Chapter 3313 | Boards of Education

Section 3313.01 | Membership of board of education or governing board of service center.

• Effective: October 29, 1996
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 601 - 121st General Assembly

In local and exempted village school districts an educational service centers, except as provided in section 3311.054 and 3311.056 of the Revised Code, the board of education or governing board of an educational service center shall consist of five members who shall be electors residing in the territory composing the respective districts and shall be elected at large in their respective districts.

Section 3313.02 | Membership of boards in city school districts.

• Effective: November 12, 1997
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 269 - 122nd General Assembly

Notwithstanding division (D) of section 3311.19 and division (D) of section 3311.52 of the Revised Code, this section and sections 3313.03 to 3313.09 of the Revised Code do not apply to a joint vocational or cooperative education school district. This section does not apply to a municipal school district whose board members are appointed pursuant to division (B) or (F) of section 3311.71 of the Revised Code.

In city school districts containing, according to the last federal census, a population of less than fifty thousand persons, the board of education shall consist of not less than three nor more than five members elected at large by the qualified electors of such district.

In city school districts containing, according to the last federal census, a population of fifty thousand or more, but less than one hundred fifty thousand persons, the board shall consist of not less than two nor more than seven members elected at large and not more than two members elected from subdistricts by the qualified electors of their respective subdistricts.

In city school districts containing, according to the last federal census, a population of one hundred fifty thousand persons or more, the board shall consist of not less than five nor more than seven members elected at large by the qualified electors of such district.

Section 3313.03 | Redistricting into subdistricts.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

Within three months after the official announcement of the result of each successive federal census, the board of education of each city school district which, according to such census, has a population of fifty thousand or more but less than one hundred fifty thousand persons and which elected to have subdistricts shall redistrict such districts into subdistricts. Such subdistricts shall be bounded as far as practicable by corporation lines, streets, alleys, avenues, public grounds, canals, watercourses, ward boundaries, voting precinct boundaries, or present school district boundaries, shall be as nearly equal in population as possible, and be composed of adjacent and as compact territory as practicable. If the board of any such district fails to district or redistrict such city school district, then the director of education and workforce shall forthwith district or redistrict such city school district, subject to sections 3313.01 to 3313.13 of the Revised Code.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 4:20 PM

Section 3313.04 | Petition for submission of question of number of members and organization of board.

• Effective: November 12, 1997
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 269 - 122nd General Assembly

This section and sections 3313.05 to 3313.08 of the Revised Code do not apply to any municipal school district until after the referendum required in such district by section 3311.73 of the Revised Code.

If, at any time, a petition signed by ten per cent of the electors in any city district is filed with the treasurer of the board of education of such district asking that the question, "what shall be the number of members and what shall be the organization of the board of education of such district," be submitted to the electors thereof, such board of education shall within thirty days after the filing of such petition provide by resolution for submitting such question to the electors of such district. Such question shall not be submitted to a referendum vote more than once in any period of four years and the percentage of electors required to sign such petition shall be based upon the total vote cast at the most recent regular municipal election.

Said resolution shall require that such question be submitted at the next regular municipal election and shall also provide for the appointment of a commission to frame two or more plans of organization for submission. Except as otherwise provided in this section, the commission shall consist of seven members, three of whom shall be appointed by the president of the board of education of such district, two by the mayor of the city in which such district is located, and two by the president of the board of sinking fund trustees of such city. If a city does not have a board of sinking fund trustees, the city treasurer or the officer who exercises the functions of a treasurer shall appoint two members.

When a school district has territory in more than one city, the commission shall consist of three members appointed by the president of the board of education, one member appointed by the mayor of each city in which the district has territory, and one member appointed by the president of the board of sinking fund trustees of each such city. If any city does not have a board of sinking fund trustees, that city's treasurer or the officer who exercises the functions of a treasurer shall appoint one member.

A certified copy of said resolution shall immediately after its passage be transmitted to the mayor and president of the board of sinking fund trustees of the city or cities in which the district has territory, and such commission shall be appointed and shall organize within sixty days after the passage of said resolution.

