Officials Look at Joining Vouchers Hurt Ohio Org.
West Geauga Schools Board of Education approved more than $16 million in capital investments at its May 19 meeting — marking a major step forward in infrastructure upgrades across the district.
West Geauga Schools Board of Education approved more than $16 million in capital investments at its May 19 meeting — marking a major step forward in infrastructure upgrades across the district.
The board approved transferring $4.8 million from the general fund to a first capital projects fund for middle school renovations.
The plan includes a water treatment plan, roofing repairs, lighting, flooring, door replacements, facade replacements and univents.
“You have a couple of bites at the apple before we make any final decisions,” Treasure Karen Pavlat said.
The board also approved a direct-wide capital plan in the amount of $11.5 million, which will be transferred from the general fund to a second capital projects fund.
These projects include district-wide maintenance work, such as new windows, a track at the high school, doors and floors.
The general fund transfers come on the heels of the board unanimously voting to remove a $128.2 million bond issue from the May 6 primary ballot in March, which was slated to fund a new combined campus, auditorium and field house for school and community use.
As a result, district officials had to pivot and take a different approach to address needed upgrades.
Last Monday, the board also approved a $114,205 quote from All Ways Construction, of Chardon, for new sidewalks at all the schools in the district and a quote from Shiffler Equipment Sales, of Chardon, for $54,825.90 for a pre-kindergarten playground at Westwood Elementary School.
In other business, West Geauga Schools hired Director of Pupil Personnel Jennifer Norman last Monday.
Amy Davis, former director of pupil personnel, announced Norman would be taking her place.
“She brings a wealth of knowledge (to West Geauga Schools),” Davis said.
Norman has been a principal and an intervention specialist in local districts.
“Her commitment to students with special needs is exceptional, and we’re very lucky to have her consider working here,” said Davis, who was appointed as assistant superintendent last month.
The board also discussed the possibility of joining the Vouchers Hurt Ohio Organization, which is a group of over 300 districts in Ohio suing the state over its EdChoice private school voucher program, claiming it is unconstitutional.
Vouchers give parents the ability to use public funding for private schools, according to EdChoice.
“The program has grown from $42 million in 2008 to up to $1 billion in the current two-year budget,” according to Vouchers Hurt Ohio.
“(Many) families in the past, paid tuition to private schools (and) now they’re being reimbursed by the state,” Superintendent Rich Markwardt said.
Board members Pam Claypool and Mary-Michelle Coleman Walsh said they want more time to look into the issue.
“I’m just going to do a little research,” Claypool said. “I’d like to see both sides (and) look at both arguments. I would like to hear from maybe one of our reps or something, too, as to if the vouchers went away, what does it mean? I mean, I know we say on paper that that means the money would come (back to public schools). I just don’t know how the mechanics of that work. I’d like to learn more about that and find out what Columbus is thinking — if they are.”
Board member Kathy Leavenworth remained firm on the voucher program being a problem.
“There are more and more people who are paying for their students’ education and have paid for it, but they’re taking advantage of the vouchers and they don’t necessarily need it,” Leavenworth said. “Whereas, the people who are in need … are not taking advantage or cannot take advantage because they can’t afford (private schooling), even with the voucher.”
The board plans to discuss the lawsuit further at the June 23 meeting.
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SCREENSHOT
The West Geauga Schools Board of Education discusses the possibility of joining the Vouchers Hurt Ohio Organization at its May 19 board meeting.
