SEPTEMBER 23:  DEMOCRACY GERMINATES AND GROWS IN THE SOIL OF THE PUBLIC COMMON SCHOOL
The delegates to the Constitutional Convention of 1850 and 1851 crafted a provision that required the State of Ohio to secure a thorough and efficient system of common schools.  A review of the proceedings of the convention regarding education suggests that the convention delegates understood the nexus between the specified common school and educating youth for productive citizenship
Read the full email here.

SEPTEMBER 22:  STEVE DYER:  OHIO HAS SPENT ONLY $8 MILLION OF $71 MILLION FEDERAL FUNDS RECEIVED SEVEN YEARS AGO
The federal government has been throwing millions each year at “high quality” charter schools. 
Read the full email here.

SEPTEMBER 21:  DIANE RAVITCH REPORTS ON THE FAILURE OF NEW YORK HASIDIC PRIVATE SCHOOL, EVEN THOUGH FLUSH WITH TAX FUNDS
The American common school is incrementally being replaced with private schools (and charters) that operate on the very tax funds to which common schools are entitled. 
Read the full email here.

SEPTEMBER 20:  BUCKEYE INSTITUTE IS LOBBYING FOR STATE POLICY THAT WOULD REQUIRE ALL DISTRICTS TO PARTICIPATE IN OPEN ENROLLMENT.
Open enrollment has been allowed in Ohio for three decades; however, districts are not required to participate. 
Read the full email here.

SEPTEMBER 19: “FUND THE STUDENT, NOT THE SYSTEM” PLAN IS A RECIPE FOR DISASTER
The “fund the student, not the system” plan would attract thousands of new “schools” and education providers.  Some of them would become involved in education to grab funds from parents.  Others would attract students to “schools” that promote a political, ideological, religious or irreligious philosophy.
Read the full email here.

SEPTEMBER 16: “FUND THE STUDENT” IS A PATH TO CHAOS FOR SOCIETY AND STUDENTS, AND A RAID OF THE PUBLIC TREASURY
Charter schools, vouchers, education savings accounts (ESA’s), tuition tax credits, and “fund the student” are all manifestations of the school privatization agenda. 
Read the full email here.

SEPTEMBER 15:  SCHOOL PRIVATIZATION TERRORISTS SAVAGE THE OHIO CONSTITUTION TO ADVANCE THEIR PRIVATIZATION AGENDA
The battle cry of the privatizers is “fund the students,” not the “system.”  The “system” promotes the public good—“fund the students” promotes social unrest, which leads to anarchy. 
Read the full email here.

SEPTEMBER 14:  THE BUCKEYE INSTITUTE:  THE SOLUTION TO REGAINING THE SO-CALLED “LOST LEARNING” IS TO FUND PARENTS, NOT SCHOOL DISTRICTS.
Buckeye Institute, in a September 6, 2022 publication, concludes that parents have grown increasingly distrustful of local public schools.  The historic havoc COVID-19 wreaked on school children, the publication reports, must be regained.   The answer they say is to fund students, not the common school system. 
Read the full email here.

SEPTEMBER 13:  ANOTHER SCHOOL PRIVATIZATION GIMMICK IN THE STATE BUDGET:  TUITION TAX CREDIT
Ohio was a leader in tax support for private schools prior to the advent of the voucher and charter school schemes.  Now Ohio is among the top 10 states in the nation in support for vouchers, charters, and a variety of other privatization options.
Read the full email here.

SEPTEMBER 12:  EDUCATION SAVINGS ACCOUNT (ESA), AN EGREGIOUS ANTI-PUBLIC SCHOOL SCHEME, HAS ALREADY BEGUN ON A SMALL SCALE IN OHIO.  THE PRIVATIZATION CROWD IS LOBBYING TO EXPAND IT.
The state’s two-year budget bill (HB110) provides for a $500 education savings account for certain K-12 students.  Privatization gimmicks start small then grow into a tax-eating glutton. 
Read the full email here.

SEPTEMBER 9:  54^TH ANNUAL PDK POLL:  LOCAL PUBLIC SCHOOL RATINGS RISE EVEN AS TEACHING PROFESSION LOSES GROUND
In spite of the escalated attacks on public schools by the education privatizers, Americans’ ratings of public schools reached a new high dating back 48 years. 
Read the full email here.

SEPTEMBER 8:  BIZARRE STATEMENT MADE BY HEAD OF THE CENTER FOR CHRISTIAN VIRTUE (CCV)
In an August 12, 2022 Statehouse News Bureau broadcast, the head of CCV was quoted:  “There’s religious teaching happening in public school right now, indoctrinating kids into Marxism and really dangerous world views so they need to get their religion out of the public schools first.”
Read the full email here.

SEPTEMBER 7:  PRO-PRIVATIZATION FORDHAM INSTITUTE ATTACKS STEVE DYER FOR ADVOCATING THAT THE STATE FOLLOW THE OHIO CONSTITUTION
School privatizers become cranky when they are admonished that their schemes are counter to the Constitution. 
Read the full email here.

SEPTEMBER 6:  STEVE DYER REVEALS MORE SECRETS INSIDE THE VOUCHER INDUSTRY
Steve Dyer’s August 25, 2022 10^th Period post takes readers inside the EdChoice voucher industry’s deceit chamber. 
Read the full email here.

SEPTEMBER 2:  AMERICANS FOR PROSPERITY (FUNDED BY THE KOCH FAMILY) IS LOBBYING BOARDS OF EDUCATION TO REMOVE THEIR DISTRICTS FROM THE EDCHOICE VOUCHER LITIGATION
The libertarian, anti-public school, Koch funded Americans for Prosperity is opposed to public education.
Read the full email here.

AUGUST 31:  LEADER OF THE CENTER FOR CHRISTIAN VIRTUE (CCV):  “ON EVERY CORNER THAT YOU SEE A CHURCH, WE WANT TO SEE A SCHOOL AS WELL.”
On August 12, the Statehouse News Bureau reported on an initiative of CCV, the goal of which is, via universal vouchers, to put a school in every church.  That should sound an alarm to every citizen. 
Read the full email here.

AUGUST 30:  THINK A COUPLE OHIO LEGISLATORS WROTE HB290—THE UNIVERSAL VOUCHER BILL OR THE ‘BACKPACK BILL’?  THINK AGAIN!
On May 11, 2021, a couple legislators introduced HB290.  Situated conspicuously in back of the pair at their HB290 press conference was the head of the Center for Christian Virtue (CCV). 
Read the full email here.

AUGUST 29:  CENTER FOR CHRISTIAN VIRTUE (CCV) EXPLOITS COLUMBUS TEACHER STRIKE TO PROMOTE THE UNIVERSAL VOUCHER BILL (HB290)
The whole hog voucher machine (CCV) is exploiting the teachers’ strike in Columbus to recruit voucher students. 
Read the full email here.

AUGUST 26:  DISTRACTIONS DIVERT ATTENTION FROM THE REAL ISSUE IN PUBLIC EDUCATION—WHICH IS THE SINISTER DRIVE TO PRIVATIZE PUBLIC EDUCATION
Public school leaders, other personnel in school districts, parents, and other community members are being confronted by a plethora of distractions. 
Read the full email here.

AUGUST 25:  DOES THE OHIO CONSTITUTION AUTHORIZE THE OHIO DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (ODE) TO DISTRIBUTE $250 MILLION TO PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS THAT ARE NOT SUBJECT TO STATE AUDIT THIS YEAR?
First, all Ohio school districts are subject to state audit.  Every dime must be spent legally and accounted for; and rightfully so.
Read the full email here.

AUGUST 24:  VOUCHER LITIGATION IN KENTUCKY MOVING FORWARD
Public Funds Public Schools reports on the litigation.
Read the full email here.

AUGUST 23:  ANOTHER INSTALLMENT FROM STEVE DYER ABOUT FORDHAM’S CALL FOR AN EXORBITANT INCREASE IN FUNDING FOR CHARTER SCHOOLS
The failed charter school experiment has gathered a boatload of supporters.  This greedy group wants more and more funds and less and less accountability and transparency. 
Read the full email here.

AUGUST 22:  A HISTORY LESSON REGARDING THE PUBLIC COMMON SCHOOL SYSTEM
Prior to 1822, Ohio issued charters to various groups that sought permission to operate some kind of education program. 
Read the full email here.

AUGUST 19:  STEVE DYER:  A TAKEDOWN OF FORDHAM OVER THE NEXT SEVERAL DAYS. FIRST INSTALLMENT
Fordham Institute rides high in Ohio’s political environment.  This group has the ear of the ruling class in the legislature.  It’s time to expose the nature and agenda of this organization. Steve Dyer is the person to do so!
Read the full email here.

AUGUST 18:  BEWARE OF THE ACTIVISM OF THE AMERICANS FOR PROSPERITY GROUP
Americans for Prosperity, founded in 2004, is a libertarian conservative political advocacy group. One of the initiatives of the group is to promote the privatization of public education.
Read the full email here.

AUGUST 17:  FORDHAM INSTITUTE GOING BALLISTIC ON PRIVATIZATION OF CONSTITUTIONAL PUBLIC EDUCATION
Fordham’s Policy Brief No. 1 (Summer 2022) provided eight recommendations to further the privatization of authentic public education.  The next state budget bill will be laced with these recommendations, most of which will require funds that will be diverted from public school districts.
Read the full email here.

AUGUST 16:  FORDHAM INSTITUTE HOSTILE TO NEW FEDERAL REGULATIONS REGARDING FEDERAL CHARTER SCHOOL FUNDING—JOINS IN A LAWSUIT AGAINST THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
Fordham Institute sponsors charter schools and resists nearly every attempt of state and federal officials to regulate the charter industry. 
Read the full email here.

AUGUST 15 (PM):  THE MEETING AT BOWLING GREEN HIGH SCHOOL SCHEDULED FOR TONIGHT (MONDAY, AUGUST 15) HAS BEEN POSTPONED
Due to multiple scheduling conflicts and public school people being tied-up with the beginning of the school year, the meeting at Bowling Green High School scheduled for tonight (Monday, August 15) has been postponed.
Read the full email here.

AUGUST 15:  JAN RESSEGER WEIGHS-IN ON HOW GERRYMANDERING AFFECTS PUBLIC SCHOOLS
The typical Ohioan has serious concerns about the way politicians have thwarted the will of the people in the re-districting fiasco. 
Read the full email here.

AUGUST 12:  DELEGATE MINER, DURING THE CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION OF 1873 AND 1874 OPPOSED DIVIDING THE FUNDS FOR COMMON SCHOOLS WITH PRIVATE SCHOOLS
The debates regarding the common school system during the Constitutional Convention of 1873 and 1874 give concise insight into what was intended by the wording inherent in Article VI, Section 2 of the Ohio Constitution (adopted in 1851). 
Read the full email here.

