Governor activity
Gov. Mike DeWine announced that K-12 students who return to school buildings are required to wear masks. The order includes exceptions for students who are unable to remove the mask without assistance, have a facial deformity that causes airway obstruction or have certain behavioral, psychological or developmental conditions, among others. A link to the order is forthcoming.
Additionally, DeWine announced that ESCs have received 2 million masks from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for schools. The masks are for students, teachers and staff. Schools can contact their regional ESC to receive the masks.
Lt. Gov. Jon Husted announced a change to the grant program that would allow schools to receive funds for Wi-Fi hot spots, in-home internet and internet-enabled devices for students. Previously the $50 million from the CARES Act’s Coronavirus Relief fund required schools to have matching dollar-to dollar funds to apply for the grant. The dollar-to-dollar matching funds requirement has been removed from the application. Click here for the guidance and FAQ information.
Ohio Department of Education
The Ohio Department of Education (ODE) released guidance and an FAQ for public and private schools on the $100 million CARES Act funding that was approved by the Controlling Board last month. Click here for the guidance and FAQ document.
Additionally, ODE released an optional Restart Readiness Assessments resources for schools for the 2020-21 school year. Click here to access the resources.
Posted by Nicole Piscitani 8/7/2020