For people in Ohio....

I know that charter schools and vouchers are a hot topic among homeschoolers, but I'm posting this anyway. With the talks of cutting out charters and vouchers going on right now, I can't help but post on the topic. I believe that traditional homeschooling doesn't work for everyone and that other options are needed. Children that cannot afford to be sent to private school should not have to suffer in a failing public school with no hopefor change. Also, not every child is made to learn in a traditional school environment. Some need a more customized education. (Actually, it is my belief that ALL would do better with a more customized education and being able to learn at their own pace, but at the very least, the children that cannot learn well in a regular classroom should have options).

I got an e-mail today from someone at http://www.myschoolmychoice.org and thought I'd share it here.

Good Afternoon,
No long winded stories today…………………….Just the straight scoop. If we do not act now, it will be too late. School Choice day in the Senate read more like a bad commercial for “Why Virtual Schools and Charters have no right to Exist.” All day long the powerful union bands played the sad tunes “If our schools are not performing it’s the Charters fault,” “Give us all your money and close those evil Charters too,” and the grand finale “Their stealing our money that’s what keeps us from educating.” Susan Stagner and two other OHVA parents sat through hours of this kind of nauseating testimony all day. Finally School Choice got to speak around 6 pm. While powerful Union groups like the Ohio 8 Coalition were given two hours to bellow out of tune by the Senate, the charters and School Choice advocates were given only 5 min each to testify. Make no mistake………………….the Climate is very different in the Senate. Things are not stacking in our favor. I think that many of you can see this. You are not receiving the wonderful favorable responses to your letters as you did in the house. We can win but not without fighting hard. We need to fight for Our Schools, or we will not leave this process undamaged.
I get the distinct impression when I talk to parents that they believe we are in the clear because HB 119 passed the House in our favor. Here is the nitty gritty………….groups like the Ohio 8 Coalition, the OEA (Ohio Educators Association), the OTF (Ohio Teachers Federation), and other anti school choice groups were out working the Senate long before HB 119 left the House. They know that the Senate can change this back to their favor, and they are counting on it. I know that all of you have worked very hard and that I have asked a lot from you. I am asking you to stay with me for one more round. Let us not let these people dictate what is best for OUR CHILDREN……………………………………
Write, email, and call your Senator again.
Write, email, and call the Senators from the Senate Finance Committee and the Governor again.
Come to the Cincinnati Rally on Monday – See info below
Come to Testify June 5th, 6th, 7th, or 8th – I will be there June 6th. Anyone who is not comfortable testifying, come on down wearing your school colors and logo wear for moral support. See www.myschoolmychoice.com for more information and talking points.
Pass the word along to everyone you know PLEASE! I need YOUR help to get the word out!
We must be PRO-ACTIVE not RE-ACTIVE to save our schools.
Maggie Wright
OHVA 3rd year Parent
My School. My Choice
www.myschoolmychoice.org
Parent Captain
Ohio Coalition of e.School Families
www.ohioeschoolfamilies.org
Important Dates:
Cincinnati Rally - Monday, June 4th at 4pm
Concordia Lutheran Church & School, 1133 Clifton Hills Ave, Cincinnati, Ohio
Public Testimony for the Senate -
Tue, June 5th after session (begins 1:30)
Wed, June 6th at 9:30 am
Thurs, June 7th at 9:30 am
Friday, June 8th at 9:30 am

Anyone that believes that choice is good for Ohio, please write, call and e-mail the senators. Public schools should not be allowed to have a monopoly education. Children in poor and failing schools deserve a chance for something better. Parents should be the ones choosing where their children go to school (because they know their kids best), rather than being told where to send their children based on the district.