Abby Buckerfield, Member, Delaware City Schools Board of Education

09/06/2026

Yesterday I shared some history about how the responsibility for funding Ohio’s public schools has increasingly shifted toward residential and agricultural property taxpayers. Today’s graphic helps explain another piece of the school funding puzzle: the cost side of the equation.

People understandably ask why the cost of educating students continues to rise. One important part of the answer is pretty simple: schools are paying today’s prices, just like everyone else.

Electricity, insurance, technology, transportation, contracted services, building operations, salaries and benefits all cost more today than they did several years ago. The graphic below illustrates that overall Midwest inflation increased 9.2% from December 2022 to December 2025, with electricity increasing 15.4% during that period.

Yet Ohio’s school funding formula for FY2026 and FY2027 continues to calculate base costs using FY2022 salary and cost inputs.

That is not unique to Delaware City Schools. Every public school district in Ohio is operating under the funding decisions made in the most recent state budget.

Ohio adopted the bipartisan Fair School Funding Plan in 2021 to calculate the cost of educating Ohio students and divide that responsibility between the state and local communities based on their capacity to pay. It was designed for a six-year phase-in, reaching full implementation in FY2027. The state reached 66.67% of that phase-in by FY2025, but the 136th General Assembly changed the funding approach for the final two years rather than completing the original phase-in with updated cost inputs.

That distinction matters. Using FY2022 inputs doesn’t mean Delaware City Schools gets to pay FY2022 prices in 2026.

We see that locally in our five-year forecast and monthly financial reports. The district still has to pay current salaries and benefits, utilities, insurance, transportation, technology, special education costs, purchased services and the day-to-day costs of operating and maintaining our schools. Those costs don’t remain frozen simply because the inputs used to calculate state funding do.

And Delaware has another factor to consider: growth.

The Delaware community continues to grow, and we are currently working through the Delaware 2040 facilities planning process to understand what that growth will mean for buildings of different ages, buildings that have already been expanded over time, future enrollment, classroom capacity, maintenance and long-term facility needs.

That makes responsible stewardship especially important. As I shared yesterday, Delaware taxpayers have repeatedly invested in the students by supporting the schools. The district has worked to stretch those investments and prioritize expenditures, including continuing to use remaining 2019 bond dollars for capital projects years after voters approved that issue. Voters also approved the permanent improvement levy in 2025 to provide a more sustainable source for maintaining those investments going forward.

So when we ask why the cost of education continues to rise, there isn’t one simple answer.

Some costs are within a district’s control and absolutely should be scrutinized. That is an important responsibility of both district leadership and the Board. But inflation, enrollment growth, aging facilities, mandated services and the state’s school-funding methodology are also part of the equation.

A funding formula based on the cost of educating students is only as current as the numbers being put into it. When districts are paying 2026 prices while the state calculates portions of their base cost using 2022 inputs, that gap matters.

Understanding that distinction is important as we continue discussing Delaware City Schools’ five-year forecast, Delaware 2040, and how we sustainably serve our students while remaining responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars.

The inflation-adjusted figures in this graphic are illustrative comparisons and are not Delaware City Schools’ actual expenditures. Graphic shared from Ohio Advocacy for Fair School Funding.

As always, these thoughts are my own as an individual member of the Delaware City Schools Board of Education and do not represent the Board or the district.

09/05/2026

Why do Ohio school districts rely so heavily on local property taxes? This graphic provides historical context.

In 1975, businesses paid 53.9% of Ohio’s school property-tax collections, while residential and agricultural property owners paid 46.1%. By 2023, that balance had nearly reversed. Residential and agricultural property owners accounted for 67.5%, while businesses accounted for 32.5%.

That shift did not happen overnight. Changes in Ohio tax policy, including the phaseout of tangible personal property taxes on business machinery, equipment and inventory, changed the balance of who pays the local property taxes supporting Ohio’s public schools.