AUGUST 11:  EDCHOICE VOUCHER LAWSUIT MEETING AUGUST 15, 6:00 PM AT BOWLING GREEN HIGH SCHOOL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER, 540 WEST POE ROAD, BOWLING GREEN, OHIO
A public meeting to provide information and discussion regarding the EdChoice voucher litigation is set for August 15. 
Read the full email here.

AUGUST 10:  THE CASE OF THE 21^ST CENTURY
A former Ohio Supreme Court Justice said the DeRolph school funding case was the case of the 20^th century. 
Read the full email here.

AUGUST 9:  STATUS OF THE EDCHOICE VOUCHER LITIGATION AND SUMMARY OF THE CLAIMS
The lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the EdChoice voucher program was filed January 4, 2022. 
Read the full email here.

AUGUST 8:  THE U.S. SUPREME COURT IN THE 1947 EVERSON V BOARD OF EDUCATION RULED THAT NEW JERSEY WAS NOT IN VIOLATION OF THE “ESTABLISHMENT CLAUSE” OF THE FIRST AMENDMENT BY USING TAX FUNDS TO SUPPORT TRANSPORTATION OF PRIVATE PAROCHIAL SCHOOL STUDENTS—THE FOOT-IN-THE-DOOR
In the Everson case, the petitioner argued that it was a violation of due process (14^th Amendment) for New Jersey to take his tax money to support student transportation to parochial schools. 
Read the full email here.

AUGUST 5: “THE WALL OF SEPARATION”:  THE ORIGIN OF THE PHRASE; WHAT IT MEANS; THE COURT’S EVOLVING INTERPRETATION
President Thomas Jefferson received a letter regarding religious freedom from the Danbury Baptist Association in Danbury, Connecticut.  The Association was concerned that government might make laws that govern “the kingdom of Christ.” 
Read the full email here.

AUGUST 4:  WHICH INSTITUTION HAS THE GREATEST POTENTIAL FOR HEALING THE NATION:  CORPORATE AMERICA? STATE HOUSES? CONGRESS? GOVERNORS? PRIVATE SCHOOLS? CHARTER SCHOOLS? NON-TAX SUPPORTED PRIVATE SCHOOLS? ECOT? PUBLIC SCHOOLS OPERATED BY LOCALLY-ELECTED BOARDS OF EDUCATION?
The answer to the question posed in the title is obvious. 
Read the full email here.

AUGUST 3:  SUPPORT FOR THE CHALLENGE TO THE CONSTITUTIONALITY OF THE EDCHOICE VOUCHER SCHEME CONTINUES TO GROW
Six of the “Big Eight” school districts have joined the EdChoice voucher litigation.  Districts of all types—rural, midsize cities, small cities, suburban, JVS and ESC—are joining the effort. 
Read the full email here.

AUGUST 2:  MESSAGE TO THE CENTER FOR CHRISTIAN VIRTUE:  JESUS AND THE CHURCH HE BUILT DID NOT REQUEST THE ROMAN GOVERNMENT TO FUND THE CHURCH
In the first century BC, church and state were completely separated.
Read the full email here.

AUGUST 1:  SUPPORT FOR THE COALITION/VHO LAWSUIT CHALLENGING THE CONSTITUTIONALITY OF THE EDCHOICE VOUCHER SCHEME IS GROWING
A major issue facing the public is how to counter the relentless assault by the privatizers on the public common school system.
Read the full email here.

JULY 29:  FORDHAM INSTITUTE, IN A JULY 19 ARTICLE, IDENTIFIES SIX REASONS TO SUPPORT UNIVERSAL SCHOOL CHOICE IN OHIO
A wealthy proponent of privatization of public education organization, Fordham Institute, is a relentless campaigner to give away the democratically-operated public common school system to private operators. 
Read the full email here.

JULY 28:  MICHIGAN STATE PROFESSOR JOSHUA COWEN:  “AFTER TWO DECADES OF STUDYING VOUCHER PROGRAMS, I’M FIRMLY OPPOSED TO THEM.”
Professor Cowen’s research focuses on teacher quality, student and teacher mobility, and evaluations of state and local education programs.  His conclusion, after studying voucher programs, is that public money should not be funding private tuition.
Read the full email here.

JULY 27:  PUBLIC SCHOOL LEADERS, EMPLOYEES, AND ADVOCATES SHOULD SUPPORT THE LAWSUIT CHALLENGING THE CONSTITUTIONALITY OF THE EDCHOICE VOUCHER SCHEME, REGARDLESS OF THE SEVERITY OF THE NEGATIVE IMPACT ON THE INDIVIDUAL DISTRICTS
It is a given that school district leaders and employees have a first-line responsibility to work for and protect the interests of their own school district. 
Read the full email here.

JULY 26:  INTENSE, FOCUSED EMPHASIS ON THE PUBLIC COMMON SCHOOL SYSTEM BY THE STATE IS THE ONLY WAY TO ECONOMICALLY EXPAND EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES AND QUALITY OF EDUCATION AND TO INCREASE THE EDUCATION LEVEL OF THE CITIZENRY
Tax support for private alternatives for education is not only fiscally inefficient; it will result in lowering the literacy rate and the occupational skills of the general public.
Read the full email here.

JULY 25:  THE SO-CALLED EDUCATION REFORM MOVEMENT IS A WEAPON TO DESTROY THE PUBLIC COMMON SCHOOL
Let us be very clear, the so-called reform movement in public education the past three decades is a sinister, bogus plan of action
Read the full email here.

JULY 22:  ARIZONA ADOPTED A UNIVERSAL VOUCHER PROGRAM—A WARNING TO OHIO
The Arizona governor said the new law had “set the gold standard in education freedom…”  An additional voucher fanatic tweeted, “Every red state in the country should follow the lead.”
Read the full email here.

JULY 21:  WAKE-UP CALL TO THE PUBLIC EDUCATION COMMUNITY
First, the education privatizers wanted “choice” for poor kids in low-performing school districts (reflecting poverty in the districts).  Next, they demanded “choice” for all.  Now, they want to eliminate public schools.  They are now openly discussing it.
Read the full email here.

JULY 20:  10,000 ECOT’S COMING TO OHIO
William Lager, the ECOT Man, purchased for himself the best state officials he could, and that was a lot.  Controlling state officials allowed him to steal hundreds of millions from Ohio taxpayers.  Did they learn a lesson?
Read the full email here.

JULY 19:  MEMBERSHIP IN THE E&A COALITION/VHO FOR FISCAL YEAR 2023 IS GROWING RAPIDLY
July 19:  In the first 18 days of July, 64 districts have paid membership dues. 
Read the full email here.

JULY 18:  REGARDING THE EDCHOICE VOUCHER LITIGATION: TIME FOR SCHOOL DISTRICT LEADERS TO FISH OR CUT BAIT
For more than two decades, the Ohio Legislature has been quietly moving toward a universal voucher scheme, thus abandoning the constitutionally-required common school system.
Read the full email here.

JULY 15:  THE ANTI-PUBLIC GOOD PRIVATIZATION-OF-EDUCATION GANG HAS CREATED A POLITICAL TRAJECTORY THAT, IF NOT HALTED BY LITIGATION, WILL DOOM THE OHIO PUBLIC COMMON SCHOOL SYSTEM.
There is a cluster of voucher zealots comprised of a small fraction of the Ohio population that is determined to destroy the constitutionally-required common school system. 
Read the full email here.

JULY 14:  FORMER OHIO DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (ODE) CHARTER SCHOOL OFFICE CONSULTANT DENIS SMITH ASKS, “WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO ABOUT IT?” (IE) COLLECTING THE MILLIONS ECOT OWES OHIO TAXPAYERS
Denis Smith’s July 7 article is a “must read” for those concerned about government spending on unregulated school alternatives to the public common school system required by the Ohio Constitution. 
Read the full email here.

JULY 13:  STEVE HINNEFELD: “INDIANA VOUCHER COST NEARS QUARTER BILLION DOLLARS.”  INDIANA AND OHIO VOUCHER PROGRAMS SEEM TO BE ON PARALLEL TRACKS
Indiana and Ohio voucher advocates have pushed expansion of vouchers using the same playbook. 
Read the full email here.

JULY 12:  WEST VIRGINIA CIRCUIT COURT STRIKES DOWN UNCONSTITUTIONAL PRIVATE SCHOOL VOUCHER LAW
WV Circuit Court Judge Joanna Tabit strikes down the WV law.  The WV Constitution has a constitutional requirement to provide a thorough and efficient system of public schools. (This WV provision was copied from Ohio’s Constitution). 
Read the full email here.

JULY 11:  HB583 FILLED WITH MISCHIEF REGARDING CHARTER SCHOOLS
The charter school lobby has its fingerprints all over HB583, which the Governor has signed into law.
Read the full email here.

JULY 8:  VOUCHER HUNGRY PRIVATE SCHOOLS MAY RUE THE DAY THEY CONSORTED WITH POLITICALLY POWERFUL VOUCHER ZEALOTS TO DISMANTLE THE PUBLIC COMMON SCHOOL SYSTEM BY ADVANCING THEIR VOUCHER AGENDA
As the percentage of the state budget for vouchers grows and conversely the percentage decreases for the common school system, the taxpaying public will insist on regulating the privates.
Read the full email here.

JULY 7:  COLUMBUS DISPATCH’S THEODORE DECKER:  BILLION-DOLLAR BOONDOGGLE ECOT MUST BE ADDRESSED
Decker, in his June 30 Dispatch column, puts another spotlight on the raid ECOT’s Bill Lager made on the state treasury over a period of several years, beginning in 2000.
Read the full email here.

JULY 6:  STEVE DYER’S JUNE 29 10^TH PERIOD EXPLORES POTENTIAL VOUCHER SCANDALS IN VIEW OF THE ECOT RIP OFF OF TAXPAYERS
The state’s record of holding school choice providers accountable for the use of tax money is dismal.  The charter industry in Ohio (and across the nation) is rife with fraud and corruption, as well as, low academic performance and scant educational opportunities.
Read the full email here.

JULY 5 PM:  TOLEDO JOINS THE LAWSUIT CHALLENGING THE CONSTITUTIONALITY OF EDCHOICE VOUCHERS
Attached is a news release regarding Toledo Public Schools joining the EdChoice voucher litigation.
Read the full email here.

