In a letter dated March 26th, Riverside’s Superintendent, Dr. Scott Mann expressed concerns about the State of Ohio’s Educational Voucher Program.
Dr. Mann said:
Dear Speaker Huffman,
I am writing to express my deep concerns regarding the continued expansion of educational voucher programs in Ohio. I believe that these programs divert crucial public funds away from our already under-resourced public school system, with detrimental effects on the majority of Ohio students.
Specifically, I am concerned about:
- The financial strain on public schools: The voucher system redirects taxpayer dollars away from public schools, which are obligated to serve all students, regardless of their background or needs. This financial drain forces public schools to operate with increasingly limited resources. The increase in voucher programs is creating a large financial burden on the state’s budget. As shown in recent news reports, the cost of these voucher programs is nearing $1 billion.
- Lack of accountability and transparency: Private schools receiving voucher funds are not held to the same accountability standards as public schools. This lack of oversight raises concerns about the quality of Education provided and the responsible use of taxpayer dollars. There is also a concern that many of the voucher funds are being used by students already enrolled in private schools, thus not providing an alternative for those in public schools.
- The impact on equality: Belcher programs can exaggerate existing inequalities in our education system. They often benefit families who already have the means to supplement their children’s education, while further disadvantaging those in underserved communities.
- The ineffectiveness of a one-size-fits-all approach. It is crucial to recognize that education is a complex issue with diverse needs. A single blanket policy, such as expanding voucher programs, cannot adequately address the multifaceted challenges facing our schools. Effective solutions require targeted investments and strategies that address the specific needs of individual communities and students. Educational issues such as poverty, lack of resources, in individual learning differences require multifaceted solutions and not a simple voucher program.
I urge you to reconsider the current trajectory of educational voucher programs in Ohio and prioritize adequate funding for our public schools. Our public School systems are the backbone of our communities, and they deserve the full support of our state government. I further ask that the Ohio legislature work to create education policies that address these many different needs of Ohio students. Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter.
Sincerely,
Dr. Scott M. Mann
Superintendent
Riverside Local Schools
Dr. Mann comments on the letter:
The Educational Choice Scholarship (EdChoice) Program provides students from designated public schools the opportunity to attend participating private schools.
The program also provides students who are entering kindergarten through 12th grade scholarship opportunities based on different eligibility criteria.