Here in Delaware, thankfully, our community has continued to invest in its schools. 🧡🖤🧡

🗳️ Delaware City Schools voters approved an operating levy in 2017. As our community grew, voters then approved a $36.5 million bond issue in 2019, allowing the district to expand and improve facilities across the district. Those investments added classroom capacity and made other improvements needed to serve a growing community.

🏫🚧Seven years later, that 2019 investment is still benefiting our schools. The district has stretched those voter-approved dollars over time, prioritizing expenditures as facility needs have developed. Even this summer, remaining bond funds are being used for additional capital improvements, including significant roof work at Hayes.

⚖️Responsible stewardship isn’t simply about spending less. It is also about prioritizing needs, extending the useful life of facilities, and making voter-approved dollars work for the district for as long as possible.

🗳️ In 2025, voters again demonstrated their support by approving a permanent improvement levy. Those dedicated funds provide a more sustainable source of revenue for ongoing capital needs, including maintenance and repairs, buses, technology, safety and security, while helping protect the investments our community has already made.

Taken together, these votes demonstrate something important: Delaware taxpayers have consistently shown their support for our public schools at the ballot box.

But local taxpayers are only one part of Ohio’s school-funding partnership.

The bipartisan Fair School Funding Plan, adopted in 2021, created a new approach for calculating the cost of educating Ohio students and dividing that responsibility between the state and local communities based on their capacity to pay.

The plan was designed to be phased in over six years, reaching full implementation in FY2027. The state reached 66.67% of the phase-in by FY2025, but Ohio’s 136th General Assembly (aka those legislators currently in office) changed the funding approach for the final two years rather than completing the original phase-in as envisioned. At the same time, the formula continues to use FY2022 salary and cost inputs to calculate base costs for FY2026 and FY2027, even as the actual costs districts are paying have continued to increase.

The result is an important part of the school-funding conversation today: when the state does not keep pace with its share of the calculated cost of educating students, those costs don’t disappear. The pressure increasingly shifts back to local communities and local property taxpayers.

This matters as we look not only at the Delaware City Schools five-year forecast (see previous post made about the forecast), but much farther into the future.

Through the Delaware 2040 facilities planning process, the district is taking a long-term look at what the schools will need as Delaware continues to grow. The buildings are of varying ages, and have been expanded and renovated over the years. The continued residential development within the city is expected to bring additional students to the district. Planning for 2040 means looking carefully at enrollment and development trends, the condition and capacity of the existing facilities, how to continue extending the useful life of those buildings, and where additional capacity may eventually be needed.

The community has invested in operating the schools to support students. It has invested in expanding them. It has invested in maintaining them. The district has worked to stretch those investments over time and prioritize expenditures. And now, through Delaware 2040, planning for what the next generation of Delaware students will need continues.

That makes the state-local funding conversation especially important.

The question isn’t simply whether local taxpayers are supporting their public schools. They clearly are. We also need to ask state legislators to support maintaining the state paying its share of the partnership.

When the state’s share of the calculated cost of educating Ohio’s students declines, the cost of educating those students doesn’t decline with it. That responsibility has to go somewhere. In a system already heavily dependent on property taxes, more of that pressure ultimately falls back on local communities.

As Delaware 2040 continues, this isn’t just a conversation about today’s five-year forecast or today’s tax bill. It is about creating a sustainable plan for educating a growing community, maintaining buildings of varying ages, planning thoughtfully for future capacity, and being responsible stewards of the investment Delaware taxpayers have repeatedly made in their schools.

The percentages in this graphic represent shares of Ohio school property-tax collections, not shares of total school funding. Graphic shared from Ohio Advocacy for Fair School Funding.

As always, these thoughts are my own as an individual member of the Delaware City Schools Board of Education and do not represent the Board or the district.

08/22/2026

At the August 17 Delaware City Schools Board of Education general meeting, an outstanding educator and the start of a new school year were celebrated, policy and human resources updates were presented, and significant time was spent reviewing the district’s five-year financial forecast and long-term outlook. All information summarized in this post was presented during the public meeting and is available through the meeting recording, agenda, and exhibits on the district’s website.

