Schools
Lakewood Schools Against Tax Vouchers for Private Schooling
House Bill 136 would give out vouchers to families based on income instead of giving them to families with who attend failing public schools. What do you think about it? Take our poll.
The is not a supporter of HB 136, a proposal that would give tax vouchers for education.
If passed, HB 136 would give tax vouchers for education to families making a combined income of $95,000 or less — regardless of what public school the student is assigned to attend.
Currently, the state gives vouchers to families assigned to drastically underperforming public school districts.
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“It would definitely hurt us,” said Lakewood Superintendent Jeff Patterson. “Can you imagine? We’re already strapped for financial resources. The losses would be huge."
For example in Lakewood, if the bill passes, a family that makes a combined income of $95,000 or less could get a voucher to attend a private school in the area instead of going to a school in the Lakewood School District — rated 'Excellent' by the Ohio State Board of Education.
Find out what's happening in Lakewoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Vouchers from about $2,300 a year to $4,600 a year would be handed out.
The district isn’t alone. Nearly 200 boards of education in Ohio passed resolutions stating opposition to House Bill 136.
The news comes following huge cuts to school funding made earlier this year — to the tune of about over the next five years.
“It could be another crushing blow if this happens,” Patterson said.
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