Section 3313.05 | Submission of plans to electors - contents - separate ballot.

• Effective: October 1, 1953
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly

The commission provided for by section 3313.04 of the Revised Code shall prepare and submit to the electors at the next regular municipal election, if one occurs not less than one hundred twenty days after the passage of the resolution mentioned in such section, otherwise, at the second regular municipal election, two or more plans for the organization of the board of education in such district, but in no event shall less than two plans be submitted. Each plan shall provide for the number of members, the length of term of the members and the organization of the board; one such plan shall provide for a board of the same number and of the same organization as the board existing in said district at the time of said election. Said plans shall be submitted to the electors of said district on a separate ballot, bearing no party designation and in such form as said commission determines. A certified copy of the resolution determining such form shall be transmitted by said commission to the proper election authorities a sufficient length of time prior to said election to enable the ballot therefor to be prepared.

Section 3313.06 | Election - expense of commission.

• Effective: October 1, 1953
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly

Provisions shall be made by the board of elections for the preparation of the ballots for the holding of the election as provided in section 3313.05 of the Revised Code, and said election shall be conducted in all respects not specifically provided for in sections 3313.04 to 3313.07, inclusive, of the Revised Code, in a manner prescribed by general law for school elections.

The board of education of such district shall make such provision as is necessary for meeting the expense of the commission provided for by section 3313.04 of the Revised Code, but said commissioners shall receive no compensation.

Section 3313.07 | Adoption by majority vote.

• Effective: October 1, 1953
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly

If any plan submitted according to section 3313.05 of the Revised Code receives a majority of the number of votes cast for all of the plans, it shall thereafter become the law governing the number of members and the organization of the board of education in such district and at the next regular municipal election following the adoption of such plan all the members of the board of such district shall be elected pursuant to such plan.

The terms of all members of the board of such district who were elected prior to the adoption of such plan, or who are elected at the regular municipal election at which such plan is adopted, shall expire on the day preceding the first Monday of January following the next regular municipal election thereafter. All members elected at said regular municipal election following the adoption of such plan shall take office on the first Monday of January next following their election and shall hold office during such term as is provided by such plan adopted by the electors of said district, but no term shall be for less than two years.

Section 3313.08 | Election of members.

• Effective: October 1, 1953
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly

If the number of members of a board of education of any city school district to be elected at large as fixed by section 3313.02 of the Revised Code is even, one half thereof shall be elected in the year preceding, and the remaining one half in the year following the calendar year divisible by four. If such number is odd, one half of the remainder, after diminishing the number by one, shall be elected in the year preceding, and the remaining number shall be elected in the year following the calendar year divisible by four. All members to be elected from odd-numbered subdistricts shall be elected at one election, and all members from even-numbered subdistricts shall be elected at the alternate election.

Section 3313.09 | Term of office of members.

• Effective: September 30, 1974
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 475 - 110th General Assembly

The terms of office of members of each board of education shall begin on the first day of January after their election and each such officer shall hold his office for four years, except as otherwise provided by law. Four year terms of office shall expire on December thirty-first, except as otherwise provided by law.

Section 3313.10 | Oath of office of member.

• Effective: January 16, 1980
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 44 - 113th General Assembly

Before entering upon the duties of his office each person elected or appointed a member of a board of education shall take an oath to support the constitution of the United States and the constitution of this state and that he will perform faithfully the duties of his office . Such oath may be administered by the treasurer or any member of the board.

Section 3313.11 | Vacancy in board.

• Effective: November 12, 1997
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 269 - 122nd General Assembly

Notwithstanding division (D) of section 3311.19 and division (D) of section 3311.52 of the Revised Code, this section does not apply to any joint vocational or cooperative education school district.

A vacancy in any board of education may be caused by death, nonresidence, resignation, removal from office, failure of a person elected or appointed to qualify within ten days after the organization of the board or of appointment or election, removal from the district, or absence from meetings of the board for a period of ninety days, if such absence is caused by reasons declared insufficient by a two-thirds vote of the remaining members of the board, which vote must be taken and entered upon the records of the board not less than thirty days after such absence.

