Ohio's School Choice Program Faces Legal Challenge, Supporters Vow to Fight Ruling

School choice has become a significant topic in both state and federal politics, despite facing opposition. In Ohio, a recent legal challenge has emerged regarding the EdChoice voucher program. A Franklin County judge declared the program unconstitutional following a lawsuit from a coalition of public schools. However, this ruling does not necessarily signal the end of school choice initiatives in the state.

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost, along with other supporters, has announced plans to appeal the judge's decision. The appeal will be filed with the 10th District Court of Appeals. The Statehouse News Bureau suggests that the case may ultimately be decided by the Ohio Supreme Court. The program remains in effect while the legal process unfolds.

Supporters of the program are emphasizing the importance of clarity. Troy McIntosh, director of the Center for Christian Virtue’s Ohio Christian Education Network, criticized the court's decision, expressing concerns about the uncertainty it has created for students. He believes the decision will be overturned on appeal.

Ohio's education system was recently assessed, with the state ranking in the middle for overall education and school choice. The state has made strides in empowering families with school choice options, including private, charter, and district schools. Further improvements could be made by implementing education savings accounts, reducing regulations on private schools, and streamlining the process for charter schools and homeschooling families.

The EdChoice program was expanded in Ohio in 2023. At the federal level, school choice provisions were included in recent legislation. Senator Rick Scott has encouraged governors to participate in the new federal provision.