House Bill 96

Many in the Groveport Madison Schools community are asking about House Bill 96 and what it means for the financial future of our state funding. It’s important to understand the basics of this bill—what it actually is, what it means for public schools across the state, and how it could negatively impact Groveport Madison Schools specifically.

 

What is House Bill 96?
House Bill 96 is a piece of proposed legislation in Ohio that would dramatically expand the state’s school voucher program. This bill would allow even more public money to be diverted away from public schools and into private, often unregulated, institutions, even for families who have never intended to send their children to public schools in the first place.
 

Under this bill, taxpayer dollars that are meant to support all students in a public, transparent, and equitable education system would instead go toward funding private school tuition, many of which are not required to follow the same academic standards, testing requirements, or accountability measures as public schools.

 

Why HB 96 is bad for Groveport Madison and Public Schools Like Ours:

1. Loss of Funding = Loss of Opportunities
   Public schools like Groveport Madison operate on tight budgets. When funding is siphoned off to private schools through expanded vouchers, our district loses critical resources that support every single student — from classroom supplies to teacher salaries to extracurriculars and support services.
2. Private Schools Aren’t Held to the Same Standards
   While we are held accountable for student achievement, inclusive practices, financial transparency, and staff qualifications, private schools receiving voucher funds are not required to follow these same standards. That creates an unfair playing field — and shortchanges students in the long run.
3. It Undermines Local Control and Public Input
   Groveport Madison Schools are governed by locally elected school board members who represent the voice of our community. When public funds are rerouted to private schools, our community loses its say in how that money is spent and how students are served.
4. It Doesn’t Help the Students Who Need It Most
   HB 96 claims to offer “choice,” but it mostly benefits families who can already afford private education. Meanwhile, it leaves behind students who rely on public schools for everything from meals and counseling to quality instruction and extracurricular programming.

 

Bottom Line:
House Bill 96 is an attack on public education, plain and simple. It diverts public dollars to private institutions without oversight, accountability, or equity. For Groveport Madison and districts like ours, it means fewer resources, larger class sizes, and greater challenges in meeting the needs of all students.

Our schools are the heart of the community. We cannot afford to let legislation like HB 96 weaken them.

 

What can we do as a community?
There are several ways the Groveport Madison Schools community can voice concerns about House Bill 96 and stand up for public education. First and foremost, residents should contact their state legislators directly. Lawmakers need to hear from the people they represent, especially when harmful bills like HB 96 threaten the future of public schools. Whether it’s by phone, email, or a handwritten letter, expressing your opposition and sharing how this bill would impact your children, and your community makes a real difference.
 

Another way to get involved is by attending our school board meetings. When community members show up and speak out, it sends a strong message, not only to local leaders, but to the state as well. Additionally, conversations with friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers are essential. Explaining that HB 96 diverts public dollars to private schools, even those that aren’t accountable to the public and don’t serve all students, helps raise awareness and build momentum in our community.
 

Finally, it’s vital to remember the power of the vote. Supporting candidates who believe in fully funded, equitable public schools is one of the most important ways to protect the future of public education and Groveport Madison Schools specifically. House Bill 96 is part of a broader effort to weaken public schools, and without active resistance from communities like Groveport Madison, it could become law. Now is the time to speak up, stay informed, and stand together for our schools and our students.