Dayton Public Schools (DPS) is in a particularly difficult position with student transportation as the 2023-2024 school year begins. Such a scenario plays out in Dayton, Ohio. Only about 2,000 high schoolers actually go to DPS. The district will not provide buses for most of them this year. The decision has raised concerns among parents and educators, leading to discussions about the implications of recent changes in Ohio’s transportation laws.
As Ohio law currently stands, DPS is obligated to provide and pay for the transportation of students who choose to attend private and charter schools. The district is working under budget constraints and a limited number of drivers and buses. Consequently, officials have been forced to discontinue transportation for secondary students. Less frequently, families will have to find an alternate way to get their kids to school—most likely at a high out-of-pocket expense. Each high school student would have to bear a minimum of $540 per year cost for public transportation on buses.
Superintendent David Lawrence of the Miami Dade County Public Schools worried how these changes would affect their most vulnerable families. He stated, “There seems to be an aggressive approach to the most vulnerable families and people in America.” His comment resonates with the alarm experienced by so many in the African-American community as they adapt to the vastly changed mobility environment.
In light of these challenges, DPS discovered 25 school buses available for purchase, with costs ranging from $150,000 to $190,000 each. Superintendent Lawrence discussed the difficulties of getting new buses. He added, “It’s an 18-month cycle, and every bus is $150,000 to $190,000. The models with back-up cameras and air conditioning — yeah, those are more expensive.” Even then drivers must pass a minimum of 10 tests before they’re fully qualified to take the wheel.
A recent, tragic incident underscores the persistent and dangerous reality these employees face every day in our transportation network. Alfred Hale III, an 18-year-old student, was shot and killed at a bus terminal in downtown Dayton on his way to Dunbar High School. This incident has led many parents to question the safety of public buses, with local leaders like Phil Plummer commenting on the situation by stating, “We had an 18-year-old get shot and killed. The environment for the students is not good down there. The NAACP interviewed the children; they don’t want to ride the public transportation buses; they want to ride the yellow school buses.“
Ohio, for example, has created a huge $1 billion grant initiative. This cash takes the shape of education vouchers, which working families play a key role in ensuring their students can register in private and charter colleges. This funding only continues to add pressure on public schools. DPS is now under Federal restrictions that require them to transport these non-public students along with their own public students. Board member Jocelyn Rhynard emphasized the burden this places on the district: “It’s simple – if we did not have to bus non-public school students on our transportation, we could transport every single one of our K-12 students on yellow buses.”
Beyond these issues, some parents have faced a frustrating lack of available solutions. William Johnson, a single father raising two children, described his predicament: “I’m a single dad raising two kids on my own. We all have to be at school at the same time. That’s a big dilemma.” Lucky for him that his aging father is able to provide some rides. He is concerned about the downstream impact this could have on families facing the same issues.
Others have begun exploring alternative options. One student, Ruben Castillo, mentioned that he may have to resort to using rideshare services: “I’m going to have to use Uber, and it’s going to cost me $25-$30 a day to get to and from school.” These costs can add up quickly, adding another burden to families’ finances.
Local officials are right to be furious that these changes are the direct result of legislation that’s been adopted by Ohio lawmakers. Rhynard stated, “It’s a direct result of the legislation from the extremist Republicans at the Ohio statehouse mandating that we must transport non-public students as well as public students in our district.” This sentiment goes to the heart of many around the country that feel like public schools are getting the short end of the stick.
The current public school vs. charter school standoff exposes serious flaws in the state’s overall approach to public education funding and policy. Over 90% of students at Dayton Public Schools today are African American. In the absence of strong federal direction, there are fears that education and transportation inequities will continue to disproportionately affect vulnerable communities.
As DPS navigates these complex challenges, parents and community members continue to call for solutions that prioritize student safety and accessibility. The lack of transportation options raises questions about equity in education and how best to support families who rely on public schooling systems.