JULY 5:  PETER GREENE, SENIOR CONTRIBUTOR AT FORBES.COM:  “THE HAMMER THAT BREAKS THE CHURCH STATE WALL HAS HIT PUBLIC EDUCATION ONCE AGAIN.  WHAT PARTS OF OUR SCHOOL SYSTEM WILL IT BRING DOWN?”
In this article, Greene observes “that the through-line on the court’s free exercise decisions is that the free exercise of religion is not possible without taxpayer subsidy.” 
Read the full email here.

JULY 1:  JUNE 25 LIMA NEWS:  COULD SUPREME COURT’S RULING ON SCHOOLS IN MAINE AFFECT OHIO VOUCHER LAWSUIT?
The Carson Decision by the U.S. Supreme Court has no effect on the EdChoice voucher case in Ohio. 
Read the full email here.

JUNE 30:  DONALD COHEN:  THE WORST PRIVATIZATION DEAL IN U.S. HISTORY JUST GOT EVEN WORSE
It appears that every public service or function is up for sale.
Read the full email here.

JUNE 29:  SENATE PRESIDENT’S ANSWER TO WHETHER OR NOT TO REPEAL THE THIRD GRADE GUARANTEE—MORE VOUCHERS
The State Board of Education, as required by the law, is considering raising the promotion score on the Third Grade Guarantee. 
Read the full email here.

JUNE 28:  ALTHOUGH THE CARSON V MAKIN U.S. SUPREME COURT DECISION DOES NOT AFFECT OHIO’S EDCHOICE VOUCHER CASE, IT IS ANOTHER HEAVY BLOW TO THE WALL OF SEPARATION OF CHURCH AND STATE
The roles of the church and the state are different.  History has taught us that the two should be separated, as Jefferson stated, “by a wall of separation.”
Read the full email here.

JUNE 27:  STEVE DYER’S JUNE 20, 10^TH PERIOD:  OHIO SCHOOL PRIVATIZATION MORE EXPENSIVE THAN PUBLIC SCHOOLS
The awesome Steve Dyer in a new analysis found the following regarding privatization programs in Ohio
Read the full email here.

JUNE 24:  DISCRIMINATION IS TAXPAYER FUNDED IN OHIO VIA VOUCHERS
Taxpayers in Ohio help fund private schools via vouchers and direct state payments to private schools.  Private schools can and do discriminate in regard to enrollment practices, due process for students and employees, and a plethora of other ways. 
Read the full email here.

JUNE 23: WHO SHALL CONTROL OUR PUBLIC GOODS?
A quiz-check
Read the full email here.

JUNE 22:  PUBLIC FUNDS PUBLIC SCHOOLS (PFPS) FILES AN AMICUS BRIEF IN THE SOUTH CAROLINA VOUCHER LAWSUIT
A majority of the states have a constitutional provision that forbids public funding of private religious schools.  Voucher proponents are attempting to convince courts that these “no aid” provisions were adopted because of anti-religious prejudices.  The amicus brief filed by PFPS urges the court to reject that myth.
Read the full email here.

JUNE 21 (PM):  TODAY’S U.S. SUPREME COURT DECISION IN THE CARSON CASE
June 21:  Today’s U.S. Supreme Court decision in the Carson case does not address the central issues of our constitutional challenge of the EdChoice voucher program.  Our case will move forward with no concern regarding today’s SCOTUS decision.
Read the full email here.

JUNE 21:  SEARCH FOR THE STATE’S AUTHORITY TO NEGLECT THE AUTHENTIC PUBLIC EDUCATION SYSTEM AND THEN LAVISHLY FUND ALTERNATIVES
Carefully read, or possibly re-read, the Constitutional provisions for education in Ohio.  Search for state authority to fund vouchers for private school and privately-operated charters.
Read the full email here.

JUNE 20:  HB290—UNIVERSAL VOUCHER VULTURE BILL
In the current political climate, HB290 will be enacted incrementally or in one enactment.  Judicial intervention is necessary.
Read the full email here.

JUNE 17:  WHOSE CHOICE—STUDENT OR PRIVATE SCHOOL?
Champions of school choice fail to reveal the nuances of choice. 
Read the full email here.

JUNE 16:  VOUCHER MAGIC:  THE ILLUSIONS HAVE TRICKED MANY
There is no credible evidence that voucher students are served better academically than in their own public school environment. 
Read the full email here.

JUNE 15:  VOUCHERS HAD A DARK BEGINNING IN THE 1950’S
Libertarian Economist Milton Friedman started to promote his voucher ideas about the same time the US Supreme Court rendered the 1954 Brown v Board of Education decision.  The Brown decision overturned the “separate but equal” doctrine and required education to be provided on an equal basis.
Read the full email here.

JUNE 14:  HANDWRITING ON THE VOUCHER WALL:  THE INTERPRETATION IS CLEAR—UNIVERSAL VOUCHERS ARE AT HAND
The voucher gang has a clear-cut agenda—a voucher for each and every student.
Read the full email here.

JUNE 13:  ADVOCATES OF VOUCHERS FOR PRIVATE SCHOOLS CLAIM PUBLIC MONEY (AS A RIGHT) WITHOUT EVEN A MODICUM OF REGULATIONS
Accountability and Private-School Choice, an article written by Notre Dame Law School Professor Nicole Stelle Garnett essentially claims that students have a right, at public expense, to attend private schools that are free from nearly all regulations that govern public schools. 
Read the full email here.

JUNE 10:  FORDHAM INSTITUTE’S MAY 31 FLYPAPER ARTICLE—“THE CORE CONFLICT OF INTEREST IN PUBLIC EDUCATION”—IS ONE MORE ATTACK ON PUBLIC EDUCATION
The author of the article makes a long stretch to diminish the efficacy of public education. 
Read the full email here.

JUNE 9:  A STUDY BY THE OHIO EDUCATION POLICY INSTITUTE (OEPI) SHOWS THAT STATE FORMULA AID PLUS TANGIBLE PERSONAL PROPERTY REPLACEMENT AID FOR SCHOOL DISTRICTS HAS NOT KEPT PACE WITH INFLATION SINCE FISCAL YEAR 2011. FUNDING FOR CHARTERS AND VOUCHERS HAS BEEN GENEROUS.
The state budgets reveal the priorities state officials embrace.  Expanded funding for vouchers and charters since 2011 compared to increases for public school districts is shocking.  A recent study by OEPI should jar public school advocates into action. 
Read the full email here.

JUNE 8:  STEVE DYER REGARDING DEMOGRAPHIC DATA ON EDCHOICE VOUCHER RECIPIENTS
So much for the voucher campaigners’ battle cry—rescuing poor kids from “failing school districts”!
Read the full email here.

JUNE 7:  NOTRE DAME LAW SCHOOL RELIGIOUS LIBERTY INITIATIVE FILED AN AMICUS BRIEF IN SUPPORT OF THE STATE DEFENDANTS’ MOTION TO DISMISS THE EDCHOICE VOUCHER LAWSUIT
Pro-voucher groups nationwide are weighing-in against the EdChoice voucher lawsuit.  The Notre Dame Law School Religious Liberty Initiative filed an amicus brief in support of the State’s motion to dismiss the case. 
Read the full email here.

JUNE 6:  STEPHEN DYER—AMAZING STAT:  2 IN 3 OF OHIO VOUCHER RECIPIENTS NEVER ATTENDED PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Steve Dyer, in his June 1  10^th Period blog exposes the egregiously disingenuous battle cry of the voucher lobby—rescue poor children from “failing public schools.” 
Read the full email here.

JUNE 3:  POLITICIANS NEED TO RESPECT THE RULE OF LAW; OTHERWISE DEMOCRACY IS DOOMED
Whether the issue is redistricting of legislative districts or securing a thorough and efficient system of common schools, the applicable constitutional provisions must be honored. 
Read the full email here.

JUNE 2:  BRIEF UPDATE ON THE EDCHOICE VOUCHER LAWSUIT IN THE MAY NEWSLETTER OF OHIO RETIRED TEACHERS ASSOCIATION (ORTA)
The attached article appears in the May ORTA Newsletter.  The article provides some basic information about the lawsuit but doesn’t delve into the damage a universal voucher system will inflict on STRS. 
Read the full email here.

JUNE 1:  HB583, AN EDUCATION OMNIBUS BILL TEED-UP FOR PASSAGE, CONTINUES THE LEGISLATIVE NORM OF EXPANDING ELIGIBILITY AND FUNDING AMOUNTS FOR VOUCHERS AND FURTHER DEREGULATION OF CHARTER SCHOOLS
The school privatization propensity of the legislative majority in the Ohio House and Senate continues the march toward privatization of public schools.
Read the full email here.

MAY 31:  DENIS SMITH, FORMER STATE CHARTER SCHOOL CONSULTANT, TIES THE NEW SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION TO CHARTER SCHOOL SUPPORTERS
Denis Smith, a veteran teacher, school administrator, and Ohio Department of Education consultant retired a few years ago but maintains a keen advocacy for public education.  In a recent letter to the editor of the Columbus Dispatch, he connects the dots between the new State Superintendent of Public Instruction and the charter lobby.  He also raises some potential ethic issues surrounding the superintendent’s employment.
Read the full email here.

MAY 27:  MUSLIM CLERIC FETHULLAH GULEN, THE DRIVING FORCE BEHIND A COUPLE HUNDRED MUSLIM-ORIENTED CHARTER SCHOOLS IN THE US, IS IN THE WORLD NEWS AGAIN
Gulen charter schools have a healthy share of the charter school market in the US. These schools have not been without controversy.When Ohio started in the charter school business in the late 1990’s, the Gulen group was among the very first to launch their brand of charters.
Read the full email here.

MAY 26:  STEPHEN DYER’S MAY 20 10^TH PERIOD: “WARNING TO BIDEN ADMIN:  OHIO’S $71 MILLION FEDERAL CHARTER SCHOOL GRANT DISASTER”
Steve Dyer is an attorney, journalist, former Ohio legislator, and a thoughtful, tenacious public school advocate.  His May 20, 2022 10^th Period shows the senseless, ineffectual use of federal charter school grant funds in Ohio.
Read the full email here.

May 22 Columbus Dispatch Front Page Story: “Senate President, The Man Who Runs Ohio”
The Dispatch features a story that begins on the front page and continues for two full pages about how the Senate President is postured to be the most politically powerful person in Ohio.
Read the full email here.

MAY 24:  OHIO’S PREMIER EDUCATION BLOGGER JAN RESSEGER–AMERICANS FOR PROSPERITY IN OHIO:  WHAT IS THE KOCH –FUNDED BUCKEYE BLUEPRINT’S EDUCATION PLAN?
In a May 19 Blog, Jan Resseger exposes the anti-public school strategy of a new initiative of the Koch’s Americans for Prosperity.
Read the full email here.

