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13h ago

Ohio Court Rules Universal School Voucher Program Unconstitutional

The ruling found EdChoice breaches the Ohio Constitution’s mandate to maintain a thorough and efficient public school system under a court-ordered stay.

FILE - Students and parents rally at the Ohio Statehouse in support of possible changes that would increase eligibility for taxpayer-funded school vouchers to K-12 students statewide, May 17, 2023, in Columbus, Ohio. (AP Photo/Samantha Hendrickson, File)
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Overview

  • Franklin County Common Pleas Judge Jaiza Page granted summary judgment concluding the 2022 EdChoice expansion diverts constitutionally required funding from public schools.
  • The program’s removal of income limits has extended vouchers to all students and driven costs toward nearly $1 billion in fiscal year 2024.
  • Page rejected the state’s school choice defense by noting that private schools control admissions and receive EdChoice funds directly.
  • Payments to more than 143,000 current voucher recipients will continue under the stay while Ohio appeals the decision.
  • Attorney General Dave Yost announced plans for a swift appeal to the 10th District Court of Appeals with potential escalation to the Ohio Supreme Court.