With so many of Ohio's schools planning levies this year, and so many more predicting them soon, there's no escape. Why? Funding. I'm not talking about how we should fund education; that's still being argued. I'm talking about how it is funded today.

Schools rely on a combination of investments, state funds, business taxes and property taxes for revenue. Dependence on a source varies by district. Most folks are aware of the decline in investment income and state funding. What people don't realize is that the elimination of an inventory tax, meant to encourage business growth, has reduced schools' income. That's not a commentary on the decision to reduce the tax. It's just one more way schools have lost money they previously depended on.

Schools relying heavily on property taxes are suffering as well. Some people think property tax income increases with property value. They are incorrect. When property is reassessed, the county uses a formula that averages the tax among homeowners. The portion you pay may increase or decrease, but the state limits what the school collects to the same amount as when the levy was first passed.

Do schools need to spend as much as they do?

According to the state, there are many "excellent" school districts in Ohio spending various amounts of money. I have lived in two such districts and can assure you the rating is not an indication of quality. Our previous district met the standards, but opportunities and services were very limited compared with other districts and the exclusive private schools. The state Board of Education said there was no way to measure those issues. I suggested some. Then I was told those programs weren't given weight because some schools didn't have the funds. In the end, voters are misled about the cost of preparing children for the challenges they face after graduation.

So should you support your levy? I don't know your finances, your stage of life or your district. But as a taxpayer, I believe schools have been hit hard financially. As a mother, I believe you get what you pay for in education. As a recent home buyer, I consider my house a bargain, although I wouldn't if we were in a neighboring district. As a homeowner, I worry about my home's value if the school doesn't offer exceptional services and opportunities to all types of students. Whatever your decision on Election Day, I hope it's an educated one.

Carol Leach of Montgomery has three children and is co-vice president of the Montgomery PTO.

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