Ohio Budget Plan Sparks Backlash Over Forced School Closures and Sales

This article by the Statehouse News Bureau examines a provision in Ohio’s proposed budget that would allow the state to force the closure of underused public school buildings and require districts to sell them to charter or private schools at below market value—something school leaders like Canton Superintendent Jeff Talbert call unfair to local taxpayers. While Governor DeWine argues the measure addresses districts hoarding buildings to block competition, critics say it disregards community investments and essential space needs for specialized programs.