The district — joined by more than 100 other public school systems across the state — argues that the EdChoice voucher program drains vital resources from traditional public schools and violates Ohio’s constitutional requirement to maintain a uniform system of public education. The case now sits before the Tenth District Court of Appeals in Columbus.
At the center of the dispute is roughly $1 billion in state funding that supports vouchers allowing families to send children to private and parochial schools. Critics contend that the program disproportionately benefits private religious institutions while weakening public education across urban and rural communities alike.
“This isn’t just about one city,” said Columbus City Schools spokesperson Jacqueline Bryant. “Districts large and small are seeing the effects of state dollars leaving their classrooms.”
Supporters of the program, including Governor Mike DeWine and legislative leaders, argue that vouchers give parents more educational freedom and ensure that low- and middle-income families have the same school choices as wealthier ones. They point to years of growing demand — with participation more than doubling over the past decade — as proof that parents value the program.
The case stems from a 2022 lawsuit filed by dozens of districts, including Cleveland Heights-University Heights, Marion City, and Lima City Schools, claiming the state’s funding structure violates multiple sections of the Ohio Constitution. A Franklin County judge ruled in 2023 that the lawsuit could proceed, setting up a high-stakes battle that could ultimately reach the Ohio Supreme Court.
Legal observers say the case could have sweeping implications for state education policy and the future of school choice in Ohio.
“This is about defining the state’s obligation — whether public money can support private education,” said Ohio State University law professor Rebecca Miller. “Whatever the outcome, it will reshape the education landscape for years.”