Last week, the U.S. District Court concluded that the territory transfer law enacted in the 2019-2020 biennial budget bill violated the Ohio Constitution. As a result, six territory transfers enacted under the law were halted and two territory transfer matters that were to be on the ballot in November are now moot.
As this week of dramatic change comes to a close, we hope it finds you and your loved ones safe. One thing that has become very clear during this time is how important public schools are to the entire fabric of their communities. We, at OSBA, are ready to help districts as they continue to perform vital functions for students and their families.
This week’s blog continues the coverage of Senate Bill (SB) 216 licensure changes effective on July 1.
Ohio’s minimum wage rate has increased as of Jan. 1, 2019. The new rate for non-tipped employees is $8.55 per hour, a 25 cent increase from the former rate of $8.30 per hour.
Tax-free holiday
Two state agencies have recently prepared new resources for school districts: The Ohio Department of Education (ODE) updated its truancy and attendance guidance, and the Ohio History Connection (OHC) added resources for properly managing local government records.
Truancy and discipline resources
ODE proposes amendments to rules on licenses for substitutes and alternative resident educators
The Ohio Department of Education (ODE) recently filed a set of rule amendments related to temporary licenses. In part, the changes proposed by ODE are based on legislative amendments and on feedback from school districts. Among the key rule amendments are:
On May 31, Governor Kasich signed HB 299, which makes revisions to the Autism Scholarship program. The bill makes two changes to the program.
Autism scholarship
State lawmakers have finalized an expedited process to hear complaints from citizens alleging they were wrongfully denied access to public records. The bill, Senate Bill (SB) 321, received unanimous votes in the Ohio House and Senate and is awaiting signature by the Governor.
In December, the General Assembly enacted the “ban the box” law, House Bill (H.B.) 56. The bill creates R.C. 9.73, which prohibits public employers in Ohio from including any questions about a person’s criminal background on employment applications. School districts should take steps now to ensure compliance with the law when it becomes effective on March 23, 2016.
