3News Investigates: Ohio tax dollars invested in private schools [Video]

OLMSTED FALLS, Ohio — Ohio government funds are now being directed not only to public facilities, but in some instances to private religious schools. The move raises questions about the role of taxpayer dollars in both public and private education, while some are defending the spending.

A $717 million budget surplus was allocated for “one-time community investment funds” earlier this year. Hundreds of projects were approved across the state, with the goal of creating local jobs and boosting revenue.

Examples like museum enhancements, public pool renovations, and emergency management services all serve the great good. However, several private schools also received hundreds of thousands of dollars, and in some cases up to or more than $1 million.

Some of those schools have religious ties, which further complicates the conversation.

“Unprecedented, all those things,” Dr. Jim Lloyd said when asked about …