MAY 23:  FUND STUDENTS, NOT THE SCHOOL SYSTEM, IS A DUMB IDEA—VERY DUMB.  ADDITIONALLY IT MOCKS THE OHIO CONSTITUTION
Manifestations of the “fund students” notion are vouchers, tuition tax credits and education savings accounts. The charter school funding scheme is also a “fund students” notion.
Read the full email here.

MAY 20:  50 MYTHS AND LIES THAT THREATEN AMERICA’S PUBLIC SCHOOLS:  THE REAL CRISIS IN EDUCATION BY DAVID C. BERLINER, GENE GLASS AND ASSOCIATES
The American common school system has been under serious attack for four decades—since the defective 1983 Nation at Risk report.  Myths and lies have been the ammunition used by privatizers to whack the common school system imposed by the education provisions of the Constitutions of each of the 50 states.
Read the full email here.

MAY 19:  SCHOOL VOUCHERS LOOMED LARGE IN THE MARCH 1988 REPORT ON PRESIDENT REAGAN’S COMMISSION ON PRIVATIZATION
On September 3, 1987, President Reagan announced his intention to appoint a Commission on Privatization.  One of his charges to the Commission was to consider the “use of vouchers to provide services to the public through the private sector.” 
Read the full email here.

MAY 18:  OKLAHOMA’S DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS TO PARENTS FOR SCHOOL SUPPLIES IS AN OMEN FOR HB290—THE UNIVERSAL VOUCHER BILL
HB290 would essentially distribute public tax funds to all parents for the purpose of purchasing education. Recent experience in Oklahoma should be a warning to lawmakers in Ohio.
Read the full email here.

MAY 17:  EDCHOICE VOUCHER SCHEME DOES NOT ALIGN WITH THE INTENTIONS OF THE DELEGATES OF OHIO’S 1850/1851 AND 1873/1874 CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS REGARDING THE PUBLIC COMMON SCHOOL SYSTEM—PART 3*
The first segment of Part 3 showed that the 1850/1851 Constitutional Convention delegates diligently protected the constitutional language which forbids religious or other sects from controlling any part of the common school funds.  This section of Part 3 refers to debates during the 1874/1875 Constitutional Convention regarding the same matter. 
Read the full email here.

MAY 16:  EDCHOICE VOUCHER SCHEME DOES NOT ALIGN WITH THE INTENTIONS OF THE DELEGATES OF OHIO’S 1850/1851 AND 1873/1874 CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS REGARDING THE PUBLIC COMMON SCHOOL SYSTEM—PART 3*
Part 3:  The Use of Public Common School Funds for Sectarian EducationThe vision of the delegates to the Constitutional Convention of 1850-1851 was clear, very clear, and so was the intent to separate the common school system from any religious affiliation.
Read the full email here.

MAY 13:  EDCHOICE VOUCHER SCHEME DOES NOT ALIGN WITH THE INTENTIONS OF THE DELEGATES OF OHIO’S 1850/1851 AND 1873/1874 CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS REGARDING THE PUBLIC COMMON SCHOOL SYSTEM—PART 2*
Part 2:  Thorough and Efficient System of Common Schools.  The intent of the constitutional framers is clear.  The “thorough and efficient” clause was adopted without issue at the 1850/1851 Constitutional Convention. 
Read the full email here.

MAY 12:  EDCHOICE VOUCHER SCHEME DOES NOT ALIGN WITH THE INTENTIONS OF THE DELEGATES OF OHIO’S 1850/1851 AND 1873/1874 CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTIONS REGARDING THE PUBLIC COMMON SCHOOL SYSTEM—PART 1*
The EdChoice voucher scheme is contrary to the intention of the Delegates’ vision of the state system of common schools. 
Read the full email here.

MAY 11:  STEVE DYER:  ON THE AVERAGE CHARTER SCHOOLS SPEND TWICE THE PERCENTAGE OF THEIR REVENUE ON ADMINISTRATION THAN PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Attached is Steve Dyer’s May 6, 10th PERIOD.  Dyer found that some charters spend more than half of their money on administration.
Read the full email here.

MAY 10:  OSU ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR VLADIMIR KOGAN:  LOCALLY ELECTED SCHOOL BOARDS ARE FAILING
A recent article by Associate Professor Kogan is in sync with a bevy of voices challenging the efficacy of democratic control of school districts by elected boards of education
Read the full email here.

MAY 9:  BEWARE OF THE BUCKEYE BLUEPRINT CAMPAIGN, A GRASSROOTS INITIATIVE OF THE KOCH BROTHERS’ AMERICANS FOR PROSPERITY (AFP)
The Buckeye Blueprint campaign is active in some Ohio school communities, attempting to stop Boards of Education from joining the EdChoice voucher litigation.
Read the full email here

MAY 6:  NATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS (NAPCS) CITATION:   GOVERNOR MIKE DEWINE IS A TRUE CHAMPION OF PUBLIC CHARTER SCHOOLS
Governor DeWine recently received the 2022 Champion for Charter Schools award from NAPCS.    Ohio is being recognized for charter school advancement.  The voucher crowd will no doubt award one or more state officials in Ohio for the advancement of vouchers since both charters and vouchers are both being proliferated in Ohio.
Read the full email here.

MAY 5:  TAX FUNDED VOUCHERS ALLOW STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES TO WAIVE THEIR FEDERAL AND STATE RIGHTS TO A FREE AND APPROPRIATE EDUCATION
 A few months ago the Equity and Adequacy Coalition received a reminder from Ian Robinson and Sarah Robinson that voucher students with disabilities give up rights guaranteed by federal and state law when they opt into a private school setting.
Read the full email here.

MAY 4:  JAN RESSEGER:  OHIO CHARTER SCHOOL SECTOR EPITOMIZES ALL THE REASONS WHY THE FEDERAL CHARTER SCHOOLS PROGRAM MUST BE REFORMED
In an April 24 blog Ohio’s Jan Resseger uses the Ohio charter school dismal track record as reason for reform of the federal charter school program fund.
Read the full email here.

MAY 3:  DIANE RAVITCH IN NEW YORK DAILY NEWS:  FIX THIS WASTEFUL FEDERAL CHARTER SCHOOL FUND
In this New York Daily News article Diane Ravitch identifies some of the fraud, corruption and profiteering associated with charter operatives that have received federal Charter School Program funds (CSP). 
Read the full email here.

MAY 2:  FORDHAM INSTITUTE IN A 4-22-22 ARTICLE LAMENTS THE LEGISLATION PASSED THAT ALLOWS YOUNGSTOWN, LORAIN AND EAST CLEVELAND TO REGAIN LOCAL CONTROL
Fordham Institute seems to support every policy that penalizes constitutionally-mandated public schools and every policy that provides tax-support for private schools and other private education ventures.
Read the full email here.

APRIL 29:  THE GOAL OF SCHOOL CHOICE PROMOTERS IS NOT IMPROVEMENT OF EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES THROUGH COMPETITION WITH AUTHENTIC PUBLIC SCHOOLS
School choicers have no desire to compete.  Their goal is to eliminate authentic public education and de-regulate education. 
Read the full email here.

APRIL 28:  VOUCHER CREATORS AND THEIR DISCIPLES USE MAGICIANS’ TOOLS TO PROMOTE THEIR CAUSE
Magicians use lies (deceit), distractions, sleight of hand, and planning ahead to trick and entertain folks.  The original voucher promoters, Economist Milton Friedman and his fellow-travelers in the 1950’s, were promoting the political ideology that various governmental functions should be privatized; thus, subject to market forces. 
Read the full email here.

APRIL 27:  DON’T THINK PUBLIC SCHOOLS ARE UNDER SIEGE? READ THOMAS ULTICAN’S 4/22/2022 ARTICLE ON THE CITY FUND
The City Fund (TCF) is an ultra-wealthy organization bankrolled by a couple billionaires who have the goal of privatizing the education programs of 40 large cities by 2028—just 6 years from now.  Thomas Ultican explains this dark plot.
Read the full email here

APRIL 26:  MESSAGE FROM US REPRESENTATIVE ROSA L. DELAURO TO CHARTER SCHOOL BULLIES REGARDING OPPOSITION TO PROPOSED FEDERAL REGULATION ON THE USE OF FEDERAL CHARTER SCHOOL PROGRAM (CSP) FUNDS:  BACK OFF
Research by the Network for Public Education (NPE) has revealed tremendous misuse of the annual $440 million CSP funds.  The federal administration is proposing the new regulations to curb the fraud and profiteering connected with the program. 
Read the full email here.

APRIL 25:  18 GOVERNORS, AS LACKEYS FOR THE CHARTER SCHOOL LORDS, OPPOSE ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY IN THE USE OF FEDERAL CHARTER SCHOOL PROGRAM (CSP) FUNDS
The charter school industry, which represents possibly 6 percent of the student population, has an outsized impact on education policy. 
Read the full email here.

APRIL 22:  NETWORK FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION (NPE) REPORT:  OHIO NEAR LAST PLACE IN THE NATION IN THE STATE’S COMMITMENT TO THE DEMOCRATICALLY-GOVERNED SCHOOLS (THE COMMON SCHOOL SYSTEM)
The NPE analysis of a state’s resistance to the privatization of public education puts Ohio third from the last among states and Washington, D.C.; only Florida and Arizona has a greater appetite for privatizing public education than Ohio.
Read the full email here.

APRIL 21:  CHARTER INDUSTRY:  UNDER-REGULATED AND THUS OVER-THE-TOP CORRUPT—YET CURRENT CHARTER ADVOCATES RESIST ALL ACCOUNTABILITY AND TRANSPARENCY RULES
The charter school initiators a couple decades ago convinced unsuspecting state officials throughout the nation that charters could outperform the traditional public school system on less tax money if transparency and accountability would be greatly diminished. 
Read the full email here.

APRIL 20:  HB290—UNIVERSAL VOUCHER BILL NOT ABOUT IMPROVING EDUCATION
When school choice-friendly state officials or school choice advocates are asked why they support alternatives to authentic public education, many if not most will say something like—“to improve education”. 
Read the full email here.

APRIL 19:  SENIOR CONTRIBUTOR TO FORBES MAGAZINE SUGGESTS THAT PROPOSED FEDERAL REGULATIONS FOR CHARTER SCHOOL GRANTS RAISE A FUNDAMENTAL QUESTION ABOUT CHARTERS
In an April 6 article Peter Greene, senior contributor to Forbes, says that proposed new federal regulations on the federal Charter Schools Program (CSP) raise a fundamental question about the nature of charter schools. 
Read the full email here.

