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Toledo City School Board adopts resolution opposing state vouchers, private-school renovation funds
Summary
The Toledo City School Board unanimously adopted a resolution opposing the diversion of public dollars to private-school vouchers and the renovation or construction of private-school facilities, citing House Bill 33's $700 million transfer and concerns about transparency and constitutional conflict.
The Toledo City School Board on Oct. 22 adopted a resolution opposing the use of public funds for private-school vouchers and the construction or renovation of private-school facilities, declaring that taxpayer dollars should support public schools.
Board members said the change in the state budget—cited in the resolution as House Bill 33—redirected $700,000,000 into a new Strategic Community Investments Fund that can grant public funds directly to private schools for building projects. "Public funds should be used for public schools. Period," said Miss Barwick during the discussion in support of the resolution.
The resolution, read into the record before the vote, argues that expanding public subsidies for private schools jeopardizes a well-funded public system, reduces organizational transparency, and may contravene both the Ohio Constitution and the First Amendment. It also notes changes to the Ed Choice (educational choice scholarship) program that removed income limits, making voucher subsidies available to all households.
Supporters painted the measure as a defense of equitable public education and a check on how taxpayer dollars are spent. "Anytime that the state takes dollars away from public schools and gives it elsewhere, what happens to public schools?" Miss Barwick asked during debate. Missus Scarlatti said the board must respond to what she called a second wave of privatization that could drain resources from public districts.
Treasurer-led roll call recorded affirmative votes from Mister Vasquez, Mister Parker, Miss Barnes, Missus Gerken and Missus Barwick; the board adopted the resolution and directed staff to share it with state legislators in Columbus. The resolution states it takes effect immediately after adoption and cites compliance with Ohio Revised Code section 121.22.
The board's action is a formal statement of policy; it does not itself change state law. The resolution asks legislators and the public to consider the effect of redirecting tax funds to private entities and emphasizes the board's commitment to an "efficient and transparent educational system."
