House Education and Career Readiness Committee
The committee heard proponent testimony on House Bill (HB) 170, which calls for developing optional academic content standards and curriculum for computer science. It also would address educator qualifications for computer science. The committee accepted a substitute version of the bill. Click here to see a synopsis of the changes.
The committee also accepted a substitute version of HB 37. This legislation would require the Ohio School Facilities Commission to establish a program assisting school districts in purchasing technology and making physical alterations to improve technology infrastructure and school safety and security. Click here to review the comparison document outlining the changes.
Additionally, the committee heard sponsor testimony from Reps. Ron Hood (R-Ashville) and Thomas E. Brinkman Jr. (R-Mt. Lookout) on HB 181. This bill would make changes to the state academic content standards and state assessments.
Senate Finance Subcommittee on Higher Education
The subcommittee heard testimony on HB 49, the biennial budget. OSBA, the Ohio Association of School Business Officials and Buckeye Association of School Administrators offered testimony on the College Credit Plus provisions in the bill. Click here for a copy of the testimony.
Senate Finance Subcommittee on Primary and Secondary Education
The subcommittee met this week and heard testimony on HB 49 from:
• Pete Japikse, senior transportation consultant, OSBA, click here for a copy of Japikse’s testimony;
• Dalton Summers, superintendent, River View Local (Coshocton);
• Karen Ballengee, treasurer, Manchester Local (Adams);
• Dr. Charles J. Shreve, superintendent, Manchester Local (Adams);
• James Phillips, treasurer, South Range Local (Mahoning);
• Lori Snyder-Lowe, superintendent, Morgan Local (Morgan);
• Jeffrey J. Dornbusch, treasurer, Port Clinton City;
• Craig Burford, executive director, Ohio ESC Association;
• Dr. Jan Osborn, superintendent, Putnam County ESC;
• Matthew Ketcham, treasurer, Madison-Champaign Educational Service Center;
• Edward Bosse Jr., board vice president, Ross Local (Butler);
• Brian D. Hamler, superintendent, Whitehall City;
• Stephen E. McAfee, treasurer, Whitehall City;
• Michael D. Hebenthal, superintendent, Centerburg Local (Knox);
• Michael Sheppard, superintendent, Berea City;
• Ryan Ghizzoni, treasurer and chief financial officer, Berea City;
• Scott Paul, treasurer, Franklin Local (Muskingum);
• Stanley Bahorek, treasurer, Columbus City.