Representative Callender Speaks at School Choice Rally

Columbus, Ohio – Representative Jamie Callender (R – Concord) spoke Wednesday at the School Choice Rally on the steps of the Ohio Statehouse. This rally was coordinated by supporters of school choice across Ohio including School Choice Ohio, the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, and Excel in Ed in Action. Representative Callender joined Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted, Senate President Matt Huffman, Senators Sandra O’Brien, Andrew Brenner, and Rob McColley, as well as Representatives Marilyn John and Riordan McClain.

This rally was coordinated to support the school choice provisions included in the state operating budget as passed by the House including:

• Increasing eligibility for school choice vouchers from 250% of federal poverty level to 450%
• Increasing foundation aid for community and STEM schools by $53 million in FY24, to a total of $1.09 billion, and $74.8 million in FY25, to a total of $1.14 billion
• Continuing to support Cleveland Scholarship program, Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship program, and Autism Scholarship program

“Representative Callender and the Ohio House continue to lead in advancing school choice for Ohio families,” said Rabbi Eric “Yitz” Frank, President of School Choice Ohio. “We are confident that the Ohio operating budget will give parents what they demand, and continue to establish Ohio as a national leader in empowering families.”

"High quality school choice options change lives, and we're inspired by the families across Ohio that are calling for more opportunities for their kids,” said Michael J. Petrilli, President, Thomas B. Fordham Institute. “The bold reforms embraced by the Ohio General Assembly will allow Ohio to regain its national leadership on the school choice issue.”

"Today’s rally shows Ohio families know just how impactful school choice could be for their children," said Evan Eagleson, Deputy Legislative Director at ExcelinEd in Action. "We have seen great momentum for K-12 educational choice programs across the country in 2023, and I am eager to see lawmakers bring more opportunities to Ohio's students this session."

“Giving students every opportunity to succeed is one of the key goals of K-12 education,” said Callender. “Ensuring that parents have the tools they need to effectively choose the best option for their child will not only help enable students to graduate career ready or college ready but foster lifelong learning as they continue to explore the world around them.”

The State Operating Budget currently sits in the Ohio Senate awaiting amendments and must be passed by the last day of June.