March 18, 2025
Dear Independence Community Members,
As part of our commitment to providing the highest quality education for all students, the Independence Local Schools Board of Education has voted to join the "Vouchers Hurt Ohio" lawsuit. This coalition of more than 300 public school districts in Ohio is challenging the state's voucher program and its long-term impact on public education.
Why This Matters to Our Community
Public schools serve as the foundation of our community, ensuring that every child has access to quality education. The increasing expansion of the voucher program, including the EdChoice Expansion Program, redirects funding from public schools to private institutions. While school choice is an important option for families, these changes have broadened eligibility beyond lower-income households, allowing families earning up to $150,000 per year to qualify for state-funded private school tuition assistance.
In 2024 alone, the voucher program cost taxpayers nearly $1 billion. As funding for private school vouchers increases, fewer resources are available for public schools, which impacts our ability to maintain teacher salaries, student programs, and classroom resources. With 90% of Ohio students attending public schools, it is essential that we ensure public education remains strong and well-funded.
How You Can Help
We encourage community members to voice their concerns regarding the voucher program by reaching out to our state legislators. Your advocacy is crucial in ensuring that public education receives the necessary support and funding. Below are the contact details for the legislators representing Independence, Ohio:
State Representative Phil Robinson, Jr. (District 19)
Phone: (614) 644-6041
Address: 77 South High Street, 10th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215
State Senator Jerry C. Cirino (District 18)
Phone: (614) 644-7718
Address: Senate Building, 1 Capitol Square, First Floor, 127,
Columbus, Ohio 43215
U.S. Representative Max Miller (7th Congressional District)
Phone: (440) 629-6120
Address: 7335 Ridge Rd., Parma, OH 44129
The decision to participate in this lawsuit after much discussion is rooted in our commitment to advocating for the needs of our students and ensuring that public education remains a top priority. We value all families in our community, including those who choose different educational paths, and we respect the right to school choice. However, we also believe that public schools must be equitably funded so that every student has access to high-quality educational opportunities.
Thank you for your continued support of our schools and community. For more information, please click here to read a summary of Treasurer Jennifer Knapp's presentation at the March 4 board meeting.
Sincerely,
Kelli Cogan, Superintendent
Jennifer Knapp, Treasurer
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Kathleen Hill, President
Carrie Sears, Vice President
Anthony Avila
Ron Bernstein
Lynne Laski