Oregon City School District News
February 18, 2026
Dear Community,
Last night at the Oregon City Board of Education meeting, the Treasurer shared the State required update on the finances of the District. I want to provide a summary of this information to you and the broader forces shaping school funding in Ohio. Ohio’s school-funding system has long been a patchwork of formulas, revisions, and temporary fixes. While recent legislative efforts have attempted to address inequities, the reality is that many districts—including ours— remain underfunded relative to the needs of our students.
This underfunding is especially challenging as we work to address learning loss following the pandemic, expand career and technical education pathways, strengthen mental-health supports, and maintain safe, modern learning environments. These responsibilities continue to grow, yet the resources provided to districts have not kept pace.
A Shift in the Tax Burden
There is a common perception that rising school costs are driving higher property taxes. In truth, state-level tax policy changes over several decades have shifted more of the burden onto local taxpayers. Today:
•Homeowners and farmers carry nearly 70% of the school property-tax load—the highest share in state history.
•In the 1970s, residential taxpayers carried less than half of that burden.
•The state’s share of school funding has dropped from 47% in 1999 to 38% in 2025, and is projected to fall to 32% by 2027.
This shift has placed increasing pressure on local communities, even as districts work hard to be responsible stewards of public funds.
What the Numbers Really Show
There is also a perception that public school spending has grown dramatically. A closer look tells a different story.
State Revenue (2000–2022):
•Overall state revenue decreased 2.2% after inflation.
Per-student revenue grew only 6.6% over 22 years—about 0.3% per year.
•In other words, state funding per student has been essentially flat for two decades.
School Spending (2000–2022):
•Overall spending rose 9.4% after inflation—about 0.43% per year.
Per-student spending increased 19.4%—about 0.88% per year.
•Less than 1% annual growth is far from the “massive increases” sometimes claimed.
During this same period, expectations for schools have expanded dramatically. Districts are now responsible for advanced technology, enhanced safety measures, expanded mental-health services, career-readiness programming, and more—yet the funding to support these responsibilities has remained nearly flat.
Fiscal Stewardship and Cash Balance Policy
Our District’s cash-balance policy establishes clear expectations for maintaining appropriate financial reserves. These reserves are essential for:
•Stability during fluctuations in enrollment or state funding
•Protection against unexpected expenses or unfunded mandates
•Allowing thoughtful planning rather than reactive decision-making
The policy also outlines specific steps the District must take if cash balances begin to decline, including increased monitoring, administrative review, and phased adjustments designed to minimize disruption to students and staff.
Looking Ahead
We continue to monitor the state budget closely. While the current state fiscal budget is ahead by $857.5 million as of January, early indications from legislative leaders suggest that districts should not expect an increase in school funding for next school year.
At the same time, recent public discussions about eliminating property taxes have raised questions statewide. Governor DeWine noted that replacing property-tax revenue would require significant increases in other taxes—for example, raising the state income-tax rate from 2.75% to approximately 11%–15%, or increasing the state sales tax to 15%–18%, including on items such as groceries. These figures underscore the complexity of Ohio’s school-funding system and the importance of thoughtful, sustainable solutions.
Locally, we must reduce expenditures for the 2026–27 school year. In addition, Oregon City Schools will need to identify ways to increase revenue in the near future. With recent developments regarding the Data Center, I do not believe it should be considered a viable revenue source moving forward.
I will share more information on the actions OCS will take in the upcoming year, along with recommendations for next steps, at the March Board of Education meeting. Through all of this, our focus remains where it belongs—on providing a high-quality education for every student.
Thank you for your continued support of our students, staff, and community.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jim Fritz
Superintendent
Oregon City Schools
February 18, 2026
Dear Oregon City Schools Community,
I would like to share that I have submitted my resignation as Superintendent, effective
September 22, 2026, as I plan to retire. When I joined the district, my intention was to serve for at least four years. However, recent changes to the State retirement system have created a window that allows me to retire within this calendar year, and after thoughtful consideration, I have decided to take that opportunity.
I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to serve this community. Oregon City Schools is a special place, and that is due in large part to the partnership between our families, our staff, and our broader community. Your support, engagement, and belief in the importance of public education have made a meaningful difference in the lives of our students.
I want to express my sincere appreciation for the incredible work of our staff. Their dedication to students—academically, socially, and emotionally—is evident every day in our classrooms, hallways, and programs. They work tirelessly to ensure that every student is prepared for life beyond graduation, equipped with the skills, confidence, and hope they need to pursue their goals. Our students’ future readiness is a direct reflection of the commitment and care shownby the educators and support professionals who serve them.
As the district moves forward, I remain optimistic about the future of Oregon City Schools. We have a strong foundation, a committed staff, and a community that consistently puts students first. The Board of Education will determine who will serve as the next superintendent, and I am confident they will make a thoughtful decision centered on what is best for our students, families, and community. I will work to ensure a smooth transition so that the important work happening across the district continues without interruption.
Thank you for your trust, your partnership, and your ongoing support of Oregon City Schools.
It has been an honor to serve this community.
With Appreciation,
Dr. Jim Fritz
Superintendent
Oregon City Schools
February 12, 2026
Dear Families,
I am writing to address some inaccurate information currently circulating on social media regarding a student protest. Social media posts and a flyer being shared online have created confusion about the District’s role in this matter.
To be clear: the flyer circulating on social media was not created, distributed, or endorsed by the District. Additionally, the protest being referenced is not a school-sponsored or school-supported event. At this time, no students have indicated to school administrators that they plan to participate in this protest, and it is possible that the flyer and the protest it describes may not be a real or organized event at all.
Our priority remains maintaining a safe, orderly learning environment for all students. While we respect students’ rights to express themselves, any activities that occur during the school day must follow District policies and should not disrupt instruction. We will continue to communicate directly with students and staff to ensure expectations are clear.
If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to your school’s administration rather than relying on social media posts, which may not reflect accurate information. We appreciate your partnership in helping us keep our schools focused on teaching and learning.
Thank you for your continued support.
Sincerely,
Dr. Jim Fritz
Superintendent
Oregon City Schools
