sheldon and Barry Ward from Ohio State

The 2025 Ohio Farmers Union State Convention will be held in Lima, Ohio on Saturday, January 25 at the Howard Johnson’s Hotel and Convention Center.

Prof. Ian Sheldon, an economist specializing in ag economics and international trade will be a keynote speaker followed later in the day by Prof. Barry Ward. Former USDA official Chris Gibbs will speak as well as State Board of Education member and former Ohio State Sen. Theresa Fedor. The program will include a presentation from the National Farmers Union focusing on the changing politics in Washington, D.C. regarding the Farm Bill, trade and efforts to curtail anti-competitive practices among the large, multi-national seed, feed and nutrient companies.

Former State Senator Theresa Fedor and current State of Ohio Board of Education member will also speak at the convention regarding state of Ohio public education policy.

OFU will also consider and pass ‘special orders of business’ that serve as the organization’s public policy emphasis for 2025.

Water quality in Ohio, public education funding and local rule are among the issues OFU will consider.

“In one sense – nationally, we’ve been here before,” said OFU President Joe Logan.

“We’re anticipating some significant changes as the new Trump Administration assembles and take heart in that he understands that rural America is a critical constiuency.”

OFU members, farmers and consumers are encouraged to attend the OFU convention. For those interested in attending, navigate to the registration page to sign up. Inquiries may be addressed to Ron Sylvester at rcs@ronsylvester.com, including questions about accomocations. The cost of the convention is $40 per person which includes a luncheon.