Centerville School Board hears public support for Vouchers Hurt Ohio lawsuit

Centerville City Schools is facing a pivotal moment as community members urge the Board of Education to join the Vouchers Hurt Ohio lawsuit, a legal challenge aimed at addressing the impact of state-funded vouchers on public education. During the recent board meeting on February 24, 2025, several residents voiced their concerns about the ongoing diversion of funds from public schools to private institutions through the voucher system.

Amy Fogle, a Centerville resident and parent, opened the discussion by highlighting the alarming trend of decreasing state support for public education, noting that Ohio now ranks 45th in the nation for public school funding. She emphasized the need for collective action to protect the educational framework that serves over 8,000 students in the district. Fogle urged the board to consider joining the lawsuit as a means to challenge the current funding structure that disproportionately benefits private schools.

Lisa Butel echoed these sentiments, pointing out that the Ohio Constitution mandates proper funding for public schools and criticized the use of taxpayer dollars for private religious education. She argued that the current system undermines the principle of separation of church and state, as a significant majority of voucher recipients attend private religious schools.

Other speakers, including Laurel Kerr and Robin Bridal, reinforced the call for action, citing the detrimental effects of the voucher program on public school resources. They argued that the ongoing financial strain on public schools is unsustainable and that joining the lawsuit would demonstrate a commitment to equitable education for all students.

Conversely, some community members, like Mike Larson, expressed opposition to the lawsuit, advocating for parental choice in education. Larson argued that the voucher program allows families to escape failing schools and that the district benefits from reduced operating costs when students transfer to private institutions.

The board's decision on whether to join the lawsuit remains pending, but the discussions reflect a growing concern among Centerville residents about the future of public education funding in Ohio. As the state continues to propose significant cuts to public school budgets, the implications of this decision could have lasting effects on the educational landscape in Centerville and beyond. The community is watching closely as the board weighs its options in the face of mounting pressure to protect public education.