If the board members are selected by appointment pursuant to division (B) or (F) of section 3311.71 of the Revised Code, the appointing authority responsible for the appointment shall fill any such vacancy by appointment of an individual to serve the remainder of the unexpired term from a slate of at least three persons proposed by the municipal school district nominating panel established under that section. If the member creating the vacancy resides in a municipal school district but not in the municipal corporation containing the greatest portion of the district's territory, the individuals included on such slate shall also reside in the municipal school district but not in the municipal corporation containing the greatest portion of the district's territory.

If the board members are selected by election, the board shall fill any such vacancy at its next regular or special meeting, not earlier than ten days after such vacancy occurs. A majority vote of all the remaining members of the board may fill any such vacancy. Immediately after such a vote, the treasurer of the board of education shall give written notice to the board of elections responsible for conducting elections for that school district that a vacancy has been filled, and the name of the person appointed to fill the vacancy. Each person selected by the board or probate court to fill a vacancy shall hold office for the shorter of the following periods: until the completion of the unexpired term, or until the first day of January immediately following the next regular board of education election taking place more than ninety days after a person is selected by the board or probate court to fill the vacancy. At that election, a special election to fill the vacancy shall be held in accordance with laws controlling regular elections for board of education members, except that no such special election shall be held if the unexpired term ends on or before the first day of January immediately following that regular board of education election. The term of a person chosen at a special election under this section shall begin on the first day of January immediately following the election, and the person shall serve for the remainder of the unexpired term. Whenever the need for a special election under this section becomes known, the board of education shall immediately give written notice of this fact to the board of elections responsible for conducting the regular board of education election for that school district.

The term of a board of education member shall not be lengthened by the member's resignation and subsequent selection by the board or probate court under this section.

Section 3313.12 | Compensation and mileage.

• Effective: February 1, 2016
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 2 - 131st General Assembly

(A) Each member of the educational service center governing board may be paid such compensation as the governing board provides by resolution, provided that any such compensation shall not exceed one hundred twenty-five dollars a day plus mileage both ways, at the rate per mile provided by resolution of the governing board, for attendance at any meeting of the board. No member of an educational service center governing board shall receive in compensation under this division a total amount greater than five thousand dollars per year for service on the governing board. Such compensation and the expenses of the educational service center superintendent, itemized and verified, shall be paid from the educational service center governing board fund upon vouchers signed by the president of the governing board.

(B) The board of education of any city, local, or exempted village school district may provide by resolution for compensation of its members, provided that such compensation shall not exceed one hundred twenty-five dollars per member for meetings attended. No member of a school district board of education shall receive in compensation under this division a total amount greater than five thousand dollars per year for service on the board of education. The board may provide by resolution for the deduction of amounts payable for benefits under section 3313.202 of the Revised Code.

(C) Each member of a district board or educational service center governing board may be paid such compensation as the respective board provides by resolution for attendance at an approved training program, provided that such compensation shall not exceed sixty dollars a day for attendance at a training program three hours or fewer in length and one hundred twenty-five dollars a day for attendance at a training program longer than three hours in length.

Section 3313.13 | Membership restriction.

• Effective: February 2, 2006
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 455 - 126th General Assembly

Except as otherwise provided in this section, no prosecuting attorney, city director of law, or other official acting in a similar capacity shall be a member of a board of education.

An assistant prosecuting attorney may serve as a member of a board of education of a school district in any county other than the county in which the assistant prosecuting attorney is employed if the board of education's school district is not contiguous to the county in which the assistant prosecuting attorney is employed.

A city director of law who was appointed to that position under a city charter, village solicitor, or other chief legal officer of a municipal corporation may serve as a member of a board of education for which the chief legal officer is not the legal adviser and attorney under section 3313.35 of the Revised Code. A city director of law who was appointed to that position under a city charter may serve as a member of a board of education for which the city director of law is the legal adviser and attorney under section 3313.35 of the Revised Code, but only if the board uses no legal services of the office of the city law director or if the legal services of that office that it does use are performed under contract by persons not employed by that office. An employee of an appointed or elected city director of law may serve as a member of a board of education for which the city director of law is not the legal adviser and attorney under section 3313.35 of the Revised Code.

