A Conversation: “Do Changes in Funding Create a Crisis for Public Schools?”

The League Of Women Voters of Chillicothe-Ross held a panel discussion on concerns about how schools are funded in Ohio, which focused on conversations with two local school superintendents.

An audience of about 35 attended “Do Changes in Funding Create a Crisis for Public Schools?” in the Carver Community Center in Chillicothe on March 31st, 2026. This was part of the emphasis by the League this year on public school funding.

Two school officials were able to participate: Deborah Swinehart, Superintendent of Chillicothe City School District – and Matthew Unger, Superintendent of Adena Local School District. Both answered several questions from the league (listed below), and gave additional commentary.

I was able to catch Unger afterward for an interview. Hear him in his own words in the below video.

He said public schools face serious challenges that they didn’t in previous decades regarding enrollment and financing.

In regards to a flyer handed out (below), Unger said that corporations now pay half of what they paid in 1975 towards schools. The property tax burden has drastically swung from a balance between residential and agricultural property taxes versus business and industry, to now 75% residential / agricultural.

He also agreed that Covid turned everything around in schools, making children socially isolated and seriously impacting them. Unfunded and partly funded mandates like various school staff also complicate matters.

Unger said that Adena works to avoids needing any school tax levies – he says they live within their means and keep their staffing levels in line with student enrollment, as well as being aggressive in getting grants.

And, he said that enrollment is decreasing with a slowing of population growth. In fact, he said that we might see less that the current six rural school districts in Ross County by 2030 if consolidation trends continue.

Unger said to learn more, stay tuned to local news and be actively engaged. Pay attention to school websites and Facebook pages to know what’s best for students.

He said another resource is the Coalition of OHIO Rural and Appalachian Schools(CORAS).

Unger said rural schools are the center of their communities, especially his Frankfort and Clarksburg, and they want to operate in a way that serves the community.

Part of the discussion was video-recorded for the LWV, but has apparently not been posted yet. You can learn about the Chillicothe-Ross County League of Women Voters on their website and Facebook page. See also their annual meeting where they discussed upcoming events.

Find the article on the Scioto Post. 

Kevin Coleman covers local government and culture for the Scioto Post and iHeart Media Southern Ohio. For stories or questions, contact Kevin Coleman or the iHeart Southern Ohio Newsroom.

Unger explains the struggle with Ohio school funding.