In 2024, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost filed a lawsuit against Columbus City Schools (CCS) over the district’s refusal to provide transportation to hundreds, potentially thousands, of students attending charter and private schools. The lawsuit centers on CCS’s enforcement of a policy labeling certain student bus routes as “impractical,” which resulted in the denial of mandatory busing services.
Yost CCS Transportation Lawsuit
The lawsuit asserts that Columbus City Schools violated Ohio state law by failing to transport students who live within the district boundaries and are entitled to bus service to schools outside the traditional public system. CCS argued that transporting some students was impractical due to logistical challenges such as driver shortages and route inefficiencies.
According to Ohio Revised Code, districts are obligated to provide transportation for students attending charter or private schools within a 30-minute travel radius of their assigned public school. CCS’s designation of “impractical” routes for over 1,300 students, coupled with short notice to families, sparked criticism and legal action.
Legal Proceedings and Demands
Attorney General Yost’s petition to the Ohio Supreme Court demands that CCS immediately resume transportation for all affected students, including those who challenged the impracticality designation and were awaiting mediation outcomes. The lawsuit calls for CCS to provide transparency by sharing lists of students deemed impractical to transport and providing required notices to families.
Yost highlighted the hardship the lack of transportation caused families, including parents forced to quit jobs or scramble for alternative arrangements, emphasizing the urgency of resolving the matter legally.
CCS Response and Community Impact
Columbus City Schools acknowledged operational challenges, including bus driver shortages, and stated that route modifications and adjustments were necessary. Superintendent Dr. Angela Chapman communicated that the district was reviewing the lawsuit and planned a formal legal response.
The transportation disruption affected over a thousand families relying on the district’s services and raised concerns over equity and access to education for nonpublic school students.
Ongoing Litigation and Outlook
The lawsuit remains active in Ohio’s Supreme Court, with emergency motions filed to enforce immediate bus service restoration. Additional class-action suits brought by parents indicate the issue’s seriousness and the widespread impact on the community.
Resolution efforts focus on balancing legal compliance with logistical realities while safeguarding student access to education.
Conclusion
The Yost CCS transportation lawsuit underscores the critical importance of legally mandated student transportation services, especially for those attending charter and private schools. It reflects broader challenges school districts face managing resources amid increasing demands and regulatory requirements.
The outcome of this legal battle will shape policy and operational approaches to equitable school transportation in Ohio and potentially influence other jurisdictions facing similar issues.