Some highlights from the meeting:

🟠 Hayes High School teacher Tom Herring was recognized as the District 7 Teacher of the Year. Mr. Herring has served Delaware City Schools for 19 years and has made an extraordinary impact both inside and outside the classroom.

⚫️ Superintendent Pomeroy shared updates on new teacher and classified staff onboarding, freshman and sixth-grade orientation, schedule pickup, and elementary open houses. It is a wonderful experience to see students and families returning to the buildings.

🟠 The Board reviewed how Student Wellness and Success and Disadvantaged Pupil Impact Aid funds support social workers and social skills specialists, school nurses, a dedicated preschool nurse, school-based mental health clinicians, a Juvenile Court liaison, MTSS support, instructional technology, and elementary paraprofessionals. These services help address barriers to learning so teachers can teach and students can succeed. The district currently invests approximately $200,000 more annually in Student Wellness and Success services than it receives through that state allocation.

⚫️ The Treasurer presented the FY2027-FY2031 five-year forecast. The forecast projects average annual revenue growth of only 0.23%, while expenditures are projected to grow by approximately 5.32% annually. Personnel costs, including the employees who teach, support, transport, and care for students, represent approximately 85.65% of General Fund expenditures.

🟠 If current assumptions remain unchanged, the forecast projects more than $68 million in cumulative cash erosion from FY2026 through FY2031, with the district’s cash balance crossing below zero during FY2030 and reaching more than $32 million below zero by FY2031. The district begins this period with a strong cash position, so the forecast serves as an early-warning and long-range planning tool. It gives the Board and community time to understand the challenges and consider responsible options before the district reaches critical thresholds.

The forecast discussion also explored the district’s reliance on local revenue, recent changes in state law, the effects of enrollment and housing growth, and the imbalance between state and local responsibility for funding public education. More than 71% of district revenue comes from local and other non-state sources. At the same time, the district is approaching its projected enrollment while additional students continue to register, and new housing brings both new property value and additional costs for serving students.

As I shared during the meeting, the state legislators elected this November will help determine Ohio’s next biennial budget. I encourage community members to learn about the candidates on their ballots and ask how they plan to address public-school funding and provide meaningful property-tax relief without simply shifting more responsibility to local taxpayers.

Other meeting business included:

🔸A discussion about developing clearer, transparent protocols for crowdfunding and donations while ensuring that donated items are properly approved, tracked, and used for supplemental opportunities rather than expenses the district should provide.

🔳 Approval of compensation agreements connected to two local business-expansion TIFs, including PILOT payments to the district.

🔸 Approval of transportation agreements, updated transportation and student-supervision policies, specialized educational services, and the five-year forecast for planning and state-submission purposes.

A short recap cannot capture the full financial presentation or the thoughtful questions and discussion that followed it. I strongly encourage community members to listen to the full meeting, particularly the five-year forecast presentation and Board discussion beginning at approximately the 28-minute mark.

🔗 Full meeting recording is available here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1p0hxv5Bi7p5ZYGgZJV7pBVj4YMPM-6g5/view?usp=drivesdk

The views expressed on this page are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Delaware City Schools Board of Education or the district.

08/14/2026

As students head back to school next week, this is an important safety reminder for families. 🚲🎒

E-bikes have become increasingly common around our community, including among school-age students. With more students walking, biking and riding to and from school, it’s a good time for families to review the rules together. -where different classes of e-bikes may be ridden
-age and helmet requirements
-the difference between an e-bike and a motorized vehicle

The City of Delaware and Delaware Police Department have put together helpful information for families below. Please take a few minutes to review it with your student. AND, for all of us behind the wheel, this is also a good reminder to be especially alert as students return to our sidewalks, crosswalks and roadways. 🧡🖤

Disclaimer: The views expressed on this page are my own and do not represent the Delaware City Schools Board of Education or the school district.

🎒🚲 Back to school means more students on the move, so let’s talk e-bikes.

