Governor activity
Gov. Mike DeWine signed into law House Bill (HB) 409. The bill modifies student attendance requirements at certain e-schools; changes education law for the 2020-21 school year to provide school districts continued flexibility and relief during the COVID-19 pandemic; and provides flexibility to school districts regarding educational requirements of substitute teachers for the 2020-21 school year.

DeWine signed into law HB 436. The bill requires districts, by the 2022-23 school year to administer annual dyslexia screenings for students in grades K-five. HB 436 also requires the establishment of a multisensory structured literacy certification process for teachers employed by the district or school who provide instruction in grades K-three. The bill also requires all K-three teachers and special education teachers in grades four-12 to complete between six and 18 hours of professional development over a set time frame.

DeWine signed into law HB 442. The bill modifies pupil services licenses to require only registration with the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) if the individual was already licensed by another professional board; reduces the Ohio Teacher Residency Program from four years to two years; and modifies eligibility for certain state retirement systems.

DeWine signed into law HB 210. The bill requires preschool programs and other entities licensed by ODE to screen and test prospective employees for tuberculosis.

Finally, DeWine signed into law HB 450. The bill requires fiscal officers of school districts and other local governments to provide certificates of transition to their successors and modifies the duties of school district treasurers to ensure delivery to the treasurer’s successor of all papers related to the affairs of the district.

DeWine signed into law Senate Bill (SB) 259. The bill requires the installation of water bottle filling stations and drinking fountains in new school buildings that are constructed with assistance from the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission.

DeWine signed into law SB 68. The bill requires a state model curriculum for high school students on proper interactions with peace officers during traffic stops and other encounters and requires districts to incorporate this curriculum into at least one course required for high school graduation.

DeWine signed into law SB 331. The bill sunsets the academic standards review committees in English, math, social studies and science, among other committees and councils. It also requires a Sunset Review Committee to be convened during each General Assembly.

Finally, DeWine signed into law SB 10. The bill increases the penalty for theft in office when the value of stolen property or services is $150,000 or more and expands court jurisdiction.

Ohio Senate committees
The Ohio Senate released its committee chair and member assignments. Sen. Andrew O. Brenner (R-Powell) will be the education committee chair and Sen. Matthew Dolan (R-Chagrin Falls) will continue as finance committee chair. Click here for a complete list of committee assignments.

Ohio Department of Education
ODE released updated information regarding educator licensures that also includes information about temporary non-bachelor's substitute teaching licenses. Click here for a link to the information.

Federal COVID-19 relief package
President-elect Joe Biden announced the American Rescue Plan, a $1.9 trillion COVID-19 emergency plan that includes $130 billion for K-12 schools. Click here for detailed information regarding the plan.

State Board of Education
The State Board of Education voted to reelect Laura Kohler as president by a vote of 13-5. Additionally, the board voted to reelect Charlotte McGuire as vice president by a vote of 18-0.

Posted by Nicole Piscitani on 1/15/2021