AAUW Ohio - Communications

State Activism - Supporting Public Education

Ohio Issues/Legislation | Lobbying | Newsletter Articles | Ohio Projects

Public education has been under sustained attack in Ohio for over 15 years. Former Governor George Voinovich convened a Commission on Educational Choice that advocated creation of a voucher program and system of charter schools. These programs are described under “School Options” on the Ohio Department of Education website.

AAUW believes diversion of funds to these programs weakens public education. Many other reasons for opposing vouchers are outlined in its Issue Statement on School Vouchers. While AAUW supported the initial concept of charter schools as part of the public system, charter schools as they are developing in Ohio violate at least three of the requirements listed in the AAUW Issue Paper on Charter Schools including:

- they allow for-profit entities to run charters,

- they are not testing a sufficient percentage of students to ensure accountability,

- they are receiving a greater share of funding than public schools according to a 2006 study published by the Ohio Education Association.

Also, while legislation has been passed to correct the many financial irregularities found in charter school operation and reporting, it is not yet clear that those problems have been resolved.

Ohio AAUW branches are urged to study The Ohio Voucher Program and the Ohio Charter School Program and work to lobby the legislature to modify or eliminate these programs. As they arise, other bills related to public education at all levels are posted as are Action Plans recommended by your Ohio public policy co-chairs as they are developed.