February 12, 2020
Dear Friend of Shaker Heights Schools,
We as a community have an opportunity to testify in person before a legislative Conference Committee in Columbus in support of public education and against the EdChoice voucher expansion. We are urging our parents, community members, teachers, students and other school supporters to speak at these public hearings. Hearings are scheduled daily (except Sunday) at the Statehouse between now and next Thursday. The schedule is listed below.
Testimony can be as simple as telling our school district's story, sharing our students' achievements and highlighting the importance of public schools in our community. Legislators want to hear about our programs and successes. The witnesses on the private school side spend time explaining why public schools are not right for students. We must offset that perception with positive stories. The important message is that public schools work and deserve support.
All hearings are scheduled in Room 313 in the Statehouse, 1 Capitol Square, Columbus, OH, 43215. To testify, you just need to show up at the date and time below and you will be permitted to speak in turn:
- Thursday, Feb. 13, 5 p.m.
- Friday, Feb. 14, 9 a.m. to noon
- Saturday, Feb. 15, 9 a.m. to noon
- Monday, Feb. 17, 9 a.m. to noon
- Tuesday, Feb. 18, 5 p.m.
- Wednesday, Feb. 19, 5 p.m.
- Thursday, Feb. 20, 5 p.m.
If you are interested in testifying in person at the Statehouse, you may complete this Google Form. Please note: All responses to this form will be made public so that those who are interested in driving to Columbus can coordinate carpools.
Also, to help you prepare, please review these Tips on Testifying, which also includes a Witness Information Form that all witnesses must complete before testifying.
Thank you for your continued support of public education.