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Beavercreek City Schools

ONE DISTRICT, ONE MISSION, ONE CREEK

Property Taxes & School Funding

Property Taxes & School Funding

Understanding the Connection Between Property Taxes and Public Education

Families across Ohio deserve relief from rising property taxes, and communities deserve strong schools, safe neighborhoods, and reliable public services. Beavercreek City Schools supports efforts to find balanced solutions that provide tax relief while maintaining the resources necessary to educate students and support our community.

This page provides information about Ohio's school funding system, the changing property tax landscape, and resources to help community members better understand current policy discussions.

Ohio Schools’ Commitments

Transparency

We will continue to be clear about where funding comes from and how it is spent, ensuring accountability to taxpayers.

Empathy

Property taxes feel high because they are high—homeowners and farmers are paying more than ever before.

Partnership

We support reforms that relieve families while also ensuring strong schools and safe, thriving communities.

Key Point

Unlike those who blame schools for rising property taxes, Ohio schools are allies of taxpayers. State-level tax policy changes have shifted the burden dramatically: homeowners and farmers now carry nearly 70% of the load—the highest in state history.

Balanced reform is necessary. Families deserve relief. Schools and communities deserve stability. Together, both are possible.

Quick Links

Property Tax Reform Information

Understanding Property Taxes in Ohio

Property taxes play a significant role in funding public schools, local governments, libraries, and other community services throughout Ohio.

In recent years, rising property values and changes in state tax policy have led to increased discussion about property tax reform. Families, homeowners, farmers, businesses, schools, and local governments all have a stake in finding solutions that provide tax relief while preserving essential community services.

This page provides information about how property taxes support public education and the ongoing discussions surrounding property tax reform in Ohio.

How Public Schools Are Funded

State Funding

Ohio provides funding to public schools through state education appropriations.

Local Property Taxes

Local property taxes provide a significant portion of school funding for many districts.

Other Revenue Sources

Schools may also receive revenue from grants, fees, federal funding, and other local sources.

 

Why Is Property Tax Reform Being Discussed?

Rising Property Values

As property values increase, homeowners may experience higher tax bills.

Tax Burden Shifts

Over time, the share of school property taxes paid by homeowners and farmers has increased.

Impact on Public Services

Any changes to property tax laws can affect schools, municipalities, libraries, fire departments, and other local services.

Finding Balance

Policymakers continue to discuss ways to provide taxpayer relief while maintaining funding for community services.

  • State Policy Shifts
    Over time, state-level decisions have placed greater reliance on local property taxes to fund schools.

  • School District Actions
    Districts have already implemented consolidations, shared services, and efficiency measures to reduce costs while protecting student learning.

  • Changing Tax Burden
    The balance has shifted significantly: homeowners and farmers now pay nearly 70% of school property taxes, compared to just 47% in 1991. Businesses, by contrast, carry a far smaller share than they once did.

  • Community Actions
    Residents can play an important role by:

    • Talking directly with legislators about the need for fair reform.

    • Informing teachers and staff about the impact of state policy changes.

    • Engaging neighbors and community members in conversations about equity.

    • Advocating for solutions that ensure schools remain strong and property tax reform is balanced.

Infographic titled 'Ohio Schools for Balanced Property Tax Reform' explaining school funding.

Contact Your Legislators

If you would like to share your thoughts regarding property tax reform and school funding, please contact your elected representatives.

Governor Mike DeWine

614-466-3555

Contact the Governor's Office Here

Senator Kyle Koehler

614-466-3780

Koehler@ohiosenate.gov

Representative Brian Lampton

614-466-3780

Rep70@ohiohouse.gov

Senate President Rob McColley

614-466-8150

mccolley@ohiosenate.gov

Speaker of the House Matt Huffman

614-466-6344

Rep78@ohiohouse.gov

Additional Legislative Directories

Ohio Senate Directory

Find contact information for all Ohio State Senators.

View Senate Directory

Ohio House Directory

Find contact information for all Ohio House Representatives.

View House Directory

Legislative Update 11/20/2026

 

Letter to the Greene County Community

How You Can Help

Leverage our downloadable advocacy letter and phone script to contact your state legislators. Urge them to support balanced property tax reform that provides relief for families, restores fairness in who pays, and protects strong schools and essential community services. By acting together, we can ensure Beavercreek City Schools remains strong and sustainable for generations to come.

 

Sample Phone Script

 

Sample Email or Letter

The Myth of Exploding School Budgets

MYTH

  1. State revenues have not kept pace.

  • From 2000 to 2022, overall state revenue actually decreased by 2.2% after inflation.

  • On a per student basis, state revenue grew just 6.6% over 22 years — that’s only about 0.3% a year.
    In other words, state funding for each student has been essentially flat for two decades.

MYTH

  1. School spending increases look big until you break them down.

  • Overall, school spending rose 9.4% over 22 years — that’s only 0.43% a year after inflation.

  • On a per-student basis, spending grew 19.4% over 22 years, or about 0.88% a year after inflation.
    Less than 1% growth per year is hardly the “massive increase” some claim.

MYTH

  1. Expectations have skyrocketed while funding hasn’t.

  • Schools are asked to provide far more today than in 2000: new technology, safety measures, mental health supports, career readiness pathways, and more.

  • Yet the dollars to support those responsibilities have stayed nearly flat.

Moving Forward

Beavercreek's students deserve stable, equitable resources that reflect today’s educational costs and community priorities. Thoughtful tax reform is welcome; unfunded mandates are not. By engaging legislators now, residents can protect instructional quality, public safety, and the economic vitality of the entire city, today and for generations to come.

 

How to Help

 

Community members can play an important role in advocating for balanced property tax reform that provides relief for families while protecting strong schools and essential community services.

Use the resources on this page, including our downloadable advocacy letter and phone script, to communicate with your state legislators about the importance of fair and sustainable funding solutions.

Ways you can help:

  • Contact your legislators and encourage them to support balanced property tax reform.
  • Ask important questions, such as: What would losing teachers, staff, programs, or services mean for our community?
  • By working together and making our voices heard, we can help ensure Beavercreek City Schools remains strong, sustainable, and able to serve students and families for generations to come.
  • Share information with neighbors, friends, business leaders, and community organizations to help raise awareness.
  • Encourage thoughtful solutions that provide tax relief while maintaining the quality educational opportunities and community services that residents value.