Senate Education Committee
The committee heard House Bill (HB) 170. This bill calls for developing optional academic content standards and model curriculum for computer science. HB 170 also addresses educator qualifications for teaching computer science. The committee passed the bill unanimously after adding an amendment that would require parents, guardians or custodians to sign a form acknowledging that if their student substitutes a computer course for Algebra II, they may not be able to attend certain colleges or universities.
The committee also passed Senate Bill (SB)105. This legislation would designate October as Ohio Principals Month.
The committee also held a hearing on SB 34, which would require schools to open for instruction after Labor Day. There were no witnesses present to testify on the bill.
The final bill before the committee was SB 216. This bill would enact the Ohio Public School Deregulation Act regarding the administration of preschool and primary and secondary education programs. The following witnesses provided proponent testimony:
• Joseph G. Spiccia, superintendent, Wickliffe City;
• Edward T. Klein, assistant superintendent, Chardon Local (Geauga);
• Julie Ramos, director of strategic innovation, Wickliffe City;
• Dr. Michael P. Hanlon Jr., superintendent, Chardon Local (Geauga);
• J. Chris Pfister, superintendent, Waynesfield-Goshen Local (Auglaize);
• Michael D. Hebenthal, superintendent, Centerburg Local (Knox);
• Diana Savage, superintendent, Bryan City;
• Julie Garke, superintendent, St. Henry Consolidated Local (Mercer);
• Eric Rosenbeck, principal, St. Henry Consolidated Local (Mercer);
• Josie Dupler, Athens Education Association;
• Courtney Vogt, Athens Education Association;
• Brent May, superintendent, Plain Local (Stark);
• Jason Wood, superintendent, Coldwater EV;
• Dr. James A. Fritz, superintendent, Anthony Wayne Local (Lucas);
• Chad Belville, superintendent, Fairfield Union Local (Fairfield);
• Chuck Kokiko, superintendent, Jefferson County ESC;
• Dr. T.C. Chappelear, superintendent, Indian Creek Local (Jefferson);
• Dr. James L. Lloyd, superintendent, Olmsted Falls City;
• Brenda Boeke, superintendent, Minster Local (Auglaize);
• Danielle Prohaska, superintendent, Mechanicsburg EV