Ohio Lawmakers Urge Restoration Of Local School Funds

CLEVELAND HEIGHTS, OH — The state's EdChoice voucher program doubled in size this year. With public schools set to foot the bill for the growing program, a coalition of Northeast Ohio lawmakers are urging Governor Mike DeWine to restore funding for public districts.

The EdChoice program offers private school vouchers to families in districts with under-performing public schools, as designated by the state. The program makes it easier for students to forego public education and attend private schools.

Public school officials from across the state have argued against the EdChoice expansion, calling it an attack on public schools. Even Solon Schools, the state's highest performing school district, has a school on the EdChoice eligible list.

The cost of the EdChoice program has directly impacted public schools. The Cleveland Heights-University Heights School District lost $7.36 million to voucher deductions in 2019. Of that, $4.35 million was unfunded by the state and came directly out of school funds. The district has nine schools on the EdChoice list.

"In my district alone, in the Cleveland Heights-University Heights School District, if not corrected it will mean In practice that could look like downsizing staff, less classroom resources, cuts to extracurricular programming, and more. Money is not just a number, it has real life consequences. That is why I am taking the lead in urging my colleagues to accept this meeting request and speak with stakeholders to find a solution," said Rep. Janine Boyd.

In a letter to governors and other lawmakers, a group of state representatives argued against the expansion. “We understand the benefit that EdChoice vouchers offer so many residents in Ohio. But we should all be concerned with the significant cost to the remaining children and families whom we also all represent. We ask that we can work together to find a solution to this problem,” wrote the lawmakers.

On the state's EdChoice website, it says schools are eligible for addition to the voucher-qualified list if, "any of the following is true for two report cards from 2014, 2018 and 2019: The school received a Performance Index grade of D or F and a Value-Added (overall) grade of D or F on the 2014 Report Card or, the school received an overall grade of D or F or a Value-Added (overall) grade of F on the 2018 or 2019 report card."

“The siphoning of foundation funds from public school districts underscores the need for comprehensive, equitable reform to the education system in our state. Too many slip through the cracks in our current, flawed school funding formula. Ohio students deserve an exceptional K-12 education that expands their opportunities and helps prepare them for the jobs of tomorrow,” said Rep. Bride Rose Sweeney.