Governor’s activity
On Monday, Governor Mike Dewine signed House Bill (HB) 54, Ohio’s FY26-FY27 transportation budget. The budget, which goes into effect on July 1, includes funding for transportation infrastructure projects across the state as well as policy tweaks pertinent to K-12 education. HB 54 allows for the creation of school zones outside of preschools run by Educational Service Centers, authorizes the use of vehicles that can carry up to 12 passengers for student…
Ohio Education Policy Institute: New Reports form Dr. Howard Fleeter
Dr. Howard Fleeter has updated his report analyzing Ohio’s property tax trends from tax year (TY) 1975 to present. This report, originally published in February of 2024, now includes data from TY23. The updated analysis can be seen on OEPI’s website, linked here.
Dr. Fleeter has also released a review of Ohio’s state and local share percentages within our school funding…
Governor’s Science of Reading Program Honorees
Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Director Stephen D. Dackin recently announced the inaugural group of honorees in the new Governor’s Science of Reading Recognition Program. A total of 47 schools across the state were recognized for their exemplary work aligning their curriculum with the Science of Reading, embracing professional development for teachers and raising literacy achievement among their students. The Governor’s Science of Reading Recognition Program will…
Governor’s activity
On Wednesday, Governor DeWine gave his annual State of the State address. In his address, the governor recognized students, teachers, principals and superintendents from a multitude of Ohio’s public schools. He highlighted the state’s progress and successes in literacy, the Governor’s Merit Scholarship program, school-based health clinic expansion, student career exploration and workforce development training. Gov. DeWine asked the legislature to support…
Budget Bill - Final Push in the House
The Ohio House Finance Committee is scheduled to hear testimony next week on March 11, 12, and 13 at 10:30 am in room 313. The legislature is planning an accelerated budget timeline this year, with amendments due March 14, a substitute bill expected April 1, an omnibus bill April 8, and House passage April 9.
Legislators must hear from you next week! Please continue your advocacy with your communities. We have included resources to help below. In addition, consider testifying in House Finance Committee.…
Register now for State Legislative Conference!
Registration is now open for the 2025 State Legislative Conference. Jointly sponsored by OSBA, BASA and OASBO, this event will be held on Tuesday, March 18 at the Athletic Club of Columbus from 8:00 am – 1:00 pm, with a legislative luncheon served at noon. Join us for a day of legislative panels on key education issues and the state budget, then meet with your Representative and Senator to share your local story. Click this link…
OEPI Reports on Administrator Expenditures and the Transitional Aid Guarantee
This week, the Ohio Education Policy Institute (OEPI) published two reports from Dr. Howard Fleeter. The first is an analysis of school administrator expenditures from FY06 – FY24, as they pertain to Fair School Funding Formula base costs considerations. The second report outlines the various factors impacting districts on…
OEPI Review and Summary of Ohio Auditor of State Longitudinal School Finance Study
In November 2024, the Ohio Auditor of State’s Office released a special report titled Longitudinal School Finance Study. This report analyzed spending, revenue and enrollment in Ohio public schools from fiscal year (FY) 2000 through FY 2022. In the months since, Dr. Howard Fleeter with the Ohio Education Policy Institute (OEPI) has been analyzing the report’s methodology and findings. Dr. Fleeter’s evaluation of this report has been published on the OEPI website,…
Governor’s activity
Governor Mike DeWine unveiled his executive budget proposal Monday, declaring his final investment priorities as a term-limited governor. Of particular interest to education advocates, the executive budget proposal:
Things are picking up for the 136th General Assembly. This week, many committees held their first meetings of the year and House and Senate members began to introduce their priority legislation.
Senate Activity
The Senate confirmed Jane Timken to succeed the late Kirk Schuring as the Senator for District 29. Senator Schuring passed in November of 2024 after dedicating most of his life to public service.
