12/12/2025

ASHLAND - Ashland school officials are demanding transparency regarding property tax funding for private school vouchers, arguing those public funds are benefiting private institutions. Superintendent Rob Prater stated that approximately $870,000 (11% of Ashland’s $7.8 million levy) funds vouchers for about 7% of its students. Leaders want the public to understand the program’s impact, especially after a recent operating referendum passed. The district pays over $13,000 per voucher student—a cost projected to rise by nearly $70,000 in 2026—money that could benefit public schools. Ashland residents will receive a tax insert detailing their property taxes funding private school vouchers, a transparency effort also underway in Washburn and Superior.