Springfield super speaks out.....

http://www.wdtn.com/dpp/video/spfld-schools-discuss-funding-outlook

Springfield schools discuss funding outlook

WDTN TV (Dayton), May 18, 2011

[Note: Be sure to view the video in this article (click link above) to hear what this superintendent has to say. He doesn't mince words.]

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio (WDTN) - The Springfield School district hopes to avoid the kind of budget crisis that cost Dayton City Schools 294 jobs.

The superintendent held a meeting Wednesday morning to discuss public school education versus charter schools.

An Ohio House Bill would tilt that playing field.

"My biggest concern is we're going to see the mentality of the state shift from concern for pupils what they're learning, but to making money profits," said David Estrop, Superintendent.

The bill would basically provide more students with money to pay their way into a private or charter school.

Districts like Dayton and Springfield miss out on thousands of dollars in funding when those students leave for charter schools.

Estrop thinks not as many would go if those other schools had to meet the same mandates as public schools.

The superintendent says the district is in solid shape thanks to teachers taking a 0 percent wage increase in their latest contract and the passage of a renewal levy earlier this month.