COLUMBUS, Ohio-In Ohio, the use of school vouchers has surged since the state legislature expanded eligibility for private school scholarships, allowing all families to apply regardless of income. One family, the Zeiders, benefited from this change, enabling both their sons to attend Bishop Leibold Catholic School at no cost, part of the EdChoice Expansion program that now serves over 60,000 new scholarship recipients. However, access to private schools varies significantly across the state. Twelve counties lack any private schools that accept vouchers, and over 60 counties do not have participating secular schools. Participation is particularly low in rural areas, with only about 4% of rural students utilizing the program. Critics, including education specialists, argue that rural taxpayers are funding options they cannot access, as voucher funding now comes from a separate budget rather than public school funds.
