Forest Hills residents demand school board join lawsuit against voucher allocations

The Forest Hills School District Board convened on May 21, 2025, to address pressing issues surrounding educational funding and curriculum content, with a strong focus on the implications of voucher programs on public education.

A significant point of discussion was the board's potential involvement in the "Vouchers Hurt Ohio" lawsuit. Several community members voiced their concerns about how state-funded vouchers divert essential resources from public schools to private institutions. Brian Carlson urged the board to take a stand against this funding model, emphasizing that allowing state funds to support private education undermines the integrity of public schooling. He called for accountability in educational outcomes, suggesting that the board should regularly report on student performance metrics to ensure transparency and effectiveness.

Kristen Kalanick echoed these sentiments, highlighting a report from the Economic Policy Institute that outlines the detrimental effects of voucher programs on public school funding. She argued that fixed costs in public education remain unchanged even as student enrollment declines due to vouchers, leading to cuts in vital services. Kalanick stressed the importance of defending public education funding to maintain equitable educational opportunities for all students.

In addition to funding concerns, the meeting also touched on curriculum content, particularly regarding the book "The Perks of Being a Wallflower." A community member raised concerns about its appropriateness following an incident at Turpin High School, where a student objected to its content. The discussion highlighted the need for careful consideration of educational materials and the importance of understanding context in literature.

The board also received a proposal from Anne Zimmerman, who offered to fund the initial costs of joining the lawsuit against the voucher program. She emphasized the unfairness of the current funding system, which allocates significantly more money to private schools than to public institutions.

As the meeting concluded, the board was urged to take decisive action to protect public education funding and to ensure that all students receive the support they need to succeed. The discussions underscored a community united in its commitment to uphold the quality and integrity of public education in the Forest Hills School District.