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Public education in Ohio is crucial to providing our next generation of leaders with the tools and information they need to succeed after graduation. It is my belief that education is a right. While I agree with many other people that the public education system is not perfect, I do believe all children are entitled to fair access to education despite their economic situation. I also strongly believe in the separation of church and state. The current Ohio legislature is working very hard to blur the lines between the two.
Public Education
Changes in funding to favor private schools have a negative impact on students statewide. The Ohio Fair School Funding Plan (FSFP) is an “inputs-based funding model developed by Ohio educators” that uses a variety of metrics to determine how much it will cost to properly educate our children, “ensuring all students receive a high-quality, equitable education.” (Source)
Vouchers
According to Policy Matters Ohio, the 2026/2027 Ohio budget did not follow the FSFP and, as a result, has created a funding gap of $2,753,552,883 for public schools. Instead of following the FSFP, the budget allocates funding based on school report cards. The problem with this is that schools with low scores on the report card are located in districts where many of the students are labeled as “economically disadvantaged.” This budget takes money away from the schools that need it most. The budget also includes increases for private school vouchers, further harming low income public school districts and placing the funding burden on local taxpayers. (Source)
This shift does not make sense for District 85.
| Shelby County | 4 private schools | 569 students |
| 22 public schools | 7,866 students | |
| Champaign County | 2 private schools | 93 students |
| 12 public schools | 5,178 students | |
| Logan County | 1 private school | 452 students |
| 16 public schools | 7,470 students | |
| District 85 | 7 private schools | 1,114 students |
| 50 public schools | 20,514 students |
*Source: Public Schools; Source: Private Schools
Our tax dollars should not be used to fund private schools, most of which are outside of District 85. We need to return to the funding model provided in the FSFP, and ensure that all students get fair access to quality education.
Why the Money in Politics Matters
Church and State
It is worth noting that 100% of the private schools in District 85 are religiously affiliated, blurring the lines between the separation of church and state derived from the United States Constitution. According to an article from ProPublica, the Center for Christian Values takes money from religious schools “(up to $3000/student)” in exchange for lobbying on their behalf. This effectively allows religious schools to “use some of the public money they receive to advocate for the flow of funding to increase.” This group, and other lobbying groups, impact our elections by making deals with candidates and incumbents to pass laws that represent their interests and not the interests of the people of Ohio. (Source)
The Republican led supermajority in the Ohio legislature has passed, or is in the process of trying to pass, the following bills dictating the curriculum in public schools.
The status of each of these bills is as of 3-21-26 per The Ohio Legislature.
Baby Olivia Act (HB 485)
Co-Sponsored by Tim Barhorst (current District 85 Rep). In Senate Committee.
“to require human growth and development instruction in public schools.”
“The curriculum shall include, at a minimum, both of the following:
(1) A high-definition ultrasound video, at least three minutes in duration”
(2) The meet baby Olivia video developed by live action, or its successor entity, or a substantially similar video showing the process of fertilization and each stage of human development inside the uterus…”
Parents Bill of Rights (HB 8)
Co-Sponsored by Tim Barhorst. Signed by the Governor. This is now law.
“require public schools to adopt a policy on parental notification on student health and well-being and instructional materials with sexuality content and regarding school district policies for released time courses in religious instruction.”
American Heritage (HB 486)
Co-Sponsored by Tim Barhorst. In Senate Committee.
“enact the Charlie Kirk American Heritage Act to permit teachers in public schools and state institutions of higher education to provide instruction on the influence of Judeo-Christian values on history and culture.”