APRIL 18:  FORDHAM INSTITUTE WRITER IN AN APRIL 7, 2022 ARTICLE CONNECTS THE PROPOSED REGULATIONS FOR THE USE OF FEDERAL CHARTER SCHOOL PROGRAM (CSP) FUNDS TO TEACHERS UNION AGENDA
Fordham, a charter school advocate and sponsor of charters, rants against any attempts to regulate the charter industry. 
Read the full email here.

APRIL 15:  CITIZENS MUST HONOR, RESPECT AND APPLAUD THE FIRST AMENDMENT
“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; …”
Read the full email here.

APRIL 14:  CHARTER SCHOOLS ARE NOT PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Student “A” attends a school operated by the district community via an elected board of education.  Student “B” attends a charter school operated by a private corporation with no elected board member. 
Read the full email here.

APRIL 13:  SCHOOL CHOICE:  WHAT IT IS NOT ABOUT AND WHAT IT IS ABOUT
School choice is not about:
Read the full email here.

APRIL 12:  VOUCHER EXPANSION REJECTED BY THE GEORGIA SENATE IN A BIPARTISAN VOTE
The voucher tsunami creating chaos across the nation is being turned back in some states by legislation and in other states by litigation.  A March 25, 2022 report from Public Funds Public Schools describes the Georgia Senate’s rejection of voucher expansion in the peach state. 
Read the full email here.

APRIL 11:  FORDHAM INSTITUTE’S MARCH 28 ARTICLE—OHIO’S BAD HABIT OF SIDESTEPPING ACCOUNTABILITY—FORDHAM’S WRONG AGAIN
Fordham is typically on the wrong side of most education issues.  In the March 28 article, the Fordham author supports the harmful third grade guarantee, more difficult graduation requirements and state takeover of school districts. 
Read the full email here.

APRIL 8:  FORDHAM INSTITUTE’S MARCH 25 FLYPAPER ARTICLE OPPOSES PROPOSED COMMON-SENSE RULES FOR FEDERAL MONEY FLOWING TO THE CHARTER SCHOOL INDUSTRY.  PUBLIC SCHOOL ADVOCATES SHOULD SUPPORT THE PROPOSED RULES.
Studies have shown that multiplied millions of federal Charter School Program (CSP) funds have been wasted and have enriched charter school management companies. 
Read the full email here.

APRIL 7:  LIBERTARIAN JEREMY KAUFMAN: “VOUCHERS ARE JUST A STEPPINGSTONE TOWARD REDUCING OR ELIMINATING [GOVERNMENT] INVOLVEMENT IN SCHOOLS.”
In a Libertarian Institute podcast, Jeremy Kaufman clarified the endgame of Libertarians:  end government support for education (Kaufman, 2021, 29:13). 
Read the full email here.

APRIL 6:  OUR SCHOOLS:  FORMER TEACHERS AND BOARD MEMBERS SAY CHARTERS RUN BY ACCEL SCHOOLS ARE DESIGNED TO FAIL
A March 23 article written by Jeff Bryant reveals some startling information about Accel Schools.
Read the full email here.

APRIL 5:  MISUSE OF PUBLIC TAX DOLLARS BY MENLO PARK ACADEMY CHARTER SCHOOL
Charter schools are beginning to unionize.  The March 25 article by Dr. Tanisha Pruitt provides information about the misuse of public tax dollars by the management of the Menlo Park Academy charter school.
Read the full email here.

APRIL 4:  WEST VIRGINIA VOUCHER PROGRAM BEING CHALLENGED IN COURT
West Virginia came late to the voucher party, but went hog wild.  The WV voucher program is the broadest in the U.S.  When fully implemented, it will subsidize the private education of all private school and homeschooled students.
Read the full email here.

APRIL 1:  WHY DO CHARTER SCHOOL OPERATORS AND ADVOCATES RESIST REGULATIONS THAT EXPAND TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY?
In Ohio and throughout the nation, charter advocates and operators resist regulations for their enterprise.  Typically, they are successful in stopping proposals that make charters more accountable and transparent.
Read the full email here.

MARCH 31:  OHIO EDUCATION POLICY INSTITUTE:  THE CENTRAL IMPORTANCE OF THE DEROLPH RULINGS TO SCHOOL FUNDING IN OHIO—BY HOWARD FLEETER
In a very excellent article, Howard Fleeter reviews the actions the state has taken in regard to school funding as a result of the 5 major DeRolph rulings by the Ohio Supreme Court. 
Read the full email here.

MARCH 30:  LETTER TO THE EDITOR EXTOLLING THE VIRTUES OF PUBLIC EDUCATION BY PROMINENT CENTRAL OHIO REAL ESTATE DEVELOPER, ROBERT WEILER
The attached LTE was published in March 25 Columbus Dispatch.  Mr. Weiler’s letter warrants wide circulation.
Read the full email here.

MARCH 29:  AVAILABILITY OF A PUBLIC FUNDS PUBLIC SCHOOLS WEBINAR ON STUDENT-CENTERED FUNDING (MONEY FOLLOWS THE STUDENT, BACKPACK FUNDING) APRIL 7 AT 3:00 PM EST
The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) has circulated model backpack legislation to states throughout the nation.  The Universal Voucher Bill, HB290 in Ohio, is in line with the ALEC model.
Read the full email here.

MARCH 28:  THE CHARTER SCHOOL BUSINESS IN OHIO AND ACROSS THE NATION IS FRAUGHT WITH CORRUPTION
The Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow (ECOT) in Ohio may be in the top 10 charter frauds in the nation.  At least ECOT is a poster child for corruption in Charterville.
Read the full email here.

MARCH 25:  THOSE WHO CONTROL THE STATE’S BUSINESS IN THE STATEHOUSE SEEM TO HAVE NO ALLEGIANCE TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE OHIO CONSTITUTION REGARDING EDUCATION
Public officials in the state of Ohio take an oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States and the Constitution of Ohio as they enter into their respective state duties.  It would seem imperative that public officials have a firm grasp of the provisions of the Ohio Constitution and that they enact legislation that fits within the parameters of all those constitutional provisions.
Read the full email here.

MARCH 24 PM:  FEBRUARY/MARCH ISSUE OF OEA’S OHIO SCHOOLS WEIGHS IN ON THE DEROLPH SCHOOL FUNDING CASE
The 25^th anniversary of the Ohio Supreme Court’s decision has attracted some well-deserved attention.  The Ohio Schools article adds some features to the narrative that are not reported in other venues.
Read the full email here.

MARCH 24:  TODAY IS THE 25^TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEROLPH SCHOOL FUNDING RULING
Some Ohioans, especially those engaged in public education, will recall the newspaper headlines, “Unconstitutional” on this day or the next day, a quarter century ago.
Read the full email here.

MARCH 23, 2022:  WILLIE SUTTON, THE NOTORIOUS ROBBER, WAS ASKED WHY HE ROBBED BANKS.  HIS REPORTED RESPONSE:  THAT IS WHERE THE MONEY IS
Why do some entrepreneurs make education their business?  Simple, that’s where the money is. 
Read the full email here.

MARCH 22, 2022:  SCHOOL DISTRICT LEADERS AND PERSONNEL AND ALL OTHER PUBLIC SCHOOL ADVOCATES MUST SUPPORT THE EDCHOICE VOUCHER LITIGATION AND THE FULL-IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CUPP/PATTERSON FAIR SCHOOL FUNDING PLAN
It would be ruinous to school district students if the Cupp/Patterson Fair School Funding Plan is scrapped or only partially funded.  Also it would be a travesty if the plan would be fully implemented, but then the funding tank is drained by an expanded or universal voucher system.  
Read the full email here.

MARCH 21, 2022:  CENTERBURG SUPERINTENDENT MIKE HEBENTHAL:  HERE’S THE PROBLEM WITH VOUCHERS
Superintendent Mike Hebenthal is a passionate advocate of the public common school system, and thus, opposes the privatization of the system.  Attached is his thoughtful and compelling Letter to the Editor published in the Knox Pages.
Read the full email here.

MARCH 18, 2022:  FORDHAM INSTITUTE WRITER SUGGESTS THE SKY IS FALLING IF THE PLAINTIFFS PREVAIL IN THE EDCHOICE VOUCHER LITIGATION
In a March 14 article in Fordham’s Ohio Gadfly Daily, a Fordham writer predicts dreadful consequences if the EdChoice voucher program is ruled unconstitutional.  Students will be damaged, school districts will be flooded with students, and other voucher programs will be successfully challenged, the writer says.
Read the full email here.

MARCH 17, 2022:  FORUM ON THE HISTORY OF SCHOOL FUNDING AND THE SOLUTION IN THE CONTEXT OF THE 25^TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 1997 OHIO SUPREME COURT RULING THAT THE SYSTEM IS UNCONSTITUTIONAL
State officials have an opportunity to fix school funding with the Cupp/Patterson Fair School Funding Plan. The public needs to demand a fix.  Join the conversation!
Read the full email here.

MARCH 16, 2022:  CATHOLIC SCHOOL FAMILY APPLICANTS HAVE FILED A MOTION TO INTERVENE AS DEFENDANTS IN THE EDCHOICE VOUCHER LAWSUIT
The State of Ohio is the Defendant in the Coalition’s challenge to the constitutionality of the EdChoice voucher scheme.  The case was filed January 4.  The Ohio Attorney General will, of course, represent the State Defendants.
Read the full email here.

MARCH 15, 2022:  A FEW DAYS FROM NOW—MARCH 24—WILL MARK THE 25^TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE OHIO SUPREME COURT’S DECISION IN THE DEROLPH SCHOOL FUNDING CASE
On March 25, 1997 the newspaper headlines screamed, “UNCONSTITUTIONAL”.  The March 24 Decision was a surprise and shock to most of those in power at the Statehouse. 
Read the full email here.

MARCH 14, 2022:  ADDENDUM TO MARCH 11 POST
In the March 11 post, some legislators in the 1970’s and 1980’s were referred to as “Champions of Public Education”. 
Read the full email here.

MARCH 14, 2022:  FORDHAM INSTITUTE:  THE HYPOCRISY OF SCHOOL DISTRICTS SAYING THEY ARE “OPEN TO ALL”
In a February 24 Flypaper article, a Fordham writer puts together a multitude of words and a couple tables that are irrelevant to the issue. Basically, the writer argues that if all districts are not subject to open enrollment, the public school system is not “open to all.”
Read the full email here.

MARCH 11, 2022:  CHAMPIONS OF PUBLIC EDUCATION IN THE 134^TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY—NOT ENOUGH
This message will not resonate with any Statehouse observers less than 60 or 70 years of age.Back in the day, champions of the public common schools were prevalent in the legislative offices of the Ohio Statehouse—
Read the full email here.

