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Board member cites favorable voucher ruling; board remembers former superintendent and hears community health and attendance initiatives
Summary
At the June 24 meeting board member Polly Taylor Gerken reported a judge issued summary judgment finding Ohio vouchers unconstitutional in a suit brought by more than 100 districts; the board also held a remembrance for former superintendent Dr. Jerome Jerry Peckel and heard parent-led updates on attendance, hygiene drives and an Aug. 21 vaccination clinic.
A Toledo Public Schools board member announced what she called a major legal development and the board heard several community and personnel updates at its June 24 meeting.
Polly Taylor Gerken, a board member, said she learned that a judge granted summary judgment in a multi-district lawsuit representing more than 100 school districts, finding voucher programs unconstitutional on at least three of five claims. "They found on behalf of us... that vouchers are indeed unconstitutional," Gerken said, and she told colleagues the decision can be appealed and may progress through the appeals process up to the Ohio Supreme Court.
The board also paused to remember Dr. Jerome "Jerry" Peckel, a longtime educator and former superintendent whose service included time in Akron and Barberton. Speakers recalled his mentorship, leadership through transitions and personal connection to staff and families.
During organizational input, Joanna White, a parent leadership council and PTO representative, outlined ongoing and planned efforts to improve student attendance and access to health services. White said the district's attendance blitz began in February and the PTO will launch a hygiene drive on July 1. She also announced a vaccine clinic scheduled for Aug. 21 at Jones Leadership Academy from 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and reminded families that school-based medical clinics (Rams Health Clinic) operate year-round at some locations.
Board members also raised concerns about statewide budget proposals. One board member described recent testimony at the statehouse opposing parts of the budget bill they regard as harmful to public education, naming House Bill 335 and Senate Bill 156 among the measures discussed.
Taken together the items showed the board balancing local community services and personnel recognition with statewide policy and legal developments. No formal board action on the voucher litigation or those state bills was recorded at the June 24 meeting.
