Residents discuss the future of public education in Ohio
GROVE CITY, Ohio (WCMH) -- Dozens gathered at a library in Grove City Tuesday for a town hall about public education.
Organizers said they want parents, teachers and community members to be aware of what they call attacks at the state and federal level. Some people attending the town hall said they feel uncertain about the future of public education in Ohio, especially for students with disabilities.
At the event, attendees listened to a panel of education experts, learned about public school funding in Ohio and engaged in a discussion about the future.
“When it comes to public education in Ohio right now, we have not only being shortchanged by billions of dollars at our public schools, but the federal government, there's a lot of uncertainty,” said Nick Tuell with Parents United for Public Schools, an organization that helped organize the town hall.
Tuell said not enough money is given to public schools in the state budget and too much is given to voucher programs for students attending private and charter schools.
“We’re here to give parents who are upset an opportunity to get involved, build community and respond back to these attacks that are happening at the state and federal level,” Tuell said.
Parent Kyra Paul has a daughter with dyslexia, and said she’s worried that cuts to the U.S. Department of Education and to public school funding in Ohio could mean fewer services for her child.
“She has accommodations that need to be met,” Paul said. “But if there's not the person or professional to help give those supports, she may not get them.”
Paul said she came away from the town hall with a better understanding of what is going on in Ohio and nationwide. She said she’ll be starting conversations with other parents.
“To find some support and some ideas and new ways to advocate for our children, but also to support each other. The more we know and the more we work together, the better we are,” said Paul.
On the other side, Republican strategist Matt Dole said Ohio public schools are getting the money they need in this budget.
He also supports dismantling the Department of Education, saying it is needed to get rid of government bureaucracy and send the power over education back to the states.
Dole said Ohio parents should not worry about their children’s education right now. He said state lawmakers are making sure every student gets what they need.
“I think public education in Ohio is alive and strong,” Dole said. “The classroom education in most traditional public schools is solid as a rock. So I would encourage them if they have thoughts about the education system in Ohio, to continue to reach out to their legislators.”
Tuesday’s town hall was a partnership with multiple organizations including Parents United for Public Schools, the Ohio Education Association and Vouchers Hurt Ohio.