MARCH 10, 2022:  HEARING ON THE INSTITUTE FOR JUSTICE’S BID TO INTERVENE IN THE EDCHOICE VOUCHER LAWSUIT
Soon after the EdChoice voucher lawsuit was filed on January 4, the Institute for Justice, based in Virginia, acting on behalf of some Ohio families, filed a motion to intervene.  Neither the Institute for Justice, nor the families being represented are parties to the lawsuit the plaintiffs filed.
Read the full email here.

MARCH 9, 2022:  JANUARY 2022 US GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTABILITY OFFICE (GAO) REPORT REVEALS SERIOUS ACADEMIC PROBLEMS, STUDENT ATTENDANCE MONITORING ISSUES AND FINANCIAL RISKS IN VIRTUAL SCHOOLS, PARTICULARLY CHARTER VIRTUAL SCHOOLS
Some of what the GAO study revealed in the January 2022 Report:
Read the full email here.

MARCH 8, 2022:  VOUCHERS INCREASE SEGREGATION
A Lima News analysis of data provided by the Ohio Department of Education shows that in Lima, Ohio the EdChoice Voucher scheme segregates!
Read the full email here.

MARCH 7, 2022:  FORDHAM INSTITUTE RHETORIC: “…NO ONE ‘SYSTEM’ HAS ANY INHERENT RIGHT TO EDUCATE STUDENTS.”
An interesting statement in Fordham’s February 14 Ohio Gadfly Daily—Ohio’s Enrollment Slump and What That Means for Policymakers—is: “State policymakers should value and respect the decisions of Ohio’s parents, remembering that, contrary to anti-choice rhetoric, no one ‘system’ has an inherent right to educate students.”
Read the full email here.

MARCH 4, 2022:  TRANSFERRING PUBLIC FUNCTIONS INTO PRIVATE HANDS IS HOSTILE TO THE COMMON GOOD
Privatization of public functions such as highways, public safety services (fire and police), prisons, and education leads to unequal treatment of citizens, particularly the poor.
Read the full email here.

MARCH 3, 2022:  ECONOMIST MILTON FRIEDMAN WAS WRONG ON HIS NOTION THAT VOUCHERS WOULD IMPROVE EDUCATION
In 1955 Friedman wrote a paper—The Role of Government in Education—in which he advocated that the only role government should have in education is to provide some money for parents to buy some kind of private education.  
Read the full email here.

MARCH 2, 2022:  JAN RESSEGER:  FIVE REASONS WHY THE LAWSUIT FILED BY OVER 100 SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO END EDCHOICE VOUCHERS IS SO URGENTLY IMPORTANT.
Jan Resseger blogs about various contemporary issues, especially about education.  Her insights are always enlightening.
Rea the full email here.

MARCH 1, 2022:  THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH:  GOP SETS SIGHTS ON PUBLIC EDUCATION
On balance, the GOP initiatives on public education are more troublesome than helpful. 
Read the full email here.

FEBRUARY 28, 2022:  PURSUANT TO THE STATE BUDGET BILL (HB110), ALL SCHOOL DISTRICTS NOW PAY FOR VOUCHERS
Previous to HB110, only districts with voucher students were financially affected by voucher deductions.  Now all districts are financially affected by the EdChoice voucher program.
Read the full email here.

FEBRUARY 25, 2022:  5 REASONS WHY THE EDCHOICE PROGRAM VIOLATES OHIO’S CONSTITUTION
The EdChoice Program violates a strict interpretation of the Ohio Constitution.
Read the full email here.

FEBRUARY 24, 2022:  PRIVATIZING EDUCATOR TRAINING TO END PUBLIC EDUCATION BY THOMAS ULTICAN
The crowd that is bent on privatizing public education continues to attack the public common school system in multiple ways and advances private alternatives using unconventional, untested approaches.
Read the full email here.

FEBRUARY 23, 2022:  SPONSORS OF HB290 (THE UNIVERSAL VOUCHER BILL), LONG ON FEEL-GOOD RHETORIC, BUT SHORT ON CONSTITUTIONAL VALIDATION
HB290 was heard in the House Finance Committee on February 15.  One sponsor declared HB 290 is not an attack of the public school system, while the other sponsor asserted a litany of flaws in the public school system; thus, the implication:  vouchers are necessary.
Read the full email here.

FEBRUARY 22, 2022:  FORDHAM HAS IT WRONG ON THE EFFECT OF VOUCHERS ON SEGREGATION
EdChoice vouchers segregate students.  Fordham disputes that claim in a January 28 article in Ohio Gadfly—The Anti-Voucher Lawsuit Misleads When It Comes to Segregation.  In a 10^th Period post Steve Dyer debunks the kind of argument Fordham spews out.
Read the full email here.

FEBRUARY 21, 2022:  SCHOOL VOUCHER ADVOCATES AND RECIPIENTS ARE BEING DUPED BY SOME WEALTHY LIBERTARIANS WHOSE ULTIMATE AGENDA IS TO REQUIRE PARENTS TO PAY FOR THE EDUCATION OF THEIR CHILDREN.
The ultimate goal of voucher puppeteers is to require parents to pay for the education of their children.
Read the full email here.

FEBRUARY 18, 2022:  OHIO LAWMAKERS ADMONISHED TO DEFEND THE PUBLIC COMMON SCHOOL SYSTEM IN A FEBRUARY 12 LETTER TO THE EDITOR OF THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH
The LTE by Chip Santer is timely and most appropriate in the context of the constitutional challenge of the EdChoice voucher scheme.
Read the full email here.

FEBRUARY 17, 2022:  THE STATE BUDGET BILL (HB110) GREATLY EXPANDED THE FUNDING OF AND ELIGIBILITY FOR EDCHOICE VOUCHERS—MORE EXPANSION IS ALREADY IN THE WORKS
The 134^th General Assembly seems to have an insatiable appetite for vouchers. 
Read the full email here.

FEBRUARY 16, 2022:  THE TALE OF TWO SCHOOL FUNDING SPIGOTS—ONE FOR THE SYSTEM, ONE FOR THE INDIVIDUALS
The Ohio Constitution requires the State, by taxation, to secure a thorough and efficient system of common schools (Article VI, section 2).  Also, the Ohio Constitution requires the State to provide, by law, for the organization, administration and control of the public school system supported by public funds (Article VI, section 3). Contrary to the intent and words of the framers of the Ohio Constitution, the legislature has established additional tax-supported arrangements for education—charter schools and vouchers.
Read the full email here.

FEBRUARY 15, 2022:  BETSY DEVOS CAMPAIGNING FOR AND HELPING TO FUND AN END-RUN AROUND THE MICHIGAN GOVERNOR AND MICHIGAN CONSTITUTION
When Ms. DeVos served as US Secretary of Education, she demonstrated no respect for state constitutional provisions for K-12 education.  Her laser-focused agenda was to privatize public education as required by all State Constitutions. In her private life, she is continuing her privatization campaign
Read the full email here.

FEBRUARY 14, 2022:  OHIO IS PAYING SCHOOLS THAT BASICALLY DISCRIMINATE
Attached is an article published in the Columbus Dispatch Saturday, February 12.
Read the full email here.

FEBRUARY 11, 2022:  GUEST COLUMN BY DENIS SMITH:  SCHOOL VOUCHERS TAKE PUBLIC FUNDS; THEY GIVE NEITHER ‘CHOICE, JUSTICE’
In a February 7 Columbus Dispatch column, Denis Smith, a retired school administrator and former consultant in the Ohio Department of Education charter school office, provides insight into who bankrolls part of the voucher movement…
Read the full email here.

FEBRUARY 10, 2022:  STATE AUDITOR OF OKLAHOMA REGARDING EPIC CHARTER SCHOOLS:  “THE LARGEST AMOUNT OF REPORTED ABUSE OF TAXPAYER FUNDS IN THE HISTORY OF THIS STATE”
The State Auditor of Oklahoma said she believes that the charter school in question was intentionally established to “’milk for profits—as the Enron of public education’.” The auditor’s statement is right on target.
Read the full email here.

FEBRUARY 9, 2022: ALABAMA STATE LEGISLATORS PROPOSE A BILL THAT RIVALS HB290 IN OHIO
House Bill 290, pending in the Ohio Legislature, would provide a voucher for every student which, could be used in a variety of private entities, as well as the public system. The bill proposed in Alabama would have the same effect.
Read the full email here.

February 8, 2022:  Jocelyn Rhynard, Dayton School Board Vice-President and Coalition Steering Committee Member, Has Compelling Article Published in Dayton Daily News
Ms. Rhynard’s thoughtful article counters one published earlier in Dayton Daily News.  It supports the challenge to the constitutionality of the EdChoice voucher program.
Read the full email here.

February 7, 2022:  Ohio Becoming More Charter-School-Friendly According to the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools (NAPCS)
NAPCS issues an annual report which rates states on how they measure-up to a model they developed.  Ohio jumped from 24^th to 12^th place in the state ratings.
Read the full email here.

February 4, 2022: APPROXIMATELY 500 NON-TAX NON-CHARTERED SCHOOLS OPERATE IN OHIO—WHO MINDS THE STORE?
The State is responsible for securing (protecting) a thorough and efficient system of common schools.  There are about 500 non-tax non-chartered schools operating in Ohio that are essentially unregulated. 
Read the full email here.

February 3, 2022: PUBLIC COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION IS A STATE RESPONSIBILITY:  THE STATE WASHES THEIR HANDS OF ANY RESPONSIBILITY WHEN ISSUING VOUCHERS
The Ohio Constitution is very unequivocal about State responsibility
Read the full email here.

February 2, 2022: THE CHARTER SCHOOL AND VOUCHER WARS CONTINUE:  A TALE OF TWO CITIES, OR MAYBE THREE
Denis Smith, retired school administrator and ODE Charter School Office consultant, discusses school privatization in 3 C’s—Columbus, Charleston and Concord.
Read the full email here.

February 1, 2022: “A SEAT AT THE TABLE”
A lobbyist, who represents several school districts, during the State budget process prior to June 30, 2021, advised his client school districts to stay out of the EdChoice Voucher litigation so they could have a “seat at the table.”
Read the full email here.

January 31, 2022: PARENTS SUE WV TO STOP VOUCHERS
The pushback against vouchers is spreading.  Citizens are awakening to the harm their public officials are causing public school children.
Read the full email here.

January 28, 2022: SCHOOL PRIVATIZATION CHAMPION, FORDHAM INSTITUTE, WEIGHS-IN AGAINST THE EDCHOICE VOUCHER CONSTITUTIONAL CHALLENGE
In two January 18 posts, two Fordham folks argue that the lawsuit misses its mark in its constitutional arguments and that the lawsuit twists the truth about school funding.
Read the full email here.

