House Primary and Secondary Education Committee
The committee amended Senate Bill (SB) 49, sponsored by Sen. Michele Reynolds (R-Canal Winchester), which would enact the Religious Expression Days "R.E.D." Act and require school boards to adopt a policy providing students with religious accommodations for up to three days. The substitute bill adds the following:
With the legislature on summer recess, Facts in a Flash will resume when new education-related information is announced. The legislature and your regularly scheduled Facts in a Flash are set to resume the week of September 11.
Governor’s Announcements
Governor DeWine announced the members of the Ohio School Bus Safety Working Group this week. The Ohio School Bus Safety Working Group was formed earlier this month in the wake of the fatal accident in Clark County involving a vehicle colliding with a school bus. The 14 Governor Appointees are:
Auditor of State Levy Guidance
The Auditor of State (AOS) issued final levy guidance for schools and local governments. The guidance explains what AOS considers to be permissible under Ohio Revised Code Section 9.03 for districts conducting campaigns. The document, composed of frequently asked questions on levy and bond issues and best practices in response to those questions, can be found here.
Please join OSBA and OASBO for a webinar on Monday, August 28th at noon for an…
New Legislation
House Bill 254, sponsored by Reps. Adam Holmes (R-Nashport) and Tracy Richardson (R-Marysville), expands and enhances the homestead property tax exemption for disabled veterans.
Governor’s Announcement
Governor DeWine recently announced the New Teacher Apprenticeship Program. This program looks to address the teacher shortage Ohio faces as well as create opportunities for those who already work in our schools — like paraprofessionals, library specialists, or bus drivers — to…
Enacted Legislation
Gov. Mike DeWine signed Senate Bill (SB) 43, sponsored by Sen. Andrew Brenner (R-Delaware), which modifies the homestead exemption for the surviving spouse of a disabled veteran. SB 43 will take effect on Oct. 26, 2023.
New Legislation
House Bill 250, sponsored by Reps. Jessica Miranda (D-Forest Park) and Tracy Richardson (R-Marysville), revises the Military Enlistment diploma seal.
Federal…
State Board of Education
The Ohio Department of Education (ODE) released information and a timeline for the transition of roles and responsibilities from ODE to the Department of Education and Workforce (DEW). The State Board of Education (SBOE) and ODE has developed a transition plan. DEW is to be a cabinet level agency with a director who is appointed by the Governor. The SBOE will still exist and retain some responsibilities which includes finding and confirming a new superintendent of public instruction, however with different responsibilities. An article from ODE containing…
New Legislation
Senate Bill (SB) 134, sponsored by Sen. Frank Hoagland (R-Mingo Junction), extends the homestead property tax exemption to certain disabled veterans.
SB 136, sponsored by Sen. Hearcel F. Craig (D-Columbus), reduces property taxes on qualifying owner-occupied homes and names this act the Property Tax Relief and Local Government Support Act.
Budget Analysis and Discussion Seminar
Remember to…
New Legislation
House Bill 240, sponsored by Rep. Reggie Stoltzfus (R-Paris Township), permits public schools to employ chaplains to provide support services.
State Board of Education
The State Board of Education (SBOE) discussed how the budget will impact public education here in Ohio, including the changes to the SBOE’s power and duties with the creation of the Department of Education and Workforce (DEW). The board will…
Budget activity
Gov. Mike DeWine signed House Bill (HB) 33 into law on July 4, 2023. The bill makes operating appropriations for the fiscal years (FY) 2024 and 2025. Some notable budget items are as follows:
The biennium budget continues to roll out the Fair School Funding Plan by using the FY2022 data for base cost inputs; increases the minimum state share percentage; maintains the capacity calculation as designed; and includes the comprehensive economically disadvantaged cost study…
