Court Ruling Lets Dayton Public Schools Continue Student Bus Pass Program
Dayton Public Schools (DPS) has begun distributing bus passes again after a Franklin County judge granted a temporary restraining order stopping the enforcement of a new state law that banned students from transferring through the downtown RTA hub on DPS-funded passes.
The law was passed in response to the April death of Alfred Hale III, a Dunbar High School senior killed near the hub on his way to school. DPS sued, arguing the law unfairly singles out Dayton under Ohio’s Constitution.
What DPS Is Doing
- Students must show ID and sign a safety agreement with a guardian.
- Students must wear visible ID badges while riding.
- Security officers will again monitor the hub, costing the district $30,000 per month.
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Passes are also available to parochial and charter students within district boundaries.
Superintendent David Lawrence said, “We don’t want the community to think we’re not concerned about the safety of students.”
What the Court Said
Judge David Young and Magistrate Mark Petrucci noted: “The public interest is served by granting the order. There is a strong public interest in education and ensuring that Ohio’s students have the opportunity to attend and finish high school.”
RTA Response
The RTA said it will comply but noted its buses are not designed to meet student schedules. With only 75 buses serving the county, RTA said that number is roughly what DPS alone would need to cover high school students.
State Legislator Response
Rep. Phil Plummer said DPS should find alternatives, like pickups at Welcome Stadium. He accused the district of walking away from talks. Lawrence denied that, saying discussions continued through the summer.
The DPS Board of Education is set to finalize expectations for student pass use at its Tuesday, 5:30 p.m. meeting.
This incident is about ensuring students’ right to safe, equal access to education. While the court’s temporary order provides relief for now, the long-term outcome will determine whether Dayton students are treated fairly under state law and whether safety remains at the center of policy decisions affecting children.
