The Columbus Dispatch

Two years ago, Ohio did what few other states had done before it: it allowed every family to receive a voucher to pay for private school. The move was praised by school choice advocates, who said it would give opportunities to children who would never otherwise attend a private school, and criticized by public school leaders, who warned the move would siphon funding for public schools. Enrollment in the program ballooned in its first year, from 23,333 students receiving vouchers in 2022-23 to 79,728 students in 2023-24. The state will spend $475.4 million this year on vouchers through the program for about 88,000 students. Now, Republican lawmakers are considering further expansion, with savings accounts to allow families to use public funding for private non-chartered schools not eligible for vouchers, even homeschooling. And they are proposing cuts to public schools – $100 million over two years in the governor’s budget plan. Critics say the program is unconstitutional and draining funds from districts that serve all students, not just those accepted into private schools. Thompson, who has also served as a superintendent in Northeast Ohio school districts, said the expenses go beyond the voucher itself. School districts now also have to pay to transport students who use vouchers and pay for special education needs, such as reading specialists.