OSCA Legislative Update
By Amanda Sines and Mikayla Polllit | March 2018
Merge Departments Gets Hearings
Representative Bill Reineke (R-Tiffin), with the support of the Speaker of the House and other leaders, has introduced legislation to merge the duties of the Department of Higher Education, the Department of Education, and the Office of Workforce Development into a newly formed Department of Learning and Achievement. As the State Board of Education is prescribed in the Ohio Constitution, it would still exist under the provisions of House Bill 512; however, its duties would be limited to licensing and other administrative tasks. Governor Kasich has also indicated his support of more direct oversight of the Ohio Department of Education. However, members of the Ohio Senate have expressed skepticism of the proposal.
ODE Seeks Assistance in Crafting Social and Emotional Standards
The Ohio Department of Education is seeking input in drafting standards for social and emotional learning standards. There will be two writing groups: one for K–3 and one for 4–12.
Visit this site to be considered for the writing team.
ODE Works of Strategic Planning
The Ohio Department of Education is working on developing a five-year strategic plan for education: EachChild=OurFuture. They are seeking input and comments on the draft proposal. There are two ways to submit feedback: submit comments or attend one of the 13 regional community conversations.
Access information on the initiative.
School Suspension Legislation
Senators Peggy Lehner (R-Kettering) and Gayle Manning (R-North Ridgeville) have introduced Senate Bill 246, legislation intended to eliminate school suspensions for young students.
The bill generally prohibits a school district from issuing out-of-school suspensions or expulsions for students in grades pre-K through three. The legislation does provide for some exemptions if the suspension/expulsion is necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of the student, the student's fellow classmates, or the classroom staff and teachers. It also allows for expulsions if the student brings a firearm to school, brings a knife capable for causing physical injury, etc.
The legislation specifies that “whenever possible, the principal shall consult with a mental health professional under contract with the district or school prior to suspending or expelling a student in any of grades pre-k through 3. If the events leading up to suspension or expulsion indicate a need for additional mental health services, the student's principal or the district's mental health professional shall, in any manner that does not result in a financial burden to the school district or school, assist the student's parent or guardian with locating providers or obtaining those services, including referral to an independent mental health professional.”
SB 246 would require school districts to implement a positive behavior intervention and supports framework on a system-wide basis. Under this bill "positive behavior intervention and supports framework" or "positive behavior intervention and supports" means a multi-tiered, school-wide, behavioral framework developed and implemented for the purpose of improving academic and social outcomes and increasing learning for all students.
The bill allows time for districts to come into compliance with the law, should it be enacted. Furthermore, the legislation includes reporting requirements for districts so the State may measure progress and effectiveness. Teachers who have graduated before the above course is implemented would have three years to get the training through continuing education.
SB 246 is being considered by the Senate Finance Committee. The bill has had sponsor and proponent hearings.
School Resource Officer Legislation Passes Committee
House Bill 318 has been introduced by Representatives John Patterson (D-Jefferson) and Sarah LaTourette (R-Chagrin Falls). The bill would define the qualifications and duties of a school resource officer. A "school resource officer" means a peace officer who is appointed through a memorandum of understanding between a law enforcement agency and a school district to provide services to a school district or school as described in this bill.
The bill was assigned to the House Education and Career Readiness Committee.
OSCA and OCA representatives worked with the bill sponsors to craft alternative language to an original provision requiring SRO training in “informal counseling techniques.” The committee accepted a change to the language to state “the mechanics of being a positive role model for youth, including appropriate communication techniques which enhance interactions between the school resource officer and students.”
OCA representative Amanda Sines attended an interested party meeting on the legislation on November 15, 2017. There were no objections to the amendment sought by OCA and OSCA.
The bill went on to be reported out of the House Committee and OSCA submitted supportive testimony to the bill. The bill was then re-referred to the House Finance Committee. There the legislation is expected to get funding added to the provisions to train and fund school resource officers.
Anti-Bullying Legislation Gets Attention
Legislation has been introduced in the House of Representatives to address penalties for bullying in public schools and public universities. House Bill 360 was introduced by Representative Dave Greenspan (R-Westlake) and has been dubbed the “Ohio Anti-Bullying and Hazing Act.”
