Clermont Times

Adam Bird, the state representative for Ohio District 63, announced that the newly approved state budget allocates $500 million in additional funding to K–12 public schools to enhance education and workforce development. This statement was made on X.

"The Ohio House approved a budget yesterday," said Bird, House Representative. "Sent an additional half a billion $ to our K-12 public schools. Demonstrating our commitment to education. Demonstrating our commitment to workforce development in our state."

In April 2025, the Ohio House of Representatives passed a two-year operating budget significantly impacting K–12 education funding. According to the budget details, public school funding will increase by $226 million, ensuring no district faces a reduction in funds. The budget also boosts private school voucher programs and allocates $35 million to education savings accounts for students not served by voucher-accepting schools. Additionally, it increases tax credits for homeschooling parents, indicating a broader shift in the state's education funding approach to include more options outside traditional public schools.

For fiscal year 2025, Ohio’s funding for K–12 education is projected at $13.42 billion, marking an increase of $415.8 million or 3.2% over fiscal year 2024. This continues a trend of rising investment in education following a significant jump from $11.64 billion in FY 2023 to $13.00 billion in FY 2024—a growth of 11.7%. Overall, the state has committed $3.14 billion in new education funding over the current biennium, reflecting strong legislative prioritization of school funding.

Ohio supports workforce development through multiple funding streams, including $53 million from the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act for FY 2024. These funds focus on secondary-level career and technical education programs to enhance student employability and readiness for high-demand careers. Additionally, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act provides critical resources for youth-focused job training and education services, aligning workforce readiness with public education objectives.

Bird represents Ohio’s 63rd District in the House of Representatives and has a career spanning over 30 years in public education as a teacher, assistant principal, principal, and superintendent in Brown and Clermont counties. He brings a strong educational background to his legislative work, often focusing on policies that strengthen local schools and advocate for parental involvement and educational choice. Bird currently serves on key education-related committees and continues to push for legislation aligned with his experience in school administration.