Section 3313.131 | Member of governing authority of community school prohibited from membership on board of education.

• Effective: February 1, 2016
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 2 - 131st General Assembly

No person who is a member of the governing authority of a community school established under Chapter 3314. of the Revised Code shall be a member of a board of education.

Section 3313.14 | Annual organizational meeting.

• Effective: March 2, 2021
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 89 - 133rd General Assembly

The board of education of each city, exempted village, and local school district shall meet on a day occurring during the first fifteen days of January of each year, and shall organize by electing one of its members president and another vice-president, both of whom shall serve for one year. The treasurer of the board shall canvass the members of the new board no later than December thirty-first to establish the day of the organizational meeting prescribed by this section.

The board of education of a joint vocational school district shall hold its first meeting in January of each year, and shall organize by electing one of its members president and another vice-president, both of whom shall serve for one year. The treasurer of the board shall canvass the members of the new board no later than December thirty-first to establish the day of the organizational meeting prescribed by this section.

The governing board of each educational service center shall hold its first meeting in January of each year, and shall organize by electing one of its members president and another vice-president, both of whom shall serve for one year.

Section 3313.15 | Regular meetings of board.

• Effective: October 1, 1953
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly

At the time of the organization meeting each board of education shall fix the time for holding its regular meetings. Regular meetings shall be held at least once every two months.

Section 3313.16 | Special meetings of board.

• Effective: May 16, 1979
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 113th General Assembly

A special meeting of a board of education may be called by the president or treasurer thereof or by any two members, by serving a written notice of the time and place of such meeting upon each member of the board at least two days prior to the date of such meeting. Such notice must be signed by the official or members calling the meeting. For the purpose of this section, service by mail is good service.

Section 3313.17 | Corporate powers of the board.

• Effective: October 1, 1953
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly

The board of education of each school district shall be a body politic and corporate, and, as such, capable of suing and being sued, contracting and being contracted with, acquiring, holding, possessing, and disposing of real and personal property, and taking and holding in trust for the use and benefit of such district, any grant or devise of land and any donation or bequest of money or other personal property.

Section 3313.171 | Consultant services.

• Effective: December 16, 1964
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 5 - 105th General Assembly

A board of education may expend funds for consultant services for any purpose related to the business administration of the school district, and this authority is in addition to any power, expressed or implied, granted to a board of education by statute or otherwise prior to September 24, 1963.

Section 3313.172 | Purchase, lease, or lease-purchase of motor vehicles.

• Effective: June 30, 1997
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 215 - 122nd General Assembly

The board of education of any city, exempted village, local, or joint vocational school district and the governing board of any educational service center may expend funds to obtain one or more motor vehicles, as defined in section 4501.01 of the Revised Code, by purchase, lease, or lease-purchase. Except as provided in section 3327.14 of the Revised Code, any motor vehicle so obtained shall be used solely for school purposes.

Section 3313.173 | Reward for information on person who commits violation of law.

• Effective: September 29, 1995
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 117 - 121st General Assembly

The board of education of any city, exempted village, local, or joint vocational school district and the governing board of any educational service center may offer and pay a reward to a person other than a board official or employee or a member of the immediate family of such official or employee, in an amount and under whatever conditions are fixed by the board, for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person who commits any violation of law committed on property owned by, or under the control or management of, the board or committed against any pupil or school employee going to or from property owned or controlled by the board or against any school employee while the employee is in the course of performing official duties. Any record containing the name of the person and other information that identifies the person who provides information under this section is not a public record for purposes of section 149.43 of the Revised Code. No member or employee of a board shall divulge the circumstances surrounding any information received or the identity of any person providing information or receiving an award under this section without the written consent of such person.

Section 3313.18 | Quorum - recording of votes - adoption of annual appropriation resolution.

