Frank O’Linn, diocesan superintendent of schools, shared a message of success and hope with the First Friday Club of Greater Akron.
“Faith, Freedom and the Common Good: The Case for School Choice in Ohio” was the title of his March 27 presentation, which was a week early because of Good Friday.
O’Linn shared a quote from Bishop Edward Malesic, who said he believes “that our Catholic schools are among the best and most comprehensive youth ministry programs that we have. We want to bring our children to Christ so that they can know him, love him and serve him.”
Enrollment continues to grow in diocesan schools, with more than 40,000 students this year.
O’Linn told the group, including some students from St. Mary School in Akron, that Ohio has always had school choice, which allows parents to select the education they deem best for their children. Public school choices include intradistrict schools such as magnet schools, interdistrict open enrollment (when districts allow it) and (public) charter schools. State scholarship programs and an income tax credit scholarship program are available for private schools.
Ohio has a variety of scholarship programs available, including the Cleveland Scholarship Program, which is marking its 30th anniversary; the Autism Scholarship, launched in 2004; EdChoice, 2006; Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship, 2012; and EdChoice Expansion, 2013. O’Linn said since 2023, all Ohio students are eligible for EdChoice on a sliding scale by income.
Tax credit scholarships – the Angel Scholarship Fund in the diocese – allow a tax credit of up to $750 for individual taxpayers or $1,500 for joint filers. A federal tax credit scholarship offering up to a $1,700 credit takes effect in 2027. Ohio has opted into the new program.
O’Linn discussed how the funding mechanisms remain controversial and legal challenges continue. However, they have prevailed so far. He expects another decision from Franklin County last June – which was stayed by an appellate court ruling – could wind up before the Ohio Supreme Court. In the meantime, school funding remains unchanged.
School choice is not a new development, O’Linn said, noting anti-Catholic sentiment help propel the establishment of Catholic schools in the early years of the country. He said the Ohio Bill of Rights makes provisions for private schools, including religious ones.
Although progress has been made, O’Linn said that “in support of faith, freedom and the common good, our clear message on policy is that Ohio should fund students, not systems,” so the money should follow the student and parents should have the right to choose the best educational option for their children.
As for next steps, O’Linn said people can help by engaging in respectful advocacy, including talking about the situation, writing letters to the editor to express their opinion and call out misinformation, engage public officials and support the Angel Scholarship Fund.
Father Damian Ference, diocesan vicar for evangelization, will speak on “How to Love Like St. Joseph” on May 1. Click here for details and reservations.