As it relates to hazing at universities, the bill expands the definition of hazing and increases certain penalties from a misdemeanor in the fourth degree to a misdemeanor in the second degree.
Regarding K–12 schools, the bill states that the State Board of Education must create best practices regarding policies to prohibit harassment and review these policies and practices every four years. HB 360 adds a community service component to the punishment that may be given by school districts to students expelled or suspended for a bullying offense. It also expands the list of victims of bullying/harassment to include teachers, administrators, etc.
HB 360 requires the superintendent of a school to do the following for a pupil who commits an offense of harassment, intimidation, or bullying:
HB 360 was considered by the House Education and Career Readiness Committee where it received five hearings. In the original version of the bill penalties were much stronger and had fewer exemptions provided.
House Passes Legislation on High School Recruiting; Clears Senate Committee
Representatives Mike Duffey (R-Worthington) and Kristin Boggs (D-Columbus) have re-introduced legislation regarding recruiting in high schools. The intent of House Bill 98 is to create a uniform standard to establish minimum access within school districts to various recruiters (college, trade, employer, and military). The legislators’ intent is to allow students to have access to more information regarding their options after high school, like trades and other employment opportunities. Currently, only military recruiting is addressed in the law. This would add standards for other types of recruiting.
OSCA has discussed this proposal in the past and submitted feedback to Rep. Duffey when the bill was originally drafted. Many of those comments were incorporated into the bill. Mainly the redrafted bill allows for local districts to have some control over who has access to students.
House Bill 98 was referred to the House Education and Career Readiness Committee where there were four hearings. At the second hearing, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce testified as a proponent. Also testifying in support were ACT Ohio and The Ohio State University's Wexner Medical Center.
This legislation passed the House of Representatives on November 29, 2017, by a vote of 89-0. The bill was then considered by the Senate Education Committee before being reported out. The bill now awaits a vote by the full Senate.
Representative Bill Reineke (R-Tiffin), with the support of the Speaker of the House and other leaders, has introduced legislation to merge the duties of the Department of Higher Education, the Department of Education, and the Office of Workforce Development into a newly formed Department of Learning and Achievement. As the State Board of Education is prescribed in the Ohio Constitution, it would still exist under the provisions of House Bill 512; however, its duties would be limited to licensing and other administrative tasks. Governor Kasich has also indicated his support of more direct oversight of the Ohio Department of Education. However, members of the Ohio Senate have expressed skepticism of the proposal.
ODE Seeks Assistance in Crafting Social and Emotional Standards
The Ohio Department of Education is seeking input in drafting standards for social and emotional learning standards. There will be two writing groups: one for K–3 and one for 4–12.
Visit this site to be considered for the writing team.
ODE Works of Strategic Planning
The Ohio Department of Education is working on developing a five-year strategic plan for education: EachChild=OurFuture. They are seeking input and comments on the draft proposal. There are two ways to submit feedback: submit comments or attend one of the 13 regional community conversations.
Access information on the initiative.
School Suspension Legislation
Senators Peggy Lehner (R-Kettering) and Gayle Manning (R-North Ridgeville) have introduced Senate Bill 246, legislation intended to eliminate school suspensions for young students.
The bill generally prohibits a school district from issuing out-of-school suspensions or expulsions for students in grades pre-K through three. The legislation does provide for some exemptions if the suspension/expulsion is necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of the student, the student's fellow classmates, or the classroom staff and teachers. It also allows for expulsions if the student brings a firearm to school, brings a knife capable for causing physical injury, etc.
The legislation specifies that “whenever possible, the principal shall consult with a mental health professional under contract with the district or school prior to suspending or expelling a student in any of grades pre-k through 3. If the events leading up to suspension or expulsion indicate a need for additional mental health services, the student's principal or the district's mental health professional shall, in any manner that does not result in a financial burden to the school district or school, assist the student's parent or guardian with locating providers or obtaining those services, including referral to an independent mental health professional.”
