private school vouchers
‘Backpack Bill’ sponsors seek way forward under new funding formula
The sponsors of a bill that would promote the use of private school vouchers and “school choice” came together on Wednesday with a religious lobby group to bring the bill back up. House Bill 290 was originally introduced in May as a “legislative intent” bill aiming to allow students to have the funding they need […]
Two bills seek to address unconstitutional public school funding before year’s end
Running parallel to a House Bill in the works for years, Ohio state senators have introduced a similar proposal to equalize the public school budget formula and set up the next General Assembly with a “blueprint” for a funding overhaul. In a virtual press conference on Friday, state Sen. Peggy Lehner, R-Kettering, and Sen. Vernon […]
Private school vouchers could still grow in Ohio, even with a freeze
Last week, Ohio’s legislature passed their COVID-19 emergency package. And while there were some much needed and positive things in it (no standardized tests this year, no report cards), the bill also settled the contentious debate over what to do with next year’s EdChoice performance-based voucher program. A bit of background: Next year, due to legislative changes, […]
Senate begrudgingly agrees to House’s EdChoice delay
After nearly a full week of debate and back and forth, the Ohio Senate decided to agree to a 60-day delay for the private school voucher education program, with the hope of a better plan as a result. “I have to vote yes because I can not in clear conscience at midnight tonight… allow those […]
House pushes back EdChoice application date, sends amendment back to Senate
It was the Ohio House of Representatives’ turn to work late into the night on a proposal to rework the state’s private school voucher program Thursday. After a long day of debate, the House decided to opt for more time. State representatives convened at about 9 p.m. to pass an amendment to Senate Bill 120, […]
House disagrees on EdChoice amendments, bill heads to conference committee
Update 1/29 9:10 p.m. — The conference committee discussing the private school voucher program EdChoice has left the statehouse for the evening. House Speaker Larry Householder, R-Glenford, said in a statement Wednesday night that representatives have set forth a plan to replace EdChoice with an “entirely poverty-based” system. “It would allow schools — public and […]
Compromise brokered on education voucher program
Changes to the private school voucher program are coming after a long day of back and forth over amendments made to address education officials’ concerns about the program. Negotiations over a private school voucher system went until Tuesday evening, pushing back the state Senate Higher Education Committee hearing to vote on the matter for several […]