In Ohio, about 15,000 students are enrolled in an online school system called ECOT.

State Senator Joe Schiavoni and many others are questioning whether students are really logged on their school system each day.

The State Department of Education asked ECOT for the duration times for each student each day. Instead of providing the information, ECOT filed a lawsuit saying all it must provide is how many kids checked in each morning. The online system emphasized they are providing students an opportunity for learning, but Schiavoni doesn't agree.

“By making the argument that all they have to do is provide an opportunity for learning is like saying all Boardman High School needs to do is open the doors from 8 to 5 and have books on the shelves, computers that work and a couple of teachers that are walking around if kids need anything, but all you have to do is raise your hand in the morning for attendance and you are free to do whatever you like,” said Schiavoni.

Local superintendents say all schools receiving tax dollars should be held accountable for educating students.

“I think parents have the choice where to send their students. I think that's a good thing. But, I also think all schools should be under the same scrutiny. Our public schools have to turn over all of our attendance records. We have to keep very strict attendance guidelines and we do that and we feel they should do the same,” said Lordstown Superintendent Terry Armstrong.

Schiavoni says when the Ohio Department of Education checked duration times for other e schools it found some had been overpaid hundreds of millions of dollars. He believes that is why ECOT is fighting to withhold information.

Schiavoni sponsored Senate Bill 298, which would require transparency and accountability for all online schools, saying it adds up to being responsible with taxpayer’s dollars.