Supporting Successful Schools - House Bill 268

By Denise Driehaus

The national economic recession impacted Ohio's budget and forced many difficult reductions to programs and services all across the state. This included, unfortunately, a nearly 15 percent reduction in funding for Ohio's chartered non-public (Catholic) schools.

The national economic recession impacted Ohio's budget and forced many difficult reductions to programs and services all across the state. This included, unfortunately, a nearly 15 percent reduction in funding for Ohio's chartered non-public (Catholic) schools.

This was disappointing for many of us who have historically supported Catholic school education throughout the state.

In an early version of the budget I fought for and helped secure an additional $2 million in funding for Catholic schools. However, shortly after this was included in the House version of the budget, state revenues sharply declined and across-the-board funding cuts were made.

I have spoken with pastors, principals, members of the Catholic Conference, members of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, parishioners and school parents to create a strategy to move forward. That is why I introduced House Bill 268 + Supporting Successful Schools.

Essentially, this legislation will restore parity between public schools and private schools. It also calls for a restoration of the $11 million that was cut in the fall of 2008 and the $59 million that was eliminated in the budget.

Catholic schools serve as the backbone of our community. They provide an excellent education to their students and provide intelligent, well rounded, compassionate citizens for tomorrow. They also anchor our business districts and serve to stabilize our neighborhoods. Additionally, they take the financial burden off the state of having to educate the students who attend Catholic schools.

As a state, we should promote policies that support our public school system and also reward effective schools in our communities. We need to recognize that investing in our schools is an investment in the future and critical to our success as we move forward.