Transportation has always been a hot-button issue in Ohio schools, but this year the conversation feels louder than ever. While the state hasn’t completely rewritten the rules, there are important updates—and some local fallout—that everyone needs to pay attention to. Let’s break it down.
The Rules Haven’t Changed (Much)
Here’s the bedrock of Ohio law:
- K–8 Students: Districts must provide transportation to charter and nonpublic schools for eligible kids (those living more than 2 miles away and within a 30-minute ride from a pickup point).
- High School Students (9–12): Transportation is optional. But if a district transports its own high school students, it must also offer the same service to charter and private high schoolers.
- When It’s “Impractical”: If a district decides it can’t reasonably provide transportation, it must follow the Payment in Lieu of Transportation (PILO) process—board resolution, family notification, and state filing.
What’s Actually New This Year
- Higher PILO Payments
For 2025–26, families offered PILO will see payments between $607.15 and $1,214.29 per student. A small increase—but one that matters for households juggling transportation costs. - More Flexibility With Vehicles
Thanks to House Bill 54, districts aren’t limited to big yellow buses anymore. Approved 12-passenger vans and other options are now in play—offering districts new tools to tackle bus driver shortages. - Sharper Safety Rules
Updates to Ohio Administrative Code (3301-83) tightened safety standards and clarified driver duties, ensuring expanded vehicle use still puts student safety first.
What Districts and Charters Should Do Right Now
- Districts: Audit your transportation plan. Are you following the law for charter and nonpublic students? Could HB 54’s vehicle flexibility help you expand capacity? Document thoroughly before moving to PILO.
Questions to Ask Before Approving PILO:
- Have we fully documented why transportation is impractical?
- Did we explore alternatives such as HB 54-approved vans before defaulting to PILO?
- Are we applying PILO fairly across all eligible families and schools?
- Have we clearly communicated rights, timelines, and options to parents?
- Is the board resolution complete and state filing on track?
- Charters: Stay proactive. Communicate with families about what’s guaranteed, and monitor whether districts are meeting obligations—or if they’re improperly defaulting to PILO.
- Families: Know your rights. K–8 students must be provided transportation or PILO. For high schoolers, it depends on district policy—but public and nonpublic students must be treated equally.
Why These Changes Matter
- For Districts: Vehicle flexibility can ease driver shortages and potentially cut costs but requires careful safety compliance.
- For Equity: Access to reliable transportation directly impacts attendance, student participation, and learning outcomes.
- For Families: For a family with two kids, the new PILO rate could mean an extra $200 annually—enough to offset gas or rideshare costs.
Big Picture: Where Ohio Goes From Here
Ohio didn’t overhaul transportation law this year, but the updates—higher PILO, expanded vehicle use, tougher safety rules—are reshaping how districts deliver. And as Dayton shows, the story isn’t just about policy; it’s about practicality, equity, and the real impact on families’ daily lives.
This school year is a reminder: compliance is non-negotiable, but creativity and collaboration will determine whether districts can meet both the letter—and the spirit—of Ohio’s transportation laws.
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.
