School Voucher Bill Could Wreak Havoc Here, Officials Say

Strongsville school officials have joined more than 170 districts in Ohio in opposing House Bill 136, a measure that would increase the number of students eligible for private school vouchers -- and take that money away from the Strongsville schools.

"We could literally lose half our state funding if it goes through," School Board member Dave Gusman said.

Currently, the state helps students in "underperforming" districts get a better education by contributing money toward their tuition at a private school or a charter school.

House Bill 136 would give many more students -- those from households that earn less than $95,000 a year -- the same option for tuition vouchers, even if their district is rated "excellent" on state report cards.

The Strongsville schools would then lose $5,700 a year in state funding for those students.

"I do believe in school choice in areas where there are failing public schools," Board President Jennifer Sinisgalli said. "But that's not the case in Strongsville."

The district has received an "excellent" rating for 10 years in a row.

Proponents of the bill say it gives parents more choice in where to send their kids to school.

But Sinisgalli said private and charter schools "don't have to follow the same rules" as public schools -- they don't have to accept every student who applies, aren't subject to the same standards for teachers and don't undergo the same audits.

"It's not an even playing field," she said.

"It's a terrible idea, especially when you live in a strong school district," board member David Frazee agreed.

Board members voted 5-0 Dec. 1 on a resolution formally objecting to the provisions of HB 136. 

Superintendent Jeff Lampert said he has heard the measure could come up for a vote in the Ohio House of Representatives as early as the week of Dec. 12.