Ohio lawmakers have introduced new legislation designed to overhaul school transportation, aiming to give public school students priority for bus services. House Bill 545, co-sponsored by State Representatives Desiree Tims and Phil Robinson, seeks to address a long-standing issue where public districts must provide transportation for charter and private school students, often at the expense of their own pupils.
The proposed law, known as the School Busing Improvement Act, directly confronts the logistical and financial strains placed on districts like Dayton Public Schools (DPS), where differing school schedules create significant transportation challenges. Proponents argue the bill is a common-sense measure to ensure students attending public schools are guaranteed a ride on a publicly funded bus.
Key Takeaways
- State Representatives Desiree Tims (D-Dayton) and Phil Robinson (D-Solon) have introduced House Bill 545.
- The bill would require public school districts to prioritize their own students for bus transportation services.
- Current Ohio law mandates public districts transport charter and parochial school students, causing logistical issues for districts like Dayton Public Schools.
- Supporters of the bill argue it will help reduce chronic absenteeism and improve educational access for public school students.
The Current Transportation Dilemma
Under existing Ohio law, public school districts bear the responsibility of transporting students who reside within their boundaries, even if those students attend charter or private (parochial) schools. This mandate creates complex logistical hurdles, particularly in urban areas with numerous educational options.
Districts like Dayton Public Schools find themselves managing multiple bus routes for schools that operate on completely different calendars and daily schedules. The result is a strained system where public school buses are often diverted to serve other institutions first. This can lead to delayed arrivals, longer bus rides, and, in some cases, the inability to provide reliable transportation for the district's own students.
This situation has been linked to significant challenges, including a rise in chronic absenteeism. When students cannot rely on a consistent ride to school, their attendance and academic performance can suffer. The financial burden on public districts is also substantial, as they must fund and manage a complex transportation network that extends beyond their own schools.
Understanding School Choice and Transportation
The debate over school transportation is deeply connected to the broader concept of school choice. While parents have the right to choose charter or private schools, the question of who is responsible for transportation remains a point of contention. House Bill 545 shifts that responsibility, suggesting that the choice to attend a non-public school should include the responsibility of arranging transportation.
Details of House Bill 545
House Bill 545 proposes a fundamental shift in transportation priorities. If enacted, the legislation would amend state law to explicitly state that a school district's primary transportation obligation is to the students enrolled in its own schools. While not eliminating transportation for non-public school students, it would restructure the system to put public school students at the front of the line.
Representative Tims emphasized that the bill respects the right of parents to choose their child's school but argues that this choice should not negatively impact the public school system.
“I respect parental choice, but that choice should come with an expectation that you will transport your own child to school. Too many DPS students are falling behind and HB 96 only reinforces those challenges such as chronic absenteeism.” — Ohio House Assistant Minority Whip Desiree Tims (D-Dayton)
The bill is positioned as a direct solution to what its sponsors call a "backwards law." By realigning transportation duties, the legislation aims to create a more efficient and equitable system that serves the students for whom the public district was created.
A Focus on Absenteeism
A key argument for House Bill 545 is its potential to combat chronic absenteeism. According to education officials, a lack of reliable transportation is a primary barrier to regular school attendance for many students. By ensuring public school students have guaranteed bus service, lawmakers hope to see a direct improvement in attendance rates and, consequently, better educational outcomes.
Potential Impact on Ohio Schools
The passage of House Bill 545 would have wide-ranging effects on families and school systems across Ohio. For public school districts, particularly those in urban centers, it could mean significant relief from logistical and financial pressures.
For Public Schools
If the bill becomes law, districts like Dayton Public Schools could streamline their bus routes, reduce operational costs, and provide more timely service. This could lead to:
- Reduced Absenteeism: More students arriving at school on time, every day.
- Improved Student Focus: Shorter bus rides and less travel time can lead to students who are more rested and ready to learn.
- Budgetary Relief: Resources currently spent on complex, multi-school transportation could be reallocated to other educational priorities.
For Charter and Private Schools
Conversely, charter and private schools, along with the families they serve, would face new challenges. They would need to develop their own transportation solutions, which could include private busing services, organizing carpools, or relying on parents to provide transportation. This change could influence a family's decision-making process when choosing a school, adding transportation logistics and costs into the equation.
Representative Tims framed the issue as one of common sense and fairness. “This is a commonsense piece of legislation: a school district’s school bus system should bus the students attending that district’s schools,” she stated. The bill suggests that the responsibility for services like transportation should align with the educational institution a family chooses.
Next Steps for the Legislation
House Bill 545 has been officially introduced and is now awaiting assignment to a committee in the Ohio House of Representatives. Once in committee, it will be subject to hearings, public testimony, and potential amendments.
The legislative process will likely involve input from various stakeholders, including public school administrators, charter school advocates, and parent organizations. The bill's journey through the Statehouse will be closely watched by education communities across Ohio, as its outcome could redefine school transportation responsibilities for years to come.