• Effective: September 29, 1995
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 117 - 121st General Assembly

A majority of the members of a board of education shall constitute a quorum. Upon a motion to adopt a resolution authorizing the purchase or sale of real or personal property, or to employ a superintendent or teacher, janitor or other employee, or to elect or appoint an officer, or to pay any debt or claim, or to adopt any textbook, the treasurer of the board shall publicly call the roll of the members composing the board and enter on the records the names of those voting "aye" and the names of those voting "no." If a majority of all the members of the board vote aye, the president shall declare the motion carried. Upon any motion or resolution, a member of the board may demand the yeas and nays, and thereupon the treasurer shall call the roll and record the names of those voting "aye" and those voting "no." Each board may provide for the payment of superintendents, teachers, and other employees by payroll, but in all cases such roll call and record shall be complied with. Whenever a board of a city, exempted village, or local school district or a governing board of an educational service center by a majority vote of its members has adopted an annual appropriation resolution, then such board may, by general resolution, dispense with the adoption of resolutions authorizing the purchase or sale of property, except real estate, the employment, appointment, or confirmation of officers and employees, except as otherwise provided for by law, the payment of debts or claims, the salaries of superintendents, teachers or other employees, if provision therefor is made in such annual appropriation resolution, or approving warrants for the payment of any claim from school funds, if the expenditure for which such warrant is issued, is provided for in such annual appropriation resolution.

Section 3313.19 | Power of board to compound or release claims due from banks.

• Effective: October 1, 1953
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly

The board of education of any school district may compound or release, in whole or in part, a debt, obligation, judgment, or claim due the school district, or due the board of the school district from a bank in process of liquidation or operating under a conservatorship, except where any member of the board is personally interested as a stockholder. The board shall enter upon its records a statement of the facts and the reasons for such compounding or release.

Section 3313.20 | Rules - locker search policy - professional meetings.

• Effective: September 29, 1995
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 117 - 121st General Assembly

(A) The board of education of a school district or the governing board of an educational service center shall make any rules that are necessary for its government and the government of its employees, pupils of its schools, and all other persons entering upon its school grounds or premises. Rules regarding entry of persons other than students, staff, and faculty upon school grounds or premises shall be posted conspicuously at or near the entrance to the school grounds or premises, or near the perimeter of the school grounds or premises, if there are no formal entrances, and at the main entrance to each school building.

(B)(1) The board of education of each city, local, exempted village, or joint vocational school district may adopt a written policy that authorizes principals of public schools within the district or their designees to do one or both of the following:

(a) Search any pupil's locker and the contents of the locker that is searched if the principal reasonably suspects that the locker or its contents contains evidence of a pupil's violation of a criminal statute or of a school rule;

(b) Search any pupil's locker and the contents of any pupil's locker at any time if the board of education posts in a conspicuous place in each school building that has lockers available for use by pupils a notice that the lockers are the property of the board of education and that the lockers and the contents of all the lockers are subject to random search at any time without regard to whether there is a reasonable suspicion that any locker or its contents contains evidence of a violation of a criminal statute or a school rule.

(2) A board of education's adoption of or failure to adopt a written policy pursuant to division (B)(1) of this section does not prevent the principal of any school from searching at any time the locker of any pupil and the contents of any locker of any pupil in the school if an emergency situation exists or appears to exist that immediately threatens the health or safety of any person, or threatens to damage or destroy any property, under the control of the board of education and if a search of lockers and the contents of the lockers is reasonably necessary to avert that threat or apparent threat.

(C) Any employee may receive compensation and expenses for days on which he is excused, in accordance with the policy statement of the board, by the superintendent of such board or by a responsible administrative official designated by the superintendent for the purpose of attending professional meetings as defined by the board policy, and the board may provide and pay the salary of a substitute for such days. The expenses thus incurred by an employee shall be paid by the board from the appropriate fund of the school district or the educational service center governing board fund provided that statements of expenses are furnished in accordance with the policy statement of the board.