January 27, 2022: A THOROUGH AND EFFICIENT SYSTEM OF COMMON SCHOOLS THROUGHOUT THE STATE—PERIOD!
The State has NOT perfected a thorough and efficient system of common schools as required by the Ohio Constitution.
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January 26, 2022: OHIO’S EDCHOICE VOUCHER PROGRAM HAS FAILED:  DAN HEINTZ
Dan Heintz, a teacher, school Board member, and member of the Equity and Adequacy Coalition steering committee, sets the record straight on the failed EdChoice Voucher scheme. 
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January 25, 2022: A PUBLIC FORUM:  ARE SCHOOL VOUCHERS LEGAL—FEBRUARY 23, 7-8:45 PM (VIA ZOOM)—SPONSORED BY THE HEIGHTS COALITION
Attached is information regarding the Forum. Zoom attendance is limited; sign-up early.
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January 24, 2022: FAIRBORN CITY COUNCILWOMAN, DONNA WILSON, IDENTIFIES THE NEGATIVE IMPACT OF SCHOOL VOUCHERS ON MUNICIPALITIES
Vouchers hurt voucher students, district students, school districts, other political subdivisions, public retirement systems, and school district employees. Fairborn Councilwoman Wilson shows how vouchers affect municipalities.
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January 21, 2022: THE DEPTH OF CORRUPTION IN THE CHARTER SCHOOL WORLD IS BEYOND FRIGHTENING—CAROL BURRIS, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF NETWORK FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION (NPE) UNCOVERS A SEWAGE PIT IN AN OHIO CHARTER OPERATION
An investigation of one charter—Buckeye Preparatory Academy—uncovers a tangled web of fraud, corruption and pillage of tax revenue that illustrates the idiocy of Ohio’s charter school law.
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January 20, 2022: THE PRINT-VERSION OF MAUREEN REEDY’S COLUMBUS DISPATCH LTE—ANTI-VOUCHER LAWSUIT A “COURAGEOUS” SUPPORTED ACT
Reedy praises the school districts that have joined the Coalition’s challenge to the constitutionality of the EdChoice voucher scheme.
Read the full email here.

January 19, 2022: JANUARY 11 LETTER TO DISPATCH EDITOR BY JEANNE MELVIN, PRESIDENT OF PUBLIC EDUCATION PARTNERS:  VOUCHER PROGRAM VIOLATES CONSTITUTIONAL CALL FOR ONE SYSTEM OF COMMON SCHOOLS
The Ohio Constitution is very clear; the state is responsible for securing (protecting) a (ie.) one system of common schools.  Jeanne Melvin provides context for that truth in the LTE.
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January 18, 2022: OHIO TAXPAYER GENEROSITY TOWARD PRIVATE SCHOOLING
Ohio Department of Education is fining some school districts for not transporting private school kids.  Not enough bus drivers, but districts are expected to transport private schoolers, even if it means leaving district students left in the cold.
Read the full email here.

January 17, 2022: DR. SARAH M. STITZLEIN’S ARGUMENT FOR WHY SCHOOL VOUCHERS HARM AMERICAN CIVIC LIFE
Vouchers work against the public good and the path to productive citizenship.  Dr. Sarah Stitzlein, in a January 5 Washington Post article addresses these matters. 
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January 14, 2022: ARGUMENTS EDCHOICE VOUCHER ADVOCATES MAKE ARE SHORT ON LOGIC AND LONG ON PERSONAL ATTACKS
Voucher advocates puppet emotional clichés that are unrelated to the issues that are relevant to the voucher debate.
Read the full email here.

January 13, 2022: NATIONWIDE PRO-VOUCHER ADVOCATE ORGANIZATION, INSTITUTE OF JUSTICE, HAS ALREADY FILED TO INTERVENE IN EDCHOICE VOUCHER CASE
The voucher supporters will line-up in attempt to intervene in the Coalition’s/VHO’s challenge to the constitutionality of the EdChoice voucher scheme.  We will, of course, oppose those efforts.
Read the full email here.

January 12, 2022: THE MEANING OF KEY WORDS IN ARTICLE VI, SECTION 2 OF THE OHIO CONSTITUTION
The 1851 constitutional provision for education—“The General Assembly…shall secure a thorough and efficient system of common schools throughout the state…” is a straight-forward statement that is clear and without ambiguity; nevertheless, a definition of key words will further elucidate the State’s responsibility inherent in this provision.
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January 11, 2022: FORDHAM INSTITUTE, BUCKEYE INSTITUTE, SCHOOL CHOICE OHIO, SENATE PRESIDENT, AND AARON BAER OPPOSE EDCHOICE VOUCHER SUIT
The usual anti-public school crowd came forward with guns blazing against the EdChoice Voucher litigation.
Read the full email here.

January 10, 2022: THE EDCHOICE VOUCHER LEGAL CHALLENGE SETS FORTH AN ORIGINALIST-VIEW OF CONSTITUTIONAL INTERPRETATION
The Coalition’s lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the EdChoice voucher scheme is most assuredly not asking the Court to “legislate from the bench.”  The Complaint filed puts a spotlight on the wording and intent of Ohio’s constitutional requirements for a high-quality system of common schools and how the EdChoice voucher system is a cancer that has the potential to kill off the common school.
Read the full email here.

January 7, 2022: PRESS CONFERENCE ANNOUNCING THE FILING OF THE EDCHOICE VOUCHER LITIGATION RESULTED IN STATEWIDE COVERAGE 
Attached is a list of links to various news articles.
Read the full email here.

January 6, 2022: DENIS SMITH IN THE CHARLESTON GAZETTE:  USE THE INJUNCTION TO RETHINK CHARTER DISASTER
Denis Smith, former school administrator in West Virginia and Ohio and former consultant in the Ohio Department of Education charter school office, gave some sage advice to the residents in West Virginia. His opinion piece provides substantial insight into the broader context of the charter world.
Read the full email here.

January 5, 2022: LIMA’S LEO ACADEMY CLOSES, LEAVING 150 STUDENTS STRANDED
The attached Lima News article tells yet another story of disruption in education.
Read the full email here.

January 4, 2022: AN AP ARTICLE IN THE JANUARY 2 DISPATCH LINKS MUSLIM CLERIC FETHULLAH GULEN WITH POLITICAL UNREST IN TURKEY
Fethullah Gulen’s Muslim religious/political movement operates in the range of 200 tax-funded charter schools in the United States.
Read the full email here.

January 3, 2022: VOUCHERS DO NOT FIT THE MOLD OF THE COMMON SCHOOL SYSTEM REQUIRED BY THE OHIO CONSTITUTION.
Article VI, sections 2 and 3 set forth state responsibility for education.  Section 2, adopted in 1851 specifies that the state shall secure, by taxation, a thorough and efficient system of common schools.  Section 2 also provides that:  “…but that no religious or other sect, or sects, shall ever have any exclusive right to, or control of, any part of the school funds of the state.”  Section 3, adopted in 1912 specifies that provision shall be made by law for the organization, administration and control of the public school system supported by public funds; hence, the state has the responsibility to secure, fund, organize, administer and control the public school system.
Read the full email here.

December 22, 2021: STORIES ABOUT BISHOP SYCAMORE “SCHOOL” IN THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH AND THE NEW YORK TIMES POINT TO OHIO’S NEGLECT TO REGULATE “SCHOOLS” THAT ARE NOT A PART OF THE CONSTITUTIONALLY- REQUIRED PUBLIC COMMON SCHOOL.
The so-called Bishop Sycamore “School” has been headlined in various newspapers, including the Columbus Dispatch and New York Times in recent weeks.  The organizers/operators of the school have come under intense scrutiny, including being investigated by the Ohio Department of Education (ODE).
Read the full email here.

December 21, 2021: THE ABSURDITY OF PARENTS BEING ENTITLED TO TAX-FUNDED VOUCHERS FOR EDUCATION.
The HB290 universal voucher advocates—the backpackers—pontificate parental empowerment and education freedom.  They argue that parents are entitled to choice, at public expense, at whatever education establishment is available to them.
Read the full email here.

December 20, 2021: THE RHETORIC—FUND STUDENTS NOT THE SYSTEM– IS CONSPICUOUS BY ITS OUTRAGEOUS IGNORANCE.
The universal voucher zealots puppet the expression “fund students, not the system”.  They either are showing their ignorance of the Ohio Constitution or their utter contempt for it.
Read the full email here.

December 17, 2021: WHERE IS THE OUTRAGE FROM CURRENT AND RETIRED PUBLIC SCHOOL EDUCATORS AND ADMINISTRATORS ABOUT THE IMPACT UNIVERSAL VOUCHERS (HB290) WILL HAVE ON THE PUBLIC RETIREMENT SYSTEMS?
Private school educators, of course, don’t pay into public retirement systems.
Read the full email here.

December 16, 2021: THE HB290 BACKTRACK BILL PROMOTERS ISSUE ANOTHER DISINGENUOUS ATTACK AGAINST THE PUBLIC COMMON SCHOOL
An ongoing campaign to blast the public school system seems to be the way the HB290 campaigners hope to achieve their objective of universal vouchers.  A December 15 Cleveland Plain Dealer article by Guest Columnist Troy McIntosh, a voucher zealot, is an example.
Read the full email here.

December 15, 2021: EDCHOICE VOUCHERS—ANTITHETICAL TO THE PUBLIC COMMON SCHOOL SYSTEM REQUIRED BY THE OHIO CONSTITUTION
The EdChoice voucher program in Ohio has nothing in common with the public common school system
Read the full email here.

December 14, 2021: PUBLIC COMMON SCHOOLS POST HB290—(THE UNIVERSAL VOUCHER BILL)
HB290 would entitle all school-age students in Ohio eligible for vouchers—home-schoolers, current voucher students, private school students whose tuition is already covered privately, and those who are not enrolled in any program.
Read the full email here.

December 13, 2021: THE US SUPREME COURT HEARD ARGUMENTS DECEMBER 8 ON WHETHER PARENTS MAY USE STATE EDUCATION MONEY FOR SECTARIAN SCHOOLS
The State of Maine provides subsidies to parents for education in rural districts that don’t have their own high schools.  Parents are allowed to use the subsidy to enroll their children in other public or private schools—but not religious schools.  The Maine Supreme Court upheld the State’s decision to prohibit the use of the subsidies in religious schools.  The matter is now before the US Supreme Court.
Read the full email here.

December 10, 2021: CHARTER SCHOOL OPERATOR—RON PACKARD—WITH A HUGE CHARTER SCHOOL PRESENCE IN OHIO EXPANDS INTO THE WEST VIRGINIA CHARTER MARKET
Charter business operator Ron Packard crossed the Ohio River to fill his pockets with money from the WV treasury. 
Read the full email here.

