Deliberations continue on K-12 funding overhaul bill
The House Finance Primary and Secondary Education Subcommittee has continued to hold hearings on legislation -- H.B. 1, commonly referred to as the Cupp-Patterson bill in recognition of its original sponsors -- to overhaul Ohio’s approach to funding its K-12 public education system. Read more

Testing bill approved for immediate enactment
Substitute House Bill 67 moved swiftly through the legislative process over the first three weeks of last month and was enacted immediately upon being signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine on March 20. Read more

Transportation funding debated
Transportation provisions included in the K-12 funding overhaul bill and the biennial budget bill are being considered and debated in the Ohio House. Read more

Bipartisan bill to overhaul state report card on horizon
Representatives Don Jones (R-Freeport) and Phillip Robinson (D-Solon) recently announced plans to introduce legislation to overhaul Ohio’s report card accountability system for K-12 public schools and districts.

The proposal calls for the elimination of the use of letter grades, replacing them with six labels -- significantly exceeds expectations; exceeds expectations; meets expectations; significantly approaching expectations; moderately approaching expectations; and, in need of support – with the Ohio Department of Education granted authority to establish criteria.

According to Representative Jones, the goal is to “simplify the state report card, give it real meaning and to make it more proactive all while continuing to comply with federal guidelines.”

“Our current report card system isn’t working for schools, students and our communities,” Representative Robinson said. “With nearly 60 co-sponsors, this bipartisan legislation will begin to help address the long-lasting, systemic issues in Ohio’s education and end the piecemeal changes approach that has been failing our students.”

Groups divided on FAFSA provision in budget bill
The K-12 and higher education communities are divided over language in Governor Mike DeWine’s budget proposal which would require all students to file Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to meet graduation requirements.

While key K-12 stakeholder groups -- the Ohio School Boards Association, Buckeye Association of School Administrators, Ohio Association of School Business Officials and Ohio Association of Independent Schools – see the requirement as unnecessary, the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Ohio and the Inter-University Council of Ohio testified in support of the language contained in H.B. 110.

Chancellor of the Ohio Department of Higher Education Randy Gardner sent a memo in support of the proposed requirement to community and education leaders throughout the state.

Legislation would expand teacher tax deduction
Bipartisan legislation (S.B. 120) recently introduced by Senators Nathan Manning (R-N. Ridgeville) and Teresa Fedor (D-Toledo) would increase the state income tax deduction for teachers who buy classroom supplies with their own money from $250 to $1,000.

“Especially during these unprecedented times, it is crucial that we help ease the financial burden teachers undertake to supply their students with the tools to learn effectively and safety,” Senator Manning said. “By simply increasing this important tax deduction we already have in place, we will benefit both our students and teachers.”

The bill has been assigned to the Senate Ways and Means Committee for consideration.

Literacy grants available
The Ohio Department of Commerce (ODC) recently announced that it is accepting applications for Financial Literacy Education Fund grants for fiscal year 2022. The $75,000 grants will be awarded to entities that make virtual programs on financial literacy available to children and young adults.

“Now more than ever, it is important we provide the knowledge needed to be financially successful, as well as prepare adolescents for the uncertainly of the future,” said Kevin Allard, superintendent of ODC’s Division of Financial Institutions. “We also recognize the need to present this education virtually and want to encourage this type of learning.”

The grant application deadline is April 30. Access the program and application guide online at: Grants

Help students explore careers with redesigned OhioMeansJobs K-12
Lieutenant Governor Jon Husted and InnovateOhio, in partnership with the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, recently unveiled a fully redesigned, more accessible OhioMeansJobs website.

OhioMeansJobs K-12 is Ohio’s free career planning system that offers comprehensive career exploration tools, online training and resources specifically for students, teachers and school counselors.

OhioMeansJobs.com allows students to learn about their career interests and in-demand jobs, build resumes, search for college and training programs, create a budget based on future expenses, and develop meaningful academic and career plans for high school and beyond.

Access the redesigned website at: OhioMeansJobs

Tips to support attendance and student engagement available
No matter how students are learning – online, in-person or hybrid – attendance and engagement are critical to success.

Circumstances surrounding virtual learning and the pandemic in general are amplifying previously existing attendance and engagement challenges.

To support educators in addressing them, the Ohio Department of Education has developed a new webpage that features helpful resources including a checklist of preventative and supportive measures that should be taken before working with the court system to resolve truancy issues.