As students head back to school, e-bikes are becoming a popular way to get around Delaware. But whether you're a student, a parent, or just sharing the road with them, it’s important to know the rules.

Not all e-bikes are the same, and where you can ride depends on what class of e-bike you have.

Here are a few rules to know:

🚲 Class 1 & 2: Can use shared-use and bicycle paths, but the maximum speed is 10 mph. On sidewalks, the motor must be turned OFF and riders must yield to pedestrians.

🚲 Class 3: Riders must be 16 or older, wear an approved helmet and have a speedometer. Class 3 e-bikes are not permitted on sidewalks, bicycle paths or shared-use paths.

🚫 No pedals? If your "e-bike" doesn't have pedals, it may actually be considered a motorcycle. Motorcycles aren't permitted on sidewalks or bike paths, and a driver's license is required.

🏙️ Downtown: Bicycles and e-bikes cannot be ridden on sidewalks within Delaware's designated Downtown No-Riding Area. Dismount and walk your bike through the area.

🌳 Trails: E-bikes are prohibited on natural-surface, hiking, mountain bike, equestrian and other trails designated for non-motorized use.

And regardless of what you're riding: slow down, yield to pedestrians, follow traffic laws and wear a helmet.

Parents: this is a good time to have a quick conversation with your student about where they can ride and the rules that apply to their e-bike. A few minutes now can help keep everyone safe once school is back in session.

📚 Find the complete rules, including a handy printable flyer, at https://www.delawareohio.net/government/departments/police/e-bike-rules-regulations

08/14/2026

If you missed the Delaware City Digest Radio Show, take about 20 minutes to listen to the full conversation with Delaware City Schools! 🎙️🧡🖤

The interview covered a little bit of everything as the district gets ready to welcome students back. Topics include:
- approximately 65 new staff members joining the district
- back-to-school orientations
- opportunities for students to get involved in athletics, music, clubs and other activities
- all of the work that has gone into preparing the buildings for the new year

I especially appreciated the conversation at the end about supporting the whole child. Mary Krell, principal at Conger Elementary, discussed looking beyond academics to consider attendance, social-emotional needs, relationships and the different supports students may need to be successful at school.

There’s much more in the full conversation, so give it a listen! The interview is about 20 minutes long. 🎧

Listen to the full interview here in the shared post.

Disclaimer: The views expressed on this page are my own and do not represent the Delaware City Schools Board of Education or the school district.

08/13/2026

A new school year is right around the corner! 📚🍎

Tune in tomorrow morning at 9:30 as Delaware City Schools joins the Delaware City Digest to talk about back-to-school preparations, welcome new staff, and share what’s happening as we get ready for students to return. A great opportunity to hear more about the work happening across our district!

Disclaimer: The views expressed on this page are my own and do not represent the Delaware City Schools Board of Education or the school district.

Join us tomorrow at 9:30 AM on the "Delaware City Digest" radio show! 🎙️

Our friends at Delaware City Schools will be joining us to talk all about back to school, new staff, and more! Plus, we'll catch you up on news happening in the City. 🏫

Tune in live on The New My 967, 70's, 80's, & More 📻

08/06/2026

Please join me in welcoming Santhosh as our new Hayes High School Student Board Representative!

Under Board policy, the student representative participates in Board discussions, serves as a liaison between the Board and the student body, and casts a vote that is recorded in the meeting minutes but does not affect the outcome of the Board’s official action. Student voices provide an important perspective as we consider issues affecting our schools.

I encourage you to watch this portion. Even better, listen to the full August 3rd Board of Education meeting to learn more about Santhosh’s background, leadership experiences, and vision for representing his fellow students. The meeting also included discussions on several other important topics affecting our district.

Welcome to the Board, Santhosh! I look forward to working with you and hearing your perspective throughout the school year.

Disclaimer: The views expressed on this page are my own as an individual member of the Delaware City Schools Board of Education and do not necessarily reflect the views or official positions of the Board or the District.

