"Public Schools Pay Private Busing Price as Vouchers Drain Funds"

Public schools in Ohio are increasingly canceling bus services for high school students while continuing to provide transportation for students attending private and charter institutions, sparking a debate over state transportation mandates and funding policies. This shift has left thousands of families scrambling for alternative transportation options, with some districts offering public transit passes as a stopgap measure. The situation has drawn criticism from educators and lawmakers who argue that the system is unfair and unsustainable, particularly as voucher programs expand and draw significant public funds.

Under current Ohio law, public school districts are legally obligated to transport students enrolled in private or charter schools, even when those schools operate on public holidays or when buses break down. This requirement is compounded by a driver shortage and rising operational costs, which have strained district budgets. For example, Dayton Public Schools operates 54 bus routes for its students and 74 for non-public students, according to data from the Ohio 8 Coalition, which represents the eight largest school districts in the state. This dual responsibility has forced some districts to cancel transportation for their own high school students, leaving them to navigate public transit or private arrangements.

The financial burden of busing students to private and charter schools is exacerbated by limited state compensation. Districts receive approximately $1,500 per student to cover transportation costs, but lawmakers and district administrators argue this falls short of actual expenses. Columbus Public Schools, for instance, allocated $75 million for transportation this school year and an additional $15 million for related fines. The district has been sued by the state for allegedly failing to meet its legal obligations to transport voucher students. The ongoing legal battle highlights the tension between legislative mandates and the operational realities faced by public school systems.

Advocates for public education argue that the current system is inequitable, as public school districts must bear the financial and logistical weight of transporting students who attend non-public institutions. Dayton Superintendent David Lawrence criticized the state for diverting $2.5 billion in education funding to voucher programs while still requiring public schools to shoulder transportation costs for those students. He argued that eliminating these mandates could allow districts to provide more efficient and comprehensive transportation services for all students.

The issue is also drawing attention to the broader debate over school transparency and accountability. While public schools are subject to Ohio’s public records law, private and parochial schools are largely exempt. This lack of transparency has raised concerns about oversight, particularly in cases involving personnel decisions and student safety. Democratic State Rep. Lauren McNally of Youngstown has proposed legislation to extend public records requirements to private and charter schools, but such efforts have stalled due to partisan disagreements. Republican lawmakers have expressed mixed views, with some acknowledging the need for greater transparency in certain areas while warning against the potential costs of expanding public records laws to private institutions.

As the debate continues, a state study group is examining how to address the logistical challenges of transporting non-public students on days when public schools are closed. Its recommendations, due in June 2026, could offer a path forward for policymakers seeking to balance the needs of all students while ensuring the financial sustainability of public school transportation systems.

Source: [1] Public vs. Private: Ohio Law creates transparency gap for schools (https://www.wfmj.com/story/53061400/public-vs-private-ohio-law-creates-transparency-gap-for-schools) [2] Thousands of Ohio students left without a school bus ride ... (https://apnews.com/article/school-bus-ride-ohio-public-private-vouchers-70d90bcbdc1c6a3fbdff4a014d1ce785)