December 9, 2021: THOMAS ULTICAN’S ARTICLE ON THE CURRENT ATTACK ON PUBLIC EDUCATION
Many public school administrators, teachers, and advocates still don’t believe public school districts are under attack.  Thomas Ultican’s article should be a wake-up call.
Read the full email here.

December 8, 2021: BLOOMBERG BOOSTS THE FAILED PARASITICAL CHARTER SCHOOL BUSINESS ENTERPRISE WITH AN INFUSION OF $750 MILLION
A plethora of billionaires and multiple charter sector support groups are propping up the charter school business
Read the full email here.

December 7, 2021: THE ANTI-PUBLIC COMMON SCHOOL ORGANIZATION—FORDHAM INSTITUTE:  REFORM-MINDED SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS SHOULD PUSH FOR CHOICE…
The Fordham folks seem to be salivating over the recent election of a lot of board members that are not “school establishment” individuals.  Apparently, they prefer “grassroots contenders running on culture-war issues”.
Read the full email here.

December 6, 2021: US SUPREME COURT CONTINUES TO EXPAND THE BOUNDARIES OF WHAT TAX AID IS ALLOWED FOR STUDENTS ENROLLED IN RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS
University of Dayton Professor Charles Russo provides insight into the direction of the Court regarding church/state issues.
Read the full email here.

December 3, 2021: A POLITICAL CANDIDATE’S GUEST COLUMN IN THE DECEMBER 2 COLUMBUS DISPATCH—ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT GROUP MUST COME TO END IS RIGHT ON TARGET
Congressman Jim Renacci, a candidate for governor, hit the nail on the head in a December 2 Dispatch column.  (This is not an endorsement of the candidate in any way, shape or form.)  He provides evidence that former Governor Kasich’s privatization of the state’s Economic Development Department has been a tax-sucking boondoggle.
Read the full email here.

December 2, 2021: UNIVERSAL VOUCHER BILL (HB290) WILL COST SCHOOL DISTRICTS A HUGE AMOUNT OF MONEY
HB290 would remove nearly $1 billion for students that are currently homeschooled and those who are currently enrolled on private tuition.
Read the full email here.

December 1, 2021: RESOLUTIONS OF OPPOSITION TO HB290 ARE NEEDED:  THE GOSHEN LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION CAN BE USED AS A TEMPLATE
Boards of Education and public common school advocacy organizations and agencies should be adopting resolutions in opposition to HB290.
Read the full email here.

November 30, 2021: THE INITIATOR AND CAMPAIGNER GROUP FOR HB290—UNIVERSAL VOUCHER BILL—HAS 16 EMPLOYEES AND A HUGE BUDGET
The group supporting the Universal Voucher Bill plans to achieve the passage of the bill in 2022, according to an article in the November 29 Columbus Dispatch. The group purchased a building across from the Statehouse for $1.25 million, has a budget of over $1.2 million per year, and has 16 employees. 
Read the full email here.

November 23, 2021: BETHEL-TATE BOARD Of EDUCATION PASSES RESOLUTION IN OPPOSITION TO HB290
Each board of education in Ohio should adopt a resolution in opposition to HB290—the Universal Voucher Bill.
Read the full email here.

November 22, 2021: US COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE FOURTH CIRCUIT RULES AGAINST PLAINTIFFS’ CHALLENGE OF A CHARTER SCHOOL DRESS CODE
The Court ruled that the Charter Day School is not a state actor, thus, it is a private operation.  The Court reasoned that, although the school is funded with public money and is labeled as a public school, it is a private operation and thus, the court will not invalidate the dress code.
Read the full email here.

November 19, 2021: ELIDA BOARD OF EDUCATION RESOLUTION IN OPPOSITION TO HB290, THE UNIVERSAL VOUCHER BILL
Joel Parker, CPA., Treasurer of Elida Local School sent along the HB290 opposition Resolution adopted by the Elida Board. The Resolution provides a template for other boards and organizations to adopt.
Read the full email here.

November 18, 2021: PUBLIC FUNDS PUBLIC SCHOOLS (PFPS) URGES THE US SUPREME COURT TO SUPPORT THE STATE OF MAINE’S CONSTITUTIONAL PROHIBITION OF FUNDING RELIGIOUS SCHOOLS
PFPS has supported challenges to the constitutionality of vouchers in various states in the past.  Now PFPS, in an amicus curiae brief, is asking the US Supreme Court to uphold Maine’s longstanding program allowing districts with no public schools of their own to pay tuition to private schools that agree to provide secular education.
Read the full email here.

November 17, 2021: OHIO’S CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS CALL FOR A SYSTEM OF PUBLIC COMMON SCHOOL EDUCATION WITH NO HINT OF FUNDING PRIVATE EDUCATION
The Universal Voucher Bill (HB290) and the existing publicly-funded vouchers insult and offend the Ohio Constitution. Article VI, sections 2 and 3 require the state to secure, fund, organize, administer, and control a system of public common schools.
Read the full email here.

November 16, 2021: THE STATE, IN CONTRAST TO DISTRIBUTIONS MADE IN THE STATE BUDGET BILL (HB110) MUST GIVE THE HIGHEST PRIORITY TO THE CONSTITUTIONALLY-REQUIRED COMMON SCHOOL SYSTEM
School choice programs, especially vouchers, were given a very high priority in the Budget. This misguided priority mocks the Ohio Constitution. 
Read the full email here.

November 15, 2021: SCHOOL FUNDING SHOWDOWN IN NORTH CAROLINA
The NC Supreme Court in 2004 ruled that NC children have the fundamental right to the “opportunity to receive a sound, basic education.”  The NC Legislature ignored the court.
Read the full email here.

November 12, 2021: RON PACKARD’S ACCEL FOR-PROFIT CHARTER SCHOOL OPERATION MAY RUN HALF OF WEST VIRGINIA’S FIRST CHARTER SCHOOLS
The Ohio D-ranked Accel charter school operator is in line to run half of West Virginia’s first charter schools.
Read the full email here.

November 11, 2021: THE DEROLPH SCHOOL FUNDING CASE MIGHT BE A DIM MEMORY FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC AND THIS GENERATION OF SCHOOL DISTRICT PERSONNEL, BUT IT IS STILL RELEVANT
Thirty-three years ago in 1988, the Coalition of Rural and Appalachian Schools (CORAS) was formed as a council of governments.  CORAS, three years later, initiated another council of governments—the Ohio Coalition for Equity and Adequacy of School Funding (E&A Coalition)—for the purpose of challenging the constitutionality of the school funding system.
Read the full email here.

November 10, 2021: PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS TYPICALLY HAVE THE DETERMINATION TO APPROPRIATELY SERVE ALL CHILDREN
Another example of the extent to which public school districts will go to serve students with disabilities is symbolized in a November 3 USA Today Network article.
Read the full email here.

November 9, 2021: RESPONSE TO A COMMUNICATION REGARDING HB290—UNIVERSAL VOUCHER BILL—FROM MIDVIEW SUPERINTENDENT BRUCE WILLINGHAM
His view may be representative of superintendent colleagues across Ohio (and the nation).  It is critical that the public education community come together to preserve public education.
Read the full email here.

November 8, 2021: STATE REPORT CARD:  CHARTER SCHOOLS NOT EVEN A CLOSE SECOND TO REAL PUBLIC SCHOOLS
The original promise of charter and voucher advocates:  Charters will out-place school districts. The data show a different outcome.
Read the full email here.

November 5, 2021: THERE ARE COMPELLING FUNDAMENTAL REASONS FOR RELIGIOUS FELLOWSHIPS TO FUND THEIR FAITH AND THE GOVERNMENT TO FUND SECULAR FUNCTIONS:  THE WALL OF SEPARATION SHOULD BE REBUILT
Government funds in Ohio have been used to subsidize the religious functions of faith groups for at least five decades. (Private schools are one of the functions of some religious groups).The funding (direct payments and vouchers) for parochial schools is rapidly escalating year by year.
Read the full email here.

November 4, 2021: CANTON MCKINLEY MARCHING BAND INCLUDES FOUR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES (HEARING-IMPAIRED; BLIND; AND PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED)
Education privatizers puppet the phrase “one-size-does-not-fit-all” as the rationale for snatching public school tax funds to support charters and private schools.  Public schools do not fit the label of one-size-fits-all. 
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November 3, 2021: WEST VIRGINIA COMES IN LATE TO THE CHARTER SCHOOL BUSINESS, BUT WITH THE SAME SENSELESS RATIONALE
The WV Governor, pursuant to recently passed law in the state, appointed five members to the West Virginia Professional Charter School Board.
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November 2, 2021: OHIO, VIA VOUCHERS, IS FUNDING RESEGREGATION OF URBAN SCHOOL DISTRICTS AND DISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF RACE, RELIGION AND DISABILITY STATUS
Private schools choose students. No student receives a voucher and then demands entry to a private school of their choice. Voucher students must be enrolled before receipt of vouchers. This fact alone guarantees that urban districts will be re-segregated and various forms of discrimination will transpire.

November 1, 2021: A CHALLENGE TO THE VOUCHER ADVOCATES: PERMIT THE RESIDENTS OF EACH SCHOOL DISTRICT AND/OR THE RESIDENTS OF THE STATE VOTE ON THE ISSUE
No statewide proposal to fund vouchers in any state has ever passed. That is one reason that voucher advocates use euphemisms like backpack bill, scholarships, education savings accounts, and tuition tax credit, instead of vouchers.
Read the full email here.

October 29, 2021: PETER GREENE, SENIOR CONTRIBUTOR TO FORBES, REVIEWS A NEW BOOK ON THE WAYS CHARTERS CHOOSE STUDENTS
Charters game the system in several ways. One significant way is to choose students (it is called choice). Charter advocates talk about the efficacy of competition, but charter operators tip the scales by choosing students.
Read the full email here.

October 28, 2021: COLUMBUS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE:  “I BELIEVE PUBLIC REVENUES SHOULD HAVE CHECKS AND BALANCES WITH SAFEGUARDS IN PLACE.”
A private group has been successful in getting a “green energy” issue on the ballot, that if passed, would divert $87 million from the city of Columbus to a private operation.
Read the full email here.

October 27, 2021: PRIVATE SCHOOL STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES LOSE PROTECTION
We must publicize and fix the fact that Ohio’s special needs voucher programs are promoting and financing educational segregation at public expense.
Read the full email here.

October 25, 2021: STATE REGULATIONS FOR K-12 EDUCATION ARE NECESSARY
Charter and private schools operate in a largely deregulated environment. Traditional public schools are highly regulated. Public school officials sometimes resent state regulations, but sometimes ask for state regulations to take the “heat” off of them locally.
Read the full email here.