Earlier this summer, the Post asked our readers what issues you wanted to hear candidates running for Gardner Edgerton Board of Education to address leading up to the Nov. 4 election.
Based on that feedback, we developed a five-item questionnaire centering the issues most important to the Gardner Edgerton community.
Each day this week, we’re publishing the candidates’ responses to one question.
Today, we’re publishing candidates’ responses to the following question:
Voucher efforts: What is your position on state policies that allow tax money to be used to pay for private schools, like tax credits for private school scholarships and tax rebates that go toward private school tuition? As someone who will represent a public school district, will you advocate for or against such policies at the state level?
Below are the answers the Post received from candidates on this issue:
Member 1 (two-year unexpired term)
Julie Aldridge
I oppose school vouchers because they divert essential public funds away from our neighborhood schools and send them to private institutions that do not have to serve every child. When public resources are split, all our students lose access to quality programs, extracurricular, and dedicated support staff. Research shows that voucher programs do not consistently improve student achievement and they can widen equity gaps in our community. Vouchers reduce funding for public schools, potentially causing program cuts, teacher layoffs, and even school closures, particularly affecting rural and under-resourced districts. Research shows voucher programs often do not raise academic achievement and can increase educational inequality. Private schools accepting vouchers are not held to the same accountability and civil rights standards as public schools, which can disadvantage vulnerable students. Public support for vouchers tends to be low, with voters frequently rejecting voucher initiatives. The push for vouchers is often backed by well-funded advocacy groups and influential donors, which can influence policy despite public opposition. Public schools are open to all, accountable to the community, and are designed to serve every student regardless of ability, background, or income. Instead of shifting resources to private schools, we must invest in public education to ensure every child has the chance to succeed. We must keep our focus on strong, inclusive public schools that unite and uplift our entire community. I will advocate for strengthening and adequately funding public schools as the proven path to educational equity and success, emphasizing transparency about the risks of voucher programs, and advocating for policies that prioritize public education’s sustainability and quality.
Matthew Harlow
Did not provide the Post with a response.
Melissa Hershey
I have strong faith in our public schools and believe they have the capacity to improve even further in a competitive environment. However, I also recognize that public school is not the best fit for every child. For instance, some neurodivergent students may benefit from specialized settings or home schooling. I support thorough audits and standards for any programs utilizing state funds, ensuring accountability and transparency. Currently, this issue is not my top priority, but I am interested in reviewing data and results from other states that have tried similar approaches before forming a firm stance.
Member 4
Sam Dominguez
I do not support the use of school vouchers. Any program that diverts public funds from public schools ultimately harms students and weakens communities. Public education is the foundation of equal opportunity, it’s where children from all backgrounds come together to learn, grow, and prepare for the future. When we take money from that system to subsidize private education, we deepen divides and leave our most vulnerable students behind.
Our schools already face serious financial challenges. Many districts struggle to provide essential resources, competitive teacher salaries, and support services that help every child succeed. Vouchers only worsen these challenges by reducing the funding available for classrooms, programs, and staff.
As stewards of public education, school board members have a responsibility to strengthen our district’s schools, not endorse policies that drain their resources. Supporting vouchers is not in the best interest of our students, educators, or taxpayers.
Instead of diverting funds, we should invest in solutions that improve public schools; smaller class sizes, better teacher support, innovative programs, and stronger community partnerships. When we commit to strengthening public education for everyone, we build a system that truly serves all children, not just a select few.
Public dollars belong in public schools, where they can benefit every student and reinforce the foundation of our community.
Lana Sutton (incumbent)
Did not provide the Post with a response.
Member 6
Greg Chapman (incumbent)
Did not provide the Post with a response.
Keith Davenport
I have been publicly speaking out against school vouchers in Kansas since 2021. States like Ohio and Oklahoma have already passed voucher programs, so we can see exactly what it would do in Kansas: Every time a voucher program is introduced it balloons the state budget and the individuals who most often take advantage of it are students who are already homeschooled or attending a private school. There isn’t any evidence anywhere that voucher programs improve statewide educational outcomes, but there is some evidence that shows that these programs actually hurt statewide achievement. So, bottom line, voucher programs cost more money than public education but with fewer outcomes.
