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SB 68

Establish the Nonchartered Educational Savings Account Program

136th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Mark Romanchuk

Ohio SB 68 creates portable education savings accounts funded with public dollars, allowing parents to redirect K-12 education spending from traditional public schools to alternative educational providers.

Referred to committee
#education #financeandappropriations #primaryandsecondaryeducation
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Bill Summary · SB 68

Legislative bill overview

SB 68 would establish a new Nonchartered Educational Savings Account (ESA) program in Ohio that allows parents to withdraw their children from traditional public schools and receive state education funding as portable accounts to spend on alternative educational services. The program creates a mechanism for public education dollars to follow students to private schools, homeschooling, tutoring, or other approved educational options rather than remaining with traditional school districts.

Why is this important

This represents a significant shift in how Ohio allocates K-12 education funding, potentially redirecting hundreds of millions in state education dollars away from traditional public school districts to individual family accounts. The program's design and funding mechanism will directly affect school district budgets, teacher employment, educational equity across income levels, and access to educational alternatives for different student populations.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding impact on public schools: Removing per-pupil funding from districts could reduce resources for students remaining in traditional public schools, potentially affecting program quality, teacher salaries, and school operations
  • Equity and access concerns: ESA programs may disproportionately benefit higher-income families with resources to navigate alternative education options, while lower-income families face more barriers to accessing or affording quality alternatives
  • Accountability and oversight: The bill's requirements for tracking program quality, educational outcomes, and appropriate use of funds will determine whether participating providers maintain educational standards comparable to traditional schools

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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