The Ohio Court of Appeals has issued a significant ruling regarding the state's Education Choice Scholarship Program, commonly known as EdChoice. This decision affects public school funding and the availability of scholarships for students attending private schools. The court's ruling has implications for numerous Ohio school districts and families who rely on these scholarships.
The case, Columbus City School District et al. v. State of Ohio et al., was filed under docket numbers 25AP-603, 25AP-604, and 25AP-605. The plaintiffs, including the Columbus City School District and several other school districts, challenged the constitutionality of the EdChoice program, arguing that it diverts public funds to private schools and undermines the state's obligation to provide a thorough and efficient system of public education.
The dispute began when the plaintiffs filed a complaint in 2022 in the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, asserting that the EdChoice program violates Article VI, Section 2 of the Ohio Constitution. This section mandates that the state secure a thorough and efficient system of common schools. The plaintiffs contended that by funding private education, EdChoice violates this constitutional requirement and leads to the underfunding of public schools.
The defendants in the case included the State of Ohio, the Superintendent of Public Instruction, and the Ohio Department of Education. Additionally, intervenors representing families who benefit from the EdChoice program joined the case, arguing in favor of the program's constitutionality. Both sides filed motions for summary judgment, seeking a ruling from the court without going to trial.
On June 24, 2025, the trial court ruled in favor of the plaintiffs, finding that the EdChoice program violates Ohio's constitutional requirement for public education. The court granted summary judgment on three counts, stating that the program diverts funds from public schools, undermines the state's educational obligations, and allows for the funding of religious institutions. The court's ruling stated, "EdChoice creates a system of uncommon schools that undermines the state's duty to provide a thorough and efficient system of common schools." The defendants subsequently appealed this decision.
The Ohio Court of Appeals, led by Judge Leland, reviewed the trial court's ruling and the arguments presented by both sides. The appellate court upheld the trial court's decision, agreeing that EdChoice violates the Ohio Constitution. The court emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong public education system funded adequately by the state. The ruling stated, "The General Assembly must ensure that public funds are used to support a thorough and efficient system of common schools, not diverted to private institutions."
This ruling has significant implications for the future of the EdChoice program and public education funding in Ohio. The decision reinforces the constitutional obligation of the state to prioritize public education and may lead to changes in how educational funding is allocated. The ruling could also impact families who rely on EdChoice scholarships to send their children to private schools, as the program may face further legal challenges or modifications in response to the court's decision.
The court's ruling does not only affect the current EdChoice program but also sets a precedent for future educational funding initiatives in Ohio. It underscores the importance of ensuring that public funds are used to support public education and may influence legislative discussions regarding school funding and voucher programs.
Looking ahead, the defendants have the option to appeal the ruling to the Ohio Supreme Court. If they choose to do so, the case could set the stage for a broader examination of educational funding and the role of private school vouchers in Ohio. There may also be related cases pending that could further address the issues raised in this ruling.