Political, educational, and religious leaders are sounding the alarm over threats to public schools. 

A handful of those against state cuts to public school funding protested outside Youngstown's Board of Education Thursday afternoon. With the current Ohio budget posing risks to educational funding, leaders at Thursday's rally believe there's no time to waste.  

"We must and will continue to fight for our children's future," Pastor Kenneth Simon chanted during Thursday's event in Downtown Youngstown.

The Community Leadership Coalition on Education gathered Thursday along Wood St. to sound the alarm over Governor Mike DeWine's proposed cuts to public schools.

"The Department of Education is a critical champion in enforcing federal statutes that prohibit discrimination and ensuring that every student has success," Pastor Simon added. 

Dozens of districts in the Valley are set to lose millions of dollars in crucial funding if the Governor's biennial executive budget passes as-is. The lack of funding means districts would have to turn to taxpayers.

"Working together our public schools and local communities must advocate for fair state funding that meets the needs of all students and provides property tax relief for local homeowners who need it," said the President of the Ohio Education Association, Scott DiMauro.

Representative Lauren McNally said private and charter schools could be receiving millions more while public schools will take the hit.

"Charter schools don't have the accountability that public schools do," she said. "Charter schools have been granted more than 150 exemptions to laws in educational standards. The politicians in Columbus aren't interested in transparency, responsible usage of taxpayer funds, or providing equitable resources for all kids. They care about their power. They care about their profits."

Youngstown City School District could miss out on $8.4 million in the next two years, which the school board considers an unfathomable blow to the district.

"Along with the $8.4 million, that also includes $700k in cuts to special education funding," DiMauro added. "That is nothing other than shameful."

"Here in the Youngstown City School District, we are 100% free lunch and breakfast," said YCSD Board Member Brenda Kimble. "All of that will be cut from our school district. We have a Head Start program or preschool program. All of that will be taken away."

"Why would we throw all previous investment away by stopping now?" McNally added. "We must join our teachers and communities by saying no to this power-grab. This is profit over our children. I encourage the public to stay informed and to see what is happening with our state's budget." 

The House could pass the budget bill in April, then it heads to the Senate where additional changes are expected.

A community town hall to support public education will be held at New Bethel Baptist Church, 1507 Hillman Street Youngstown, Ohio.

The event is scheduled for March 27 at 6:30 p.m.