Rep. Brennan Joins Statewide Workgroup to Address Student Transportation Challenges

COLUMBUS– State Rep. Sean Brennan (D-Parma), ranking member of the Ohio House Education Committee, has been appointed to serve on the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce’s (DEW) Student Transportation Workgroup, a bipartisan panel tasked with reviewing Ohio’s student transportation system and developing recommendations to improve safety, reliability, and efficiency for students and families across the state.

The workgroup brings together state legislators, school district superintendents, education leaders, and transportation officials to discuss pressing issues such as bus driver shortages, transportation safety, and funding challenges. Fellow legislative members include Senator Andrew Brenner (R-Delaware), Rep. Sarah Fowler Arthur (R-Ashtabula), and Senator Catherine Ingram (D-Cincinnati).

“Every student deserves a safe and dependable ride to and from school,” said Rep. Brennan. “Transportation isn’t just a logistics issue — it’s a fundamental part of student success. When buses don’t run or routes are unreliable, attendance and academic outcomes suffer. I’m honored to work alongside colleagues from both parties, as well as educators from every corner of Ohio, to find practical solutions that meet the needs of our communities.”

During their first meeting, the workgroup reviewed Ohio’s current pupil transportation laws, discussed how transportation standards are enforced, and shared perspectives on challenges facing urban, suburban, and rural school districts. Topics included driver recruitment and retention, communication and coordination among districts, and the need to modernize processes for impracticality determinations and payment-in-lieu options.

Rep. Brennan, a longtime educator and strong advocate for public schools, emphasized the connection between student transportation and chronic absenteeism — a growing concern in Ohio schools.

“Transportation barriers are often attendance barriers,” added Rep. Brennan. “By strengthening our transportation system, we’re not just fixing buses — we’re helping students get back in the classroom where they belong. I also welcome input from school leaders, parents, and community members who want to share their experiences or ideas about improving transportation in their districts.”

The DEW Student Transportation Workgroup will continue to meet in the coming months to review data, hear from stakeholders, and develop recommendations for improving Ohio’s student transportation system statewide.