Enacted 1995 • Launched 1996–97
Families who live within the boundaries of the Cleveland Municipal School District are eligible to use a voucher to send their children to private school. The voucher also may be used at public schools bordering the school district, but currently no public schools have chosen to participate. No more than half of new recipients may be students previously enrolled in private schools. In addition, the state gives tutorial grants to public school students for services beyond those provided by public schools. As of 2011, Cleveland vouchers increased from $800 to $1,550 per student to mirror the size of the state’s EdChoice Scholarships (see page 58). Also, the program, previously limited to students entering grades K–8, is now open to students in any grade.
Latest Stats (2010)
- Students Participating (2011-12): 5,030
- Schools Participating: 40
- Average Voucher Value: $2,943
Program Details
Program Type
Voucher
Scholarship/Voucher Value
The maximum voucher value is $3,450 through 2011, which will increase in 2012 to $4,250 for K–8 and $5,000 for high school. Families with incomes below 200 percent of the federal poverty level receive scholarships worth 90 percent of tuition, whereas families above the 200 percent level receive scholarships worth 75 percent of tuition. Parents agree to pay either the remaining tuition or volunteer equivalent hours of service at their child’s school. Children with special needs may receive larger scholarships, based on need. Tutorial grants are worth up to 20 percent of the average basic voucher amount, not exceeding $550.
Participation
In 2011-12, 5,030 students are receiving vouchers in with 40 private schools participating. In 2010–11, the average voucher amount was $2,943.
Student Eligibility
Children in grades K–12 can apply for a voucher. Voucher users must live within the Cleveland school district. Priority is given to families with incomes below 200 percent of the federal poverty level ($44,700 for a family of four in 2011). Children from families with incomes above 200 percent of poverty are eligible only if funds are available. Participating private schools must accept voucher students on a random basis, giving preference to low-income students if they have more applicants than open seats.
Legal Developments
On June 27, 2002, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Cleveland school voucher program does not violate the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution; that vouchers are constitutional when parents have independent, private choice of schools without favoring or disfavoring religion. By design, the voucher program is “school neutral.” Zelman v. Simmons-Harris, 536 U.S. 639 (2002)
Rules & Regulations
- Income Limit: 200% x Poverty
- Geographic Limit: District (Cleveland)
- Enrollment Cap: None
- Voucher Cap: $4,250 (K-8) /$5,000 (9-12)
- Testing Mandates: Yes-State
Governing Statutes
Ohio Revised Code, Sections 3313.974-3313.979
Additional Links
Ohio budget bill HB 153 is available here: http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/bills.cfm?ID=129_HB_153
or here: http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/BillText129/129_HB_153_EN_N.html.
