Transportation continues to be one of the most pressing challenges facing Ohio charter schools in 2025–26. While the law says districts must provide transportation—or Payment in Lieu of Transportation (PILO)—to eligible K–8 students, the on-the-ground reality can be chaotic. Driver shortages, limited bus availability, and inconsistent district practices often leave charter leaders scrambling.

The good news? There are proactive moves charter schools can make right now to get ahead of the problem and secure reliable solutions for families.

1. Know the Law and Hold Districts Accountable

Charter leaders must first master the rules of the game. Ohio law provides specific rights and obligations:

• K–8 students are guaranteed bus service or PILO if they live more than 2 miles away and within a reasonable drive time.
• High school students (9–12) may or may not be covered, depending on the district’s policy. If a district provides buses for its own high schoolers, it must offer the same for charter and private school students.
• District obligations: If service is determined to be impractical, districts must carefully document the decision through a board resolution, notify families in a timely manner, and file with the Ohio State Board of Education.

Being fluent in these rules empowers charter leaders to challenge improper practices and advocate more forcefully for their communities. Don’t just rely on districts—understanding the law arms you with leverage.

2. Start Conversations Early With Partner Districts

Waiting until late summer to talk transportation is a recipe for frustration. By then, routes are already drawn, drivers assigned, and flexibility gone. Charters should:

• Engage district leaders months in advance to confirm service plans.
• Request detailed lists of which students will be transported and where.
• Seek clarity on ride lengths, pickup points, and contingency plans.

By starting the dialogue early, charters can catch gaps in service before they hit families. Early communication also positions charters as collaborative partners, not afterthoughts.

3. Leverage PILO Strategically

PILO payments, which range from $607 to $1,214 per student this year, can be both a blessing and a burden. Too often, families are left to figure out logistics themselves. Charter schools can step in and:

• Coordinate family groups to pool PILO dollars into carpools or shared rides.
• Partner with transportation providers, such as EverDriven, to design affordable, structured services that maximize the impact of PILO.
• Offer support so families know exactly how to use PILO without confusion or stress.

Done right, PILO doesn’t just cover costs—it becomes a strategic tool that strengthens attendance and supports families.

4. Explore Alternative Vehicles Under HB 54

Ohio’s new flexibility through House Bill 54 is a game-changer. By allowing approved 12-passenger vans and other nontraditional vehicles, charters have more options than ever to serve widely dispersed student populations. Instead of running oversized buses half empty, schools can right-size transportation to actual demand.

How EverDriven Helps: This is EverDriven’s specialty. We maintain a vetted fleet of safe, compliant vehicles and trained drivers ready to step in. That means charters can implement flexible, cost-effective transportation without managing vehicles or drivers themselves. HB 54 opens the door, and EverDriven provides the turnkey solution.

5. Put Safety and Communication First

Transportation is ultimately about trust. Families want assurance that their children are safe and that they’ll be kept informed about routes, delays, and updates. Charter schools can:

• Establish clear, reliable communication channels for families about routes, delays, and updates.
• Ensure any provider they use has rigorous safety protocols: background checks, training, vehicle inspections, and monitoring.
• Share safety practices openly with families to build confidence.

Providers like EverDriven exceed Ohio’s updated safety standards, giving charter schools peace of mind while reinforcing their commitment to student well-being.

The Big Picture for Charter Schools in Ohio

Ohio’s transportation system is complicated, but that doesn’t mean charter schools are powerless. By mastering the law, starting conversations early, using PILO creatively, embracing new vehicle options, and keeping safety front and center, charter leaders can shift from being reactive to proactive.

And here’s the real opportunity: with partners like EverDriven, these strategies move from theory to practice. Charters can focus on education, knowing that students will arrive safely and consistently—because in the end, transportation isn’t just about buses and vans. It’s about making sure every child gets a fair shot at learning, no matter where they live.

Steph Sanders

Stephanie Sanders is a seasoned sales leader with more than 15 years of experience building teams, opening markets, and driving growth across SaaS and technology companies. As Regional Sales Director for the East Coast at EverDriven, she brings that track record to a mission that matters, ensuring every student has safe, reliable access to school.

Stephanie built her foundation in sales development and business development, mastering the prospecting and pipeline discipline that would anchor her leadership style for years to come. She went on to hold sales management and director roles across a range of high-growth technology companies, spanning video technology, talent management, supply chain risk, workplace software, home health, and contract management, developing broad expertise across vertical SaaS markets and both the Boston and New York corridors. Most recently, she led the full commercial operation across North America for a contract management platform, overseeing new business development, retention, and growth for three years.

Across every chapter of her career, Stephanie has demonstrated an ability to build from the ground up, scale what’s working, and lead teams through the complexity that comes with growth. She brings that same energy and discipline to EverDriven, partnering with school districts on the East Coast to deliver transportation solutions that put students first.