A state at work

While the news for area schools this week stood as much chance of being good as bad, one thing is obvious: State bureaucrats have been at work. As a result, school officials across the state get to deal with the consequences.

The Ohio Department of Education miscalculated enrollment projections when determining what to pay districts as the state finishes phasing out the tangible personal property tax. The state budget is making up the loss of tax revenue districts receive through the 2011-2012 year. But, this week, some districts found out they owed the state money, while others learned they had more coming.

The Lima school district owes more than $10,500. The Ottawa-Glandorf district has almost $92,000 more coming to it. Over in Delphos, the state will adjust reimbursement payments to make up the almost $118,000 the district owes the state.

Obviously, none of the schools that owe money is going broke because of it, any more than any districts getting more money are treating it as a sweepstakes win. But, it's one more funding hassle created in Columbus for school officials across the state. Gov. Ted Strickland earlier this year said he would unveil by next year a plan to address school funding in Ohio. We assume educators statewide are anticipating that, given that the ending of the tangible personal property tax leaves gaping budgetary holes.

 As the Ohio Department of Education corrects its most recent mistake, consider that this is the same department that puts out the math proficiency test. It doesn't inspire confidence in the state's ability to oversee education.