This Week News

3/8/2007

By SUE HAGAN

ThisWeek Staff Writer

Students in 60 Columbus public schools — about 22,000 students — are eligible to apply for vouchers to private schools for the 2007-2008 school year, through the state of Ohio’s Educational Choice Scholarship Pilot Program (EdChoice).

[For a list of all 60 schools and a report on the EdChoice program, go to www.KidsOhio.org and scroll to the "What's New" section.]

Last year, students from 35 Columbus schools were eligible to apply, but a change in state law has opened up the program for more students.

As originally conceived, students enrolled in the lowest performing schools — those in academic emergency for three years in a row — could apply for vouchers. Last spring, during the 2006 enrollment period, that was changed to add schools in academic watch.

Legislation that goes into effect March 30 widens the scope even more. The new rule, which was approved late last December, says that students in schools in academic watch or emergency for two of the last three years can apply for vouchers.

The law was changed to allow more students to apply for vouchers, and hopefully increase the number of those who do, said Karen Tabor, spokeswoman for Ohio House of Representatives Speaker Jon Husted (R-Kettering).

Last year, although the state could have awarded up to 14,000 EdChoice scholarships, just over 3,100 students applied for and received vouchers.

The legislation was introduced “in the interest of offering choice to as many students as possible,” said Tabor.

Last year, 578 vouchers were awarded to Columbus students, according to a new report by KidsOhio.org, and that number could rise with the higher number of eligible buildings.

But Columbus Public Schools spokesman Jeff Warner said parents should think carefully before moving their students.

“We do believe that Columbus Public Schools is the best choice for students who live in this area,” said Warner, listing as reasons to stay new academic programs along with special education services, English as a Second Language and other support systems available to students in the public school system.

He said school administrators should be letting parents know that some of the schools on the voucher list are improving.

Seven of the 60 CPS schools on the list moved up into the continuous improvement category last year (the middle of five state performance designations), but are on the list because they were failing the previous two years.

“We have to say to parents, ‘We are improving and here’s what we have to offer,’” said Warner. … “Also, parents should know that a lot of the private schools are full and are selective about who they accept.”

The state can award up to 14,000 scholarships for next school year, and students who are eligible should be receiving postcards from the Ohio Department of Education or school-choice organizations informing them of the procedure.

Parents must first apply to a participating private school. Once the student is accepted, the school will submit a scholarship application on behalf of the student.

The state pays up to $5,000 for each high school student and $4,250 for each student in kindergarten through 8th grade.

The application deadline is April 20. For more information about the state’s EdChoice program go to http://EdChoice.Ohio.gov