SB 246 would require school districts to implement a positive behavior intervention and supports framework on a system-wide basis. Under this bill "positive behavior intervention and supports framework" or "positive behavior intervention and supports" means a multi-tiered, school-wide, behavioral framework developed and implemented for the purpose of improving academic and social outcomes and increasing learning for all students.
The bill allows time for districts to come into compliance with the law, should it be enacted. Furthermore, the legislation includes reporting requirements for districts so the State may measure progress and effectiveness. Teachers who have graduated before the above course is implemented would have three years to get the training through continuing education.
SB 246 is being considered by the Senate Finance Committee. The bill has had sponsor and proponent hearings.
School Resource Officer Legislation Passes Committee
House Bill 318 has been introduced by Representatives John Patterson (D-Jefferson) and Sarah LaTourette (R-Chagrin Falls). The bill would define the qualifications and duties of a school resource officer. A "school resource officer" means a peace officer who is appointed through a memorandum of understanding between a law enforcement agency and a school district to provide services to a school district or school as described in this bill.
The bill was assigned to the House Education and Career Readiness Committee.
OSCA and OCA representatives worked with the bill sponsors to craft alternative language to an original provision requiring SRO training in “informal counseling techniques.” The committee accepted a change to the language to state “the mechanics of being a positive role model for youth, including appropriate communication techniques which enhance interactions between the school resource officer and students.”
OCA representative Amanda Sines attended an interested party meeting on the legislation on November 15, 2017. There were no objections to the amendment sought by OCA and OSCA.
The bill went on to be reported out of the House Committee and OSCA submitted supportive testimony to the bill. The bill was then re-referred to the House Finance Committee. There the legislation is expected to get funding added to the provisions to train and fund school resource officers.
Anti-Bullying Legislation Gets Attention
Legislation has been introduced in the House of Representatives to address penalties for bullying in public schools and public universities. House Bill 360 was introduced by Representative Dave Greenspan (R-Westlake) and has been dubbed the “Ohio Anti-Bullying and Hazing Act.”
As it relates to hazing at universities, the bill expands the definition of hazing and increases certain penalties from a misdemeanor in the fourth degree to a misdemeanor in the second degree.
Regarding K–12 schools, the bill states that the State Board of Education must create best practices regarding policies to prohibit harassment and review these policies and practices every four years. HB 360 adds a community service component to the punishment that may be given by school districts to students expelled or suspended for a bullying offense. It also expands the list of victims of bullying/harassment to include teachers, administrators, etc.
HB 360 requires the superintendent of a school to do the following for a pupil who commits an offense of harassment, intimidation, or bullying:
- For the first offense, an in-school suspension for up to 10 days, unless the district or school determines that an out-of-school suspension is more appropriate;
- For the second offense within the same calendar year, an in-school suspension of up to 30 days, unless the district or school determines that an out-of-school suspension is more appropriate;
- For the third offense within the same calendar year, a suspension or expulsion for up to 182 days.
HB 360 was considered by the House Education and Career Readiness Committee where it received five hearings. In the original version of the bill penalties were much stronger and had fewer exemptions provided.
House Passes Legislation on High School Recruiting; Clears Senate Committee
Representatives Mike Duffey (R-Worthington) and Kristin Boggs (D-Columbus) have re-introduced legislation regarding recruiting in high schools. The intent of House Bill 98 is to create a uniform standard to establish minimum access within school districts to various recruiters (college, trade, employer, and military). The legislators’ intent is to allow students to have access to more information regarding their options after high school, like trades and other employment opportunities. Currently, only military recruiting is addressed in the law. This would add standards for other types of recruiting.
OSCA has discussed this proposal in the past and submitted feedback to Rep. Duffey when the bill was originally drafted. Many of those comments were incorporated into the bill. Mainly the redrafted bill allows for local districts to have some control over who has access to students.
House Bill 98 was referred to the House Education and Career Readiness Committee where there were four hearings. At the second hearing, the Ohio Chamber of Commerce testified as a proponent. Also testifying in support were ACT Ohio and The Ohio State University's Wexner Medical Center.
This legislation passed the House of Representatives on November 29, 2017, by a vote of 89-0. The bill was then considered by the Senate Education Committee before being reported out. The bill now awaits a vote by the full Senate.