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Boardman BOE OKs resolution against HB 136
By ELISE McKEOWN SKOLNICK
BOARDMAN
The board of education approved a resolution opposing pending state legislation that would expand the use of vouchers for students to attend private or parochial schools.
“This is a bill that would negatively impact every school district in the state of Ohio,” said schools Superintendent Frank Lazzeri at the board’s meeting Tuesday.
The proposed bill, House Bill 136, would give vouchers to nearly every family in the state under a certain income threshold, enabling them to send their children to private schools, Lazzeri said. The income threshold is around $70,000 adjusted gross income.
“Right now, there is a voucher system in Ohio,” he added, “but those vouchers only go to parents and children of low-performing schools.”
The Boardman school district could lose $500,000 to $2 million, depending on how many students it loses if the bill passes, he said.
“So it’s extremely important to our monies,” said board President Ken Beraduce.
The board also recognized West Boulevard Elementary on being chosen as a 2011 National Blue Ribbon of Excellence school.
The National Blue Ribbon Schools program recognizes elementary, middle and high schools where students achieve at very high levels and/or where the achievement gap is narrowing.
“Tonight is an extremely special night for all of the people in Boardman to be able to recognize the accomplishments that West Boulevard has had,” Beraduce said.
West is one of six public primary-elementary schools in Ohio to be chosen as a blue-ribbon school.
“Boardman is a community,” said John Landers, board member. “And our school district succeeds because we’re a community school district.”
Parents, students, teachers and others all work together, he said.
“So thank you all.”
A sign will be placed at an entrance to the township, announcing the school’s distinction.