Facts in a Flash

With the statehouse quiet this week, OSBA is looking forward to seeing everyone at Capital Conference, Nov. 12-14. We would like to remind those attending Capital Conference that Tuesday morning’s Spotlight Session will include an OSBA legislative update, a panel of Ohio Statehouse staffers and a panel of Ohio legislators who will discuss the future of education in Ohio. We look forward to seeing you there!

Ohio Department of Education & Workforce
DEW has proposed rules open for public comment. Click …

House Government Oversight Committee
The committee amended and heard proponent testimony on  HB 257, sponsored by Reps. James M. Hoops (R-Napoleon) and Thaddeus J. Claggett (R-Newark), which would authorize certain public bodies to meet virtually, including the School Employees Retirement Board. School boards, among other boards, are not included in the authorization. The amendment also does the…

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…

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…

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 …

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…

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…

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…

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.