Rocky River Schools Launches Initiative to Demystify School Finance

In a bid to enhance community understanding of school finance, the Rocky River City Schools district has launched a new initiative titled the “ABC’s of School Finance.” This social media series, spearheaded by Superintendent Adham Schirg, aims to clarify the complexities surrounding school funding in Ohio, making it more accessible to residents.

The initiative will unfold through a series of weekly posts that distill intricate financial concepts into easily digestible segments. Each installment will focus on a specific aspect of school finance, with transparency as the central theme. The first three components of this initiative are encapsulated in the letters A, B, and C.

A stands for Assess, highlighting the district’s commitment to evaluating its financial needs thoroughly. B represents Budget, which emphasizes the strategic allocation of resources to maximize student success. Lastly, C signifies Communicate, underscoring the district’s promise to share financial information openly with the Rocky River community.

Superintendent Schirg expressed the importance of this initiative, stating, “As we move forward together as a school community, it’s important that we understand the finances inside of Rocky River as well as school financing and some of the changes that are occurring across the state of Ohio.” He added, “Understanding how school finance works, the resources inside of our community, and what we can do together to advocate for the exceptional opportunities that we provide for our students is something we look forward to partnering with you on.”

To support its communication efforts, the district will utilize data from the 2025 Popular Annual Financial Report. This approach ensures that the information shared is backed by concrete financial data rather than vague assertions. By breaking down school finance topics, the series will help residents grasp how Ohio’s school funding system operates and how their tax dollars are utilized.

The initiative aims not only to elucidate financial matters but also to demonstrate that the Rocky River City School District delivers outstanding educational results while maintaining fiscal responsibility. By addressing statewide funding challenges, the series will provide residents with insights into how Rocky River compares with other districts and the broader financial landscape that Ohio schools face.

This proactive approach marks a significant step towards fostering a more informed community, enabling residents to better understand the intricacies of school finance and its impact on local education.