There is a strong emphasis on school choice in Ohio, which provides families with the
opportunity to select the most appropriate schooling path for their children. In some cases, families opt for private or nonpublic schools that best align with their values and educational preferences. A critical aspect that often arises in this decision-making process is the challenge of transportation. Luckily, Ohio state law outlines specific parental rights related to private school transportation coordinated by their local school district of residence.
Right to Private School Transportation
Under Ohio Revised Code (ORC) 3327.01, Ohio has outlined specific rights related to transportation for students to attend the private school of their choice from their public school district of residence. This statute states that if a student is attending a private school, parents have the right to request transportation services from their local district if the private school is located 30 minutes or less from the school building within the school district of residence that the child would attend had they been enrolled within the district.
The request for transportation services is typically made to the local district’s board of education. Families should be sure to adhere to any deadlines or requirements for submitting transportation requests. Once the request is received, the board must review it and determine whether or not they can practically provide transportation.
Understanding Impracticality and Initiating the Appeals Process
The concept of impracticality is a critical factor in determining whether a local district must provide transportation to a nearby private school. Districts have the right to declare transportation “impractical” for a student to a private school based on the consideration of all six of ORC 3327.02(A)’s statutory factors:
(1) The time and distance required to provide the transportation;
(2) The number of students requesting to be transported to the same or nearby schools;
(3) The cost of providing transportation in terms of equipment, maintenance, personnel, and administration;
(4) Whether similar or equivalent service is provided to other students eligible for transportation both within and outside the district;
(5) Whether and to what extent the additional transportation service would unavoidably disrupt current transportation schedules; and
(6) Whether other reimbursable types of transportation are available.
If the district determines that providing transportation is impractical, they must notify the family in writing along with a specific offer of a payment-in-lieu of transportation and the opportunity to reject this offer and pursue mediation procedures with the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (“ODE”). If mediation fails to resolve the dispute, ODE will then conduct a formal appeal hearing.
Importantly, once a parent initiates mediation procedures with ODE, the district becomes obligated to provide transportation for the student to the private school until an agreement or decision on the case has been reached.
Approaches to the Appeals Process
There are various strategies and evidence that families may use to help show to the assigned hearing officer that the district's decision was erroneous, and that transportation is practical. One key aspect to challenge is the district's determination of impracticality based on distance. The parent can provide evidence such as maps or official travel time estimates demonstrating that the private school is within a reasonable distance for transportation. This can include documentation showing typical commuting routes, traffic patterns, and actual travel times during school hours.
Gathering testimonials from other parents or community members facing similar transportation challenges can provide additional support. Additionally, seeking expert opinions from transportation specialists can bolster the argument for the practicality of transportation to the private school. It is also important to highlight any precedents or comparable cases where transportation was deemed practical for similarly-situated private schools and/or students, which can underscore the reasonableness of the district’s decision.
Implications of Hearing Outcomes
Initiating an appeal under ORC 3327.02 is not just about advocating for one student’s transportation needs; it can have broader implications for other families within the district. If the appeal is successful and transportation is mandated, the district must continue to provide transportation services. This sets a precedent that benefits not only the appealing family but other families facing similar challenges.
However, if the appeal is denied and transportation is deemed impractical, this decision becomes binding. This means that neither the appealing family nor any other family in the district attending the same private school can appeal the district's decision regarding transportation so long as the facts remain comparable. It will be important for a family to seek legal counsel to assist with presenting a strong case, navigating procedural challenges, and safeguarding the overall rights and education of the student during this process.
Written by attorney Renee Stromski at Abdnour Weiker, LLP