Balancing Fairness and the Future: How Property Tax Reform Impacts Our Schools and Community

Balancing Fairness and the Future: How Property Tax Reform Impacts Our Schools and Community

A Message from Middletown City Schools

Families across Ohio—and right here in Middletown—are feeling the impact of rising property taxes. At the same time, our schools continue to face increasing expectations with limited state funding growth. Achieving both tax relief and strong, thriving schools is possible, but only when the responsibility for funding education is shared fairly among families, businesses, and the state.

Middletown City Schools (MCSD) recognizes that change is necessary, and we are committed to being part of the solution. Any reforms, however, must be balanced—protecting both taxpayers and the quality of education our children deserve. Sustainable progress will come through collaboration, transparency, and a shared commitment to equity and opportunity.

 

What’s Happening

State Policy Shifts
Over time, state-level funding changes have shifted a larger share of education costs onto local property owners. The state’s contribution has not kept pace with rising educational demands.

District Actions
Middletown City Schools has implemented cost-saving measures, shared services, and operational efficiencies to preserve classroom resources and student programs. Our district remains committed to fiscal responsibility while meeting students’ needs.

Changing Tax Burden
In 1991, homeowners and farmers paid about 47% of school property taxes statewide. Today, that share has risen to nearly 70%—the highest in Ohio’s history. Businesses, meanwhile, contribute significantly less than they once did.

Community Actions
Our residents can make a difference by:

• Talking directly with legislators about the need for balanced reform.
• Informing friends, teachers, and staff about how state policies impact our schools.
• Advocating for solutions that relieve families while ensuring strong schools.

Our Commitments

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

Empathy
We understand that property taxes feel high—because they are. Homeowners are carrying more of the load than ever before, and we share the community’s concern.

Partnership
We support reforms that bring relief to families while maintaining the strong, safe, and innovative schools our students need to succeed.

 

The Facts About School Funding

Despite what some may believe, school budgets have not “exploded.” Over the past two decades, schools have taken on much more—technology integration, school safety, student wellness, and workforce readiness programs—without significant increases in state support.

• From 2000 to 2022, overall state revenue for education decreased by 2.2% after adjusting for inflation.
• Per-student state funding increased by only 0.3% per year.
• School spending has grown by less than 1% per year, even as expectations have grown exponentially.

Middletown’s educators and staff continue to do more with less, ensuring every student receives a quality education despite flat state support.

 

Moving Forward

Middletown’s students deserve stable, equitable, and sustainable resources that reflect today’s educational realities. Thoughtful property tax reform is welcome—unfunded mandates are not. By engaging now, residents can protect educational quality, neighborhood safety, and community growth for generations to come.

 

How to Advocate

Your voice matters. Here’s how you can help ensure fair funding and support for Middletown City Schools:

1. Contact your legislators about the need for balanced school-funding reform.
2. Ask: What would losing teachers, staff, or programs mean for our community?
3. Share this message with neighbors, business leaders, and community groups to amplify Middletown’s voice.
4. Personalize your note—share what MCSD means to you and why strong schools matter to our city’s success

Your State Legislators

Ohio Senate – District 4
Senator George F. Lang (R–West Chester Twp.)
Email: lang@ohiosenate.gov
Phone: (614) 466-8072
ohiosenate.gov/members/george-f-lang

Ohio House – District 46
Representative Thomas Hall (R–Madison Twp.)
Address: 77 S. High St., 12th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215
Phone: (614) 644-5094
Email: Rep46@ohiohouse.gov
ohiohouse.gov/members/thomas-hall

Sample Message:

Subject: Support Balanced School Funding Reform
Dear [Sen./Rep. Last Name],
I live in Middletown (ZIP 45042/45044) and support Middletown City Schools. Our community needs balanced property-tax reform that provides relief for families and ensures our schools remain strong.
What would losing teachers, staff, or programs mean for our students and neighborhoods? Please champion policies that share responsibility fairly among the state, local governments, businesses, and families—so students continue to receive a high-quality education without placing an unfair burden on homeowners.
Thank you for your leadership on this issue.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Street Address, ZIP]

 

Together, We Can Achieve Both

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

Middletown City Schools
Empowering Students. Strengthening Community. Building the Future Together.