DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — Dayton Public Schools is going to court against the state amid busing issues that began with the passage of the state budget in July.
The Dayton Public School District Board of Education has filed against the State of Ohio, stating the recent changes to busing legalities for the district are “arbitrary, unreasonable, and discriminatory legislation enacted by the State.”
DPS looks to community for help with high school transportation amid bus changes
DPS has been in a race against time to find solutions to busing high school students after state legislators, including local State Rep. Phil Plummer, made changes to the Ohio budget that restrict DPS from purchasing RTA bus passes for students.
Legislators cited safety concerns for students transferring at downtown bus hubs via public transit, but the law was only applied to Montgomery County when finalized.
“The Amendment […] applied to the eight largest counties in the State of Ohio, but the State narrowed the Amendment’s application even further to ensure that it only applies to Montgomery County,” wrote DPS in the filed complaint.
The complaint states this violates Ohio’s “Uniformity Clause,” which requires all laws “shall have a uniform operation throughout the state,” as well as the 14th Amendment’s “Equal Protections Clause” and students right to intrastate travel.
Because of this amendment, DPS is unable to purchase RTA bus passes for students, forcing students to find other means of transportation or purchase the bus pass themselves for $60 per month.
Franklin County court records show DPS decided to file this complaint based on how harmful this law will be for students and families.
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