Ohio Schools Cut Bus Service for Thousands of High Schoolers, Favoring Private and Charter Students

Ohio Public Schools Cancel Bus Service for Thousands of High Schoolers, Leaving Families Scrambling COLUMBUS, Ohio - As the new school year began, thousands of high school students in Ohio found themselves without bus transportation to their schools, a situation that has left many families scrambling for alternative arrangements. The decision by public school districts to cancel bus service for high schoolers while continuing to transport students to private and charter schools under state regulations has sparked outrage and concern among parents and educators. The issue emerged as a result of Ohio's school transportation regulations, which require public school districts to provide transportation to all students, including those attending private and charter schools. However, the expansion of the universal voucher program to help pay for students to attend private schools has created a financial burden on districts, leading some to cancel bus service for high schoolers. "We're talking about thousands of kids who are being left behind," said Maria Rodriguez, a mother of two high school students in Columbus. "It's not just about getting them to school; it's about their safety and well-being." The situation has been particularly challenging for low-income families, who rely on public transportation to get their children to school. In Dayton, a stopgap effort that provided students with public transit passes was temporarily restored by a judge last week after the district sued the state over the issue. "This is not just about bus service; it's about equity and fairness," said Dr. Brian Fries, superintendent of the Dayton Public Schools. "We believe that all students deserve equal access to transportation, regardless of their zip code or socioeconomic status." The controversy has also raised questions about the priorities of Ohio's education system. While public school districts are struggling to provide basic services like bus transportation, they continue to transport students to private and charter schools under state regulations. "It's a classic case of 'do as I say, not as I do,'" said Dr. David Hansen, a professor of education policy at Ohio State University. "The state is requiring public school districts to transport students to private schools while cutting funding for their own transportation programs." As the situation continues to unfold, parents and educators are calling on lawmakers to revisit the state's transportation regulations and provide greater support for public school districts. "We need a comprehensive solution that addresses the needs of all students, not just those attending private schools," said Rodriguez. "It's time for our leaders to put politics aside and do what's best for kids." The current status of bus service in Ohio is uncertain, with some districts continuing to cancel transportation while others are exploring alternative arrangements. As the situation continues to evolve, one thing is clear: thousands of high school students in Ohio are being left behind, and it's time for a change. Background: Ohio's school transportation regulations require public school districts to provide transportation to all students, including those attending private and charter schools. However, the expansion of the universal voucher program has created a financial burden on districts, leading some to cancel bus service for high schoolers. Additional Perspectives: "This is a classic case of 'busing' politics," said Dr. Hansen. "The state is using transportation regulations as a way to funnel funding to private schools while cutting support for public schools." "We're not just talking about bus service; we're talking about the future of our children," said Rodriguez. "We need leaders who are willing to put politics aside and do what's best for kids." Next Developments: The situation is expected to continue unfolding in the coming weeks, with parents and educators calling on lawmakers to revisit the state's transportation regulations and provide greater support for public school districts. *Reporting by Fortune.*