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Board debates effect of state voucher program as district reports 30 students left for private schools and 7 returned
Summary
The West Geauga board reviewed district data showing 30 students left for private schools this year (7 returned) and 182 students are served out of district, and discussed how Ohio’s expanded voucher program affects district funding and enrollments.
Board members discussed the impacts of Ohio’s expanding voucher program on the West Geauga Local School District, with staff presenting enrollment figures and placement changes for the current school year.
District staff said 30 students who had been enrolled in West Geauga withdrew to attend private schools this year while seven students moved from private schools back into West Geauga. The superintendent said the district currently has 182 students placed in out‑of‑district programs — down from 221 the previous year — covering placements such as career‑technical programs, community schools and specialized autism placements. “Overall this year we have a smaller number of kids who are served out of district every year. ... We have 182 kids served in those various programs this year. Last year we had 221,” the superintendent said.
Board members debated whether the voucher program is diverting funds from public schools and noted the program’s expansion beyond its original purpose of assisting students in failing districts. One board member summarized the district’s view: some students who already attended private schools are now using vouchers to offset tuition, rather than moving from public to private schools specifically because of the voucher program. “A family of four can have an income of $140,000 and still qualify for the voucher,” the superintendent said when describing why some families take the voucher.
What happened: The board discussed whether to engage in wider advocacy or legal action (some districts have joined lawsuits) but did not take a formal action at this meeting. The discussion centered on fiscal concerns — whether tax dollars are being redirected to private institutions — and on differences in accountability and oversight between public and private schools.
Ending: Board members suggested the topic may warrant further study and possible board-level decisions about advocacy or joining broader actions; no vote or formal directive was taken at this meeting.
