Board moves to oppose state voucher expansion after public speaker urges action
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Summary
A board member introduced and the board approved a resolution opposing expansion of the state's voucher/ESA program after public comment that vouchers divert public funds and could expand costs and administrative burdens; board members were asked to sign and to encourage constituents to contact legislators.
The Washington County Board of Education moved to adopt a resolution opposing expansion of the state's educational-voucher (ESA) program after public comment urged the board to take that position.
Mary Grace Luton (S15), speaking for Public School Strong, urged the board to "stand up against this harmful legislation" and laid out concerns including diverted funding from public schools, lack of accountability for private schools, possible expansion to 20 counties and the removal of testing requirements for voucher recipients.
Board member S10 sponsored the resolution and urged colleagues to join. "Nothing gets me any more hot under the collar than we talk about vouchers for private school education," S10 said, arguing the legislature is considering a large expansion and that the board should call for transparency, accountability and measures that show improved student outcomes before any expansion. He asked members to sign a folder containing the resolution and encouraged the public to contact local legislators.
The board moved the item, seconded it and indicated assent to the action; administration asked members to sign the prepared resolution before leaving the meeting.
Context and next steps: the resolution is a formal expression of the board's opposition and is intended for signature and distribution to local legislators and stakeholders. The board indicated this is consistent with past positions taken by other local school boards and is intended to urge legislative caution on expansion and funding.
