Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has filed a lawsuit against the Columbus City Schools Board of Education, alleging that the district has failed to fulfill its legal obligation to transport students to charter and private schools. The suit, a petition for a writ of mandamus in the Ohio Supreme Court, seeks immediate compliance from the district.
“As a parent and grandparent, I understand the importance of making sure every child has a safe way to get to and from school,” Yost stated. “These families have a right to choose what school is best for their child, and the law is clear that transportation is to be provided. The School Board needs to comply with the law whether they agree with it or not.”
The filing demands that Columbus City Schools provide transportation for each student whose family has requested mediation regarding bus service until mediation is resolved. Additionally, it requires the district to supply lists of students deemed impractical for transportation to charter and private schools—a step mandated by law but allegedly neglected by the district.
According to state law, districts must provide transportation for charter and private school students residing within district boundaries and no more than 30 minutes from their assigned public school. Since this academic year began, Columbus City Schools has reportedly failed in this duty for numerous students, citing impracticality and giving parents insufficient notice.
Yost previously issued a cease-and-desist letter on September 3rd questioning whether the district's actions were deliberate non-compliance. He wrote: “It appears that the district has chosen to ignore its legal obligations... perhaps calculating that the district is better off paying future non-compliance fines than meeting its current legal obligations.”
The lack of an adequate response from Columbus City Schools led to today's lawsuit. Yost argues that discontinuing transportation services inflicts significant harm on students, their families, and associated schools.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Hannah Hundley: 614-906-9113