Elida Board of Education Resolution In Opposition To HB290, the Universal Voucher Bill
Joel Parker, CPA., Treasurer of Elida Local School sent along the HB290 opposition Resolution adopted by the Elida Board.  The Resolution provides a template for other boards and organizations to adopt.
ELIDA LOCAL SCHOOLS BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
November 15, 20211 Elida High School Community Room at 7:00 p.m.
Resolution to Oppose the Establishment of the Backpack Scholarship Program, as
Proposed in House Bill 290 of the 134th General Assembly (11-21-3)
WHEREAS, the establishment of a statewide universal voucher program, as introduced in House Bill (H.B.) 290 (the “Backpack Bill”), would allow $5,500 for K-8 and $7,500 for 9-12 students to be deposited into an education savings account to be used for private school tuition, tutoring, textbooks and other allowable uses; and
WHEREAS, the Backpack Bill would repeal the EdChoice and Cleveland voucher programs, and provide $5,500 to $7,500 to all students, regardless of a family’s income; and
WHEREAS, the cost of the Backpack Bill is being analyzed, but H.B. 290 will likely cost several billion dollars annually depending on student participation rates; and
WHEREAS, in many cases, the vouchers are awarded to student who never attended a public school; and
WHEREAS, private and charter schools are not held to the same academic or financial standards as the public schools; and
WHEREAS, from 2005 to current date, the NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Progress) scores show no difference among public, private or charter schools; and
WHEREAS, many students who receive a voucher, show a decrease in state test scores during the first three years following the transfer; and
WHEREAS, in many cases, the operators of the private/charter schools are driven by profit motives and not educational improvement; and
WHEREAS, the impact of the Backpack Bill on the future of the Fair School Funding Plan is unknown, but it would no doubt be detrimental to further phase-in of the Plan.
WHEREAS, the impact of the Backpack Bill on the future of Elida’s funding is unknown and could require an unnecessary increase in the local funding share; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Education of the Elida School District, that:
Section 1. It is necessary to oppose H.B. 290 of the 134th General Assembly to ensure the full phase-in of the Fair School Funding Plan; which Plan, when fully phased-in, will adequately and equitably funds Ohio public schools.
Section 2. The Treasurer is authorized to deliver or cause to be delivered a certified copy of this Resolution to community leaders; to members of the Ohio House of Representatives and the Ohio Senate, including Representative Bob Cupp and Senator Matt Huffman; and to the office of Governor Michael DeWine.
Section 3. This Resolution shall be in full force and effect immediately upon its adoption.
Pat Schvmanslci moved and Jason Bowers seconded that the above recommendation be approved.
Follow the link to read the 8 Lies About Private School Vouchers
The No Child Left Behind Act Has Put The Nation At Risk
Vouchers Hurt Ohio