Ohio Gov. John Kasich recently identified education funding and reform among top priorities in his proposed 2014-15 budget.

The budget proposal last week followed Kasich’s unveiling Jan. 31 of his new “Achievement Everywhere” school funding and reform plan that, among measures, assured school districts they would receive at least as much money for the next two years as they did this year.

“I’m pleased to hear the governor will not reduce funding to any school districts,” said Phil Cagwin, interim superintendent for Monroe Local Schools, who attended Kasich’s reveal in Columbus. “It was a huge relief to the school superintendents in the room.”

Education proposals include $300,000 worth of one-time grants for initiatives that improve student learning and classroom teaching, and $25.5 million over the next two years in private-school tuition vouchers.

Lakota Local Schools’ Superintendent Karen Mantia said she’s looking forward to hearing more details on the governor’s plan for school choice and vouchers, and the possibility of grant monies for innovations. She said the potential for more grants will help districts modernize their classrooms and provide different opportunities based on student skill level.

“The emphasis on innovation is exciting as we find creative ways to prepare kids for their future,” Mantia said. “Vocational funding will be increased to give more emphasis on students being prepared to enter the job market.”

But Mantia remained focused on the governor’s release of funding simulations — expected in the coming weeks — which will be tailored for individual districts based on concentrations of economically disadvantaged students, the number of gifted and special needs students, etc.

Mantia said the per-pupil amount for economically disadvantaged students could be as high as $1,000 per pupil or as low as $20 per student, depending on the district. Mantia said the Lakota has a 19 percent poverty rate, which has been increasing, according to Mantia.

“The voter needs to know and understand this isn’t a wonderful deluge of money from the sky but a redistribution of funds,” Mantia said.

Cagwin said he appreciates Kasich’s concept of differentiating funding to schools based on the wealth of the district and its ability to pass bond issues. He said Kasich’s plan to add a family’s income capacity to the formula will further allow districts with lower socioeconomic makeups to receive more funding.

“It’s a fairness issue, to deal with wealthier districts that can create more funding,” Cagwin said. “I’m simply cautious until I see the actual dollar figures as related to Monroe.”

Fairfield Superintendent Paul Otten said he was encouraged, but was taking a wait-and-see stance until the proposals are clearer.

“We are thankful at this point to see the initial notice that we will not be losing any funding,” Otten said. “There is a lot to be flushed out, but we will continue to review and learn more about its components and the impact on the Fairfield City Schools.”