(D) Each city, local, and exempted village school district shall adopt a written policy governing the attendance of employees at professional meetings.

Section 3313.201 | Procurement of insurance against liability of officers, employees, and pupils of district.

• Effective: October 11, 2002
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 407 - 124th General Assembly

(A) The board of education of each school district shall procure a policy or policies of insurance insuring officers, employees, and pupils of the school district against liability on account of damage or injury to persons and property, including insurance on vehicles operated under a course in drivers education approved by the state department of public safety and including liability on account of death or accident by wrongful act, occasioned by the operation of a motor vehicle, motor vehicles with auxiliary equipment, or all self-propelling equipment or trailers owned or operated by the school district. Each board of education may supplement the policy or policies of insurance with collision, medical payments, comprehensive, and uninsured motorists insurance. Before procuring such insurance each board of education shall adopt a resolution setting forth the amount of insurance to be purchased, the necessity of the insurance, together with a statement of its estimated premium cost. Insurance procured pursuant to this section shall be from one or more recognized insurance companies authorized to do business in this state.

(B) This section shall not be construed to affect the ability of any school district to establish and maintain self-insurance programs under the authority conferred by any other section of the Revised Code. Such programs may be established and maintained in combination with, or as an alternative to, any policy or policies of insurance procured under division (A) of this section.

Section 3313.202 | Insurance and fringe benefits.

• Effective: June 30, 2011
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 171 - 129th General Assembly

Any elected or appointed member of the board of education of a school district and the dependent children and spouse of the member may be covered, at the option of the member, under any health care plan authorized under section 9.90 of the Revised Code. The member shall pay all premiums for that coverage. The member's exercise of an option to be covered under this section shall be in writing, announced at a regular public meeting of the board of education, and recorded as a public record in the minutes of the board.

Section 3313.203 | Liability insurance - indemnification.

• Effective: July 1, 1992
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 178 - 119th General Assembly

As used in this section, "school support entity" means any nonprofit entity formed for the support of school district programs.

The board of education of any school district may do any of the following:

(A) Purchase a policy or policies of insurance insuring the board, or members of boards of education, superintendents, principals, other administrators, teachers or any other group of employees employed by the board; school support entities; or volunteer bus rider assistants authorized by section 3327.16 of the Revised Code against liability on account of damages or injury to persons and property resulting from any act or omission of such board or entity, or such individual in his official capacity as a member or employee of the board of education or as a volunteer bus rider assistant or resulting solely out of his membership on, or employment by, or volunteer services to the board. Any such policy shall be purchased from an insurance company licensed to do business in this state, if such a policy is available from such a company. Whenever the board considers it necessary to procure such insurance, it shall adopt a resolution setting forth the amount of the insurance to be purchased, the necessity thereof, and a statement of the estimated premium as quoted in writing by not less than two insurance companies if more than one company offers such insurance for sale to the board. Upon the adoption of such resolution, the board may purchase insurance from the insurance company submitting the lowest and best quotation. A board of education shall require a school support entity for which the board purchases an insurance policy under this section to reimburse the board for the cost of such insurance.

(B) Except for findings for recovery in an audit report pursuant to section 117.28 of the Revised Code, indemnify, defend, and hold harmless any person included in division (A) of this section against all civil demands, claims, suits, and legal proceedings, whether threatened or instituted, and defend such person against any criminal legal proceedings, whether threatened or instituted, that arise from the acts or omissions of such person while acting within the scope of the person's employment by the school board and in the good faith belief that such conduct was lawful and in the best interests of the school district, except that expenditures and obligations under this division shall not exceed the amounts appropriated for such purposes.

Section 3313.204 | Advertise offering of adult education classes.

• Effective: May 27, 1976
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 285 - 111th General Assembly

A board of education of a city, local, exempted village, or joint vocational school district may expend funds to advertise the offering by the district of adult education classes as provided for in sections 3313.52, 3313.531, 3313.641, and 3313.644 of the Revised Code.

Section 3313.205 | Notification of student's absence from school.

