ABSTRACT
This chapter explores conflicts between urban growth machine policies, public-school finance, and educational equity in Columbus, Ohio. The city of Columbus is one of the fastest-growing cities in the Midwest, but its largest urban public school district (Columbus City Schools) has grown smaller, more segregated, and poorer. Historical development policies that have enabled the city’s growth and prosperity have undermined the health of the school district. We find that previous estimates of tax revenues lost to public schools have been greatly underestimated. School tax revenue abatements have increased substantially in the past eight years, and annual abated (lost) revenues are equivalent to capital improvement spending for the district. Analysis of the relationship between abatements and school finances finds a strong negative relationship with district demographics and classroom expenditures. Our analysis suggests planners should focus greater attention on the intersection of economic development policy and public schools.
