But the money can make a big difference. The Ohio Supreme Court last year declared the state's school funding system unconstitutional. May. Legislators haven't come up with another plan. Like every other unit of government in Ohio, public schools must have a reasonable and consistent revenue stream for capital improvements. It's an incredibly dysfunctional situation that has gone on for decades.
Some schools have foundations supported primarily by parents and alumni.
Others solicit corporate support. Many send students to the streets to hawk candy or organize car washes. But as the popularity of private fund-raisers goes beyond the bake sale, concerns increase about how that money is spent. Mr. Aquino has repeatedly asked Cincinnati Public Schools leaders to adopt a policy to distribute donated funds fairly. School districts can't afford policies that would deter donations, he said.