We’re thrilled to welcome Santhosh as our new Hayes High School student board member. His voice will amplify student perspective in board discussions and help shape decisions that affect every student. Welcome aboard, Santhosh! Your leadership starts now.

07/20/2026

As both a taxpayer and a school board member, I understand that many families are feeling the strain of rising property taxes. Seniors on fixed incomes, individuals with disabilities, and others living on limited incomes deserve meaningful property tax relief that allows them to remain in their homes without facing increasing financial hardship.

Ohio has long provided important taxpayer protections through House Bill 920, which generally limits how much additional local tax revenue school districts receive from increases in property values. As valuations rise, effective tax rates on existing voted levies are reduced, helping prevent school districts from receiving a proportional increase in revenue simply because property values have increased.

At the same time, Ohio has a constitutional responsibility to provide a thorough and efficient system of public education. We should not have to choose between protecting taxpayers and adequately funding our schools.

The answer is not to shift more of the burden onto local communities. Instead, we need thoughtful legislation that provides meaningful property tax relief for homeowners—especially seniors, people with disabilities, and those on fixed incomes—while ensuring the State fulfills its constitutional obligation to fairly and sustainably fund public education.

The post below explains how House Bill 129 changes the way local school funding is calculated and why it matters for Delaware City Schools. I encourage you to take a few minutes to read through it and learn how these changes could affect both our schools and our community.

The views expressed on this page are my own and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the Delaware City Schools Board of Education or the district administration.

Ohio's recently adopted House Bill 129 changes how school districts generate local revenue, creating additional financial challenges for Delaware City Schools.

For years, districts at the 20-mill floor were able to benefit from natural growth in property values. Under the new law, emergency and substitute levies will now count toward the 20-mill floor, reducing our district's ability to capture that natural revenue growth.

What does this mean for Delaware City Schools?
▶️Less local revenue growth, even as costs continue to rise.
▶️Greater challenges funding classrooms, staff, and student programs.
▶️Increased pressure to make difficult budget decisions.
▶️An even greater focus on responsible financial planning and transparency.

While the way funding is calculated has changed, our commitment to students has not. Delaware City Schools will continue to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars while making thoughtful decisions that prioritize student learning and long-term financial stability.

07/19/2026

As we prepare for another school year, I wanted to share this resource for Delaware County families who may qualify for assistance with back-to-school clothing.

The Delaware County Department of Job & Family Services, with support from the Delaware County Foundation, will once again offer $200 Kohl’s clothing vouchers for eligible K–12 students. Applications are expected to open during the last week of July, and families can sign up now to receive a text notification when the application becomes available.

Please share this information with anyone who may benefit from the program.

The information shared on this page is for informational purposes only and does not represent an official communication or position of the Delaware City Schools Board of Education. Opinions expressed are my own.

📍 If you'd like to be notified when this year's School Clothing Voucher Program is live, you can sign up to receive the application via text.

📱 Simply text GOWBI VOUCHER to 740-720-2655

☑️ A reminder that the program will open the LAST WEEK of July and will issue $200 clothing vouchers to be used at Kohl's. Eligible families must live in Delaware County, have household income under 200% FPL, and have children enrolled to attend K-12 school this fall.

Thank you to the Delaware County Foundation for their generous support of this program!

07/15/2026

Summer is one of the busiest seasons in the schools—even when students aren’t in the buildings. I’m grateful to the facilities team, maintenance staff, contractors, and everyone working behind the scenes to prepare our schools for another great year.

Thank you as well to the community for your continued investment in Delaware City Schools. Permanent Improvement funds allow the district to care for the buildings and spaces the students, staff, and families use every day, helping ensure they remain safe, well-maintained, and ready for learning.

I appreciate everyone whose work makes projects like this possible! 🧡🖤

The views expressed in this post are my own, not and official representation of the Delaware City School Board of Education or the district.

Our Permanent Improvement Dollars at Work! This summer we are investing in facility improvements to keep safe, well-maintained spaces for our students, staff and community. The Smith Elementary parking lot recently received some needed asphalt repairs and striping.