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House Primary and Secondary Education Committee
The committee introduced a substitute version of HB 214, sponsored by Rep. Adam Holmes (R-Nashport), which would require each public school to adopt a policy regarding certain expectations related to the performance of staff member professional duties. The substitute bill:

  • eliminates terms "opine about" and "social action" from the…
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House Primary and Secondary Education Committee
The committee held a third hearing on HB 214, sponsored by Rep. Adam Holmes (R-Nashport), which would require each public school to adopt a policy regarding certain expectations related to the performance of staff member professional duties. Testifying in opposition to the bill was…

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House Activity
The House passed House Bill (HB) 187, sponsored by Reps. Thomas Hall (R-Madison Township) and Adam Bird (R-New Richmond), by a 58-26 vote. The bill would modify the procedures used by the tax commissioner to conduct property tax sales-assessment ratio studies. The bill now heads to the Senate. 

The House also unanimously passed …

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Property tax legislation
The House and Senate are considering two bills that would make temporary changes to property tax valuations. The bills could potentially be amended to adjust the 20-mill floor. OSBA, BASA and OASBO distributed a joint call to action letter with in-depth information on this issue and talking points for contacting your state legislators. Click here to read the letter. Please contact your legislators in both the House and Senate as soon as…

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Senate Education Committee
The committee heard testimony from the Interim State Superintendent, Chris Woolard, who spoke on the state report card for the 2022-2023 school year. The overview showed how Ohio’s public schools have been improving in some sections of student achievement while still showing the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here to watch Dr. Woolard’s testimony.

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House Ways and Means Committee
The committee amended and passed House Bill (HB) 187, sponsored by Reps. Thomas Hall (R-Madison Township) and Adam Bird (R-New Richmond), which modifies the procedures used by the Tax Commissioner to conduct property tax sales-assessment ratio studies. The amendments make the following changes:

  • The county auditor’s value is given more deference when there is a…
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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:

  • Changes the definition of…
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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.

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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:

  • Andy Wilson, Director, Ohio Department of Public Safety;
  • Jeff Dornbusch, Vice President, Benton Carroll Salem School Board;
  • Carolyn Everidge-Frey, Senior Executive Director, Center for Advancing Professional Supports, Ohio Department…
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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…