Ohio appeals court rules EdChoice voucher programs unconstitutional

The Ohio 10th District Court of Appeals has upheld a ruling declaring the state’s EdChoice and EdChoice Expansion voucher programs unconstitutional. In a unanimous 3-0 decision, the court found that the programs violate the state constitution by failing to maintain a ‘thorough and efficient system of schools’ and by allowing religious organizations to control public funds.

The judges noted that the voucher system creates a competing private school system that lacks meaningful state oversight and allows for discriminatory admission policies. The ruling also highlighted that the program drains necessary funding from public schools and remains inaccessible to many rural residents.

Attorney General Andy Wilson stated that families using the vouchers should see no immediate impact, as the court stayed the opinion. The state intends to appeal the decision to the Republican-majority Ohio Supreme Court. While Senate Democrats praised the ruling for protecting public education, Republican leaders maintain that taxpayer dollars should support parental choice between public and private institutions.