When we let vouchers drain our schools, it hurts us all.
December 16, 2025
Good Tuesday morning,
There are truth tellers in this world, such as Bill Phillis, who began his public education career in 1958 and was the driving force behind the DeRolph lawsuit that ruled the way the state funds schools to be unconstitutional.
And then there are those whose names we shall not dignify, but who spread lies and misinformation because they embrace ideology over facts.
Read a recent opinion piece by Phillis in the Dispatch on the issue of accountability in the EdChoice private school voucher program.
Philis writes “nonprofit organizations, including private schools that receive public funds should be transparent and accountable for the public funds they spend.”
“Many private schools receive more than 80 percent of their budget from taxpayers in terms of vouchers, Nonpublic Administrative Cost Reimbursement, and Auxiliary Services, as well as student transportation.”
He continues: “Private schools received over $1.2 billion tax dollars in fiscal year 2025 from vouchers, direct service payments and student transportation with no transparency or accountability to the public.”
Phillis asks these questions:
“Are private school board members elected by the public?”
“Do private schools issue state report cards to the public?”
“Are the salaries of private school personnel published in the newspaper?”
“Does the Auditor of State audit private school finances?”
“Are private schools subject to the state’s Sunshine Laws?”
“Are private schools required to enroll all students that apply?”
“Do private school students enjoy due process of law with regard to suspensions, expulsion and discipline?”
“Are private schools subject to state and federal laws regarding the rights of children with disabilities?”
The answer to all the above questions is NO!
There is zero financial or academic accountability in the EdChoice voucher program that will siphon $1.7 billion from our public schools in the next two years.
If you ask the same questions posed by Phillis of public schools, the answer to each and all is YES.
This is why we are suing the state and winning.
Is your district part of our historic lawsuit? Check here.
If not, why not? Learn more here.
Sincerely,
Vouchers Hurt Ohio