As a councilwoman and a parent, I’ve learned how decisions made in Columbus–and even in Washington–don’t stay there. They reach into our neighborhoods and communities in ways that are often overlooked. I see how state and federal policy directly impacts public services at the local level, including the systems that support our children and their education.

That’s why I’m alarmed by two changes that could reshape the landscape of education in Ohio: the centralization of power under Senate Bill 1 (SB 1) and the growing momentum to convert federal education funding into state-controlled block grants under a potential second Trump administration.

SB 1 is poised to shift control of the state’s education system from an elected board to political appointees reporting directly to the governor. At the same time, block grants–while pitched as a way to give states more flexibility–come with serious consequences. They often reduce transparency, oversight, and protections for the students who need support the most. When federal funds meant for students with disabilities, low-income children, or English language learners are bundled into a lump sum, there’s no guarantee that money will be spent where it’s needed.

I’ve seen the impact of this rhetoric up close. My college student was recently invited to the Statehouse as part of Independent Colleges Week–a program meant to celebrate student voices and academic achievement. But instead of encouragement, they and their peers were subjected to harmful commentary about their fellow Black and brown students and disparaging remarks about their friends outside who were peacefully protesting alongside hundreds of other students and educators. Frustrated by what they heard inside, my student made the decision after the event to go stand in solidarity with those raising their voices outside. That moment made it painfully clear: students are listening–and they deserve better from those in power.

From my seat in local government, I’ve seen how complicated public service becomes when decisions are made from the top down, without community input. Centralizing control of education while loosening federal accountability doesn’t streamline anything–it leaves parents and local leaders with few tools and fewer answers.

We also need to remember something fundamental: public education professionals know how to teach our children. They are trained, experienced, and committed to student success. Instead of replacing their judgment with political agendas, we should be empowering them. Let’s put our faith in our teachers, support them with the resources they need, and trust that they know how to meet students where they are.

Public schools are the heart of our communities. They deserve stable funding, evidence-based policy, and protections that ensure every child–no matter their background–has access to opportunity. Ohio’s children should not be at the mercy of political gamesmanship or bureaucratic overreach.

We all want what’s best for our kids and our communities. Let’s make sure our education system reflects that–through equity, transparency, and a real commitment to the future of public schools in Ohio.