Fighting Back, One District After Another

April 21, 2026

Good Tuesday morning,

We are witnessing a growing revolt against the $1.7 billion EdChoice private school boondoggle.

In district after district, concerned parents, educators, taxpayers, business owners and ordinary, everyday citizens are learning that this harmful program – designed to pad the coffers of private, mostly religious schools, and award refunds and rebates to mostly wealthy families – is taking a jackhammer to the foundation of their communities – the local public school.

Tonight, Tuesday April 21, Akron Public Schools is hosting a Summit County Public Education Community Forum bringing together districts from across the area to engage and inform the community about the growing threat to public schools.

“This important community event will feature speakers from public school districts across Summit County, including elected officials, superintendents, education labor leaders, and school board members.”

The event is free and open to the public, and community members are encouraged to attend from 6-7:30 p.m. at the Firestone Community Learning Center, 470 Castle Boulevard, Akron, 44313. Doors open at 5 p.m.

Tomorrow night, Wednesday, April 22, in Cincinnati, a public forum, “Public Education Is Under Attack,” will be held from 5-6:30 p.m. at the Cincinnati Public Schools Board of Education, 2651 Burnet Ave., Cincinnati, 45219. Doors open at 4:30 p.m.

The flyer for the program announces: “Learn about the current attacks on public education. Make your voice heard.”

This event will also include educators from area local public schools, superintendents, education labor leaders and local board members.

Here’s the deal.

School districts are forced to go back to local property taxpayers because the legislature has shortchanged public education to the tune of $3 billion in the latest two-year state budget, according to Policy Matters Ohio.

At the same time, the pro-voucher crowd in Columbus has implemented a universal voucher program so that even billionaires like Les Wexner is eligible for a private school voucher. This $1.7 billion comes out of the same line-item in the budget that pays for public schools so a dollar more for vouchers is a dollar less available for public schools.

The state is flush with money. They are giving away hundreds of millions of dollars to pro sports teams like the Browns to build stadiums.

Local folk are feeling it. They are getting enraged and engaged.

In January 2022, Vouchers Hurt Ohio sued the state, challenging the constitutionality of the EdChoice private school voucher scheme on five counts.

On June 24, 2024, Franklin County Judge Jaiza Page ruled EdChoice unconstitutional on three counts. The state and two other pro-voucher groups appealed.

The 10th District Court of Appeals will hold a hearing on our lawsuit on Tuesday, May 12.

We’re on the right side of history. The public is becoming increasingly aware of the threat posed to public schools and local communities and taxpayers by EdChoice.

Is your district part of our historic lawsuit? Check here.If not, why not? Learn more here.

Sincerely,

Vouchers Hurt Ohio