Ohio school voucher fight heads back to court
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The Ohio school coalition challenging the state's burgeoning voucher system will get their day in court next week.
Why it matters: About 88,000 K–12 students are using EdChoice vouchers to attend private schools this year, which cost the state over $475 million in public funding.
- Vouchers Hurt Ohio contends using public money to pay for private education goes against Ohio's constitution and promotes segregation.
- Proponents say the program provides more options for families.
State of play: The number of students using EdChoice vouchers has more than tripled since the districts sued in 2022 and is expected to keep growing.
- Expanding access continues to be a priority for Republican lawmakers as they hash out a new state budget.
- Vouchers were originally for families with low incomes or whose home school performed poorly on state report cards. But as of 2023, any family is eligible to apply for some funds.
Between the lines: The number of districts involved in the case has also tripled — from about 100 to more than 300, or over half of districts statewide. Columbus is the lead plaintiff.
What's next: A hearing is scheduled Monday–Wednesday next week in Franklin County Common Pleas Court, during which both sides will argue the merits of the case.
- Judge Jaiza Page could rule in favor of either party, or ultimately decide that the case should go to trial.
What we're watching: A judge ruled Utah's universal school voucher program unconstitutional this week in a similar case.
- The program will continue, though, as Utah appeals the ruling.