Teachers Union Gives Failing Grade to Voucher Program

A national teachers union has fired another volley in the war over school choice with a report lambasting the voucher program in Cleveland.

Analyzing information provided by Ohio education officials, the American Federation of Teachers complained that the program was more expensive than advertised and often merely subsidized students already in private schools. Of the 1,994 voucher students in private schools, the study found, only 33% originally had been enrolled in public schools, while 25% were from private schools. Another 42% were kindergartners who were just entering school.

Vouchers were funded by the Ohio Legislature at $5.3 million, with the average voucher payment being $1,763. The union, however, said the actual cost was $3,192 when transportation, administration and state aid already given to private schools are added in.

About half the public school students who met income and other requirements for vouchers did not enroll in a private school, possibly because they were unable to gain admission to the one of their choice, the study said.

Enacted in 1995 and launched in September, the Cleveland program allows low-income students to receive publicly funded vouchers to attend kindergarten through third grade in private or religious schools. It is the first voucher program to include religious schools and low-income students who were already enrolled in private schools. Its constitutionality is under review by the Ohio Supreme Court.

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School Vouchers

Pervious school

Private school: 25%

Public school: 33%

None (starting kindergarten): 42%

Current school

Private non-religious: 23%

Public religious: 77%