Auditor Yost speaks to the Columbus Metropolitan Club about e-school funding on Sept. 14, 2016.
 

Columbus – Auditor of State Dave Yost spoke to the Columbus Metropolitan Club today, continuing an open dialogue on proposed learning-based funding for Ohio’s electronic schools.

During his opening remarks and a panel discussion with Sen. Peggy Lehner and Chad Aldis of the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, Yost praised the learning options that virtual learning provides, but said Ohio’s current funding model is unsuitable for online schools.

Funding e-schools based on time in a chair “undercuts the very premise and the great promise of virtual schooling,” Auditor Yost said.

Yost said the nature of online learning makes it impossible to base funding on attendance. Instead, he suggested the state transition the funding model for electronic schools to a system based on information learned.

“At the end of the day, we’re trying to buy a process that produces a numerate, literate citizen,” Auditor Yost said. “Why not pay for learning instead of hours in a seat or hours in front of a screen?”

Auditor Yost proposed the change last month at the Ohio Charter School Summit, calling on state lawmakers to reform how online schools are funded. The request drew support from Senate President Keith Faber as well as the Thomas B. Fordham Institute.

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The Auditor of State’s office, one of five independently elected statewide offices in Ohio, is responsible for auditing more than 5,900 state and local government agencies.  Under the direction of Auditor Dave Yost, the office also provides financial services to local governments, investigates and prevents fraud in public agencies and promotes transparency in government.

Contact:
Ben Marrison
Director of Communications
614-644-1111