• Effective: April 5, 2019
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 66 - 132nd General Assembly

S ubject to section 3321.141 of the Revised Code, the board of education of each school district shall adopt a written policy with respect to the notification of a student's parents, parent who is the residential parent and legal custodian, guardian, or legal custodian or any other person responsible for the student within a reasonable time after the determination that the student is absent from school. The student's parents, parent who is the residential parent and legal custodian, guardian, or legal custodian or any other person responsible for the student shall provide the school that the student attends a current address and a telephone number at which the student's parents, parent who is the residential parent and legal custodian, guardian, or legal custodian or any other person that is responsible for the student can receive notice that the student is absent from school.

Section 3313.207 | Latchkey program definitions.

• Effective: September 29, 2005
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 66 - 126th General Assembly

As used in sections 3313.207 to 3313.209 of the Revised Code:

(A) "Children" means children who are enrolled in kindergarten or who are of compulsory school age.

(B) "Latchkey program" means a program under which children are provided with child care during a fiscal year at any time outside of regular school hours. A program that contains any religious content, that uses any religious materials, or that in any way promotes or furthers any religious beliefs is not a latchkey program.

(C) "Program provider" means any agency, organization, or individual, licensed under Chapter 5104. of the Revised Code or exempted from the licensing requirements of that chapter.

(D) "Ancillary services" means any of the following:

(1) Space in a building that is owned or controlled by a school district and that is used for other school district purposes in addition to latchkey programs;

(2) Utilities furnished in conjunction with such space;

(3) Transportation to a latchkey program on regular school buses.

Section 3313.208 | School district participation in provision of latchkey programs.

• Effective: September 29, 2005
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 66 - 126th General Assembly

A board of education of a school district or the governing board of an educational service center may assess the need for latchkey programs in its district or territory and determine the best and most efficient manner of providing latchkey programs to children residing in the district or territory. Prior to operating any latchkey program, making any payments, or providing any employees or ancillary services under sections 3313.207 to 3313.209 of the Revised Code, a board shall provide notification to parents and other interested parties that the board is considering participation in the provision of latchkey programs and shall adopt a policy ensuring public input on the board's decision whether or not to participate, as well as any decisions concerning the district's or service center's role in the implementation and funding of any latchkey programs if the board does decide to participate. The policy shall also include provision for regular, periodic public input in the evaluation of any school district or service center participation in the provision of latchkey programs.

A board may provide a latchkey program, subject to the following limitations:

(A) The program shall be maintained and operated and pupils shall be admitted pursuant to rules adopted by the board;

(B) Fees or tuition, in amounts determined by the board, may be charged for participation in the program and shall be deposited in a special fund.

Section 3313.209 | Options for districts that do not operate a latchkey program.

• Effective: September 29, 2005
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 66 - 126th General Assembly

(A) A board of education of a school district that does not provide a latchkey program may provide ancillary services to and may make payments to any program provider that operates a latchkey program that enrolls one or more children who are residents of the school district.

(B) A board of education of a school district that does not provide a latchkey program and that does not make payments under division (A) of this section may furnish to any person or entity that operates a latchkey program ancillary services or employees for use solely in conjunction with the program's operation.

(C) A board of education shall enter into a contract with a program provider as a condition for making any payments or furnishing any ancillary services or employees authorized by division (A) or (B) of this section.

Section 3313.21 | Authority of school board over selection of instructional materials and curriculum.

• Effective: September 17, 2014
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 487 - 130th General Assembly

(A) The board of education of each school district shall be the sole authority in determining and selecting all of the following to be used in the schools under its control:

(1) Textbooks, pursuant to section 3329.08 of the Revised Code, and reading lists;

(2) Instructional materials;

(3) Academic curriculum.

(B) The board of education of each school district may permit educators to create instructional materials, including textbooks, that are consistent with the curriculum adopted by the district board for use in the educators' classrooms.

(C) Nothing in this section is intended to promote or encourage the utilization of any particular text or source material on a statewide basis.

Section 3313.211 | Employee compensation while serving as juror.

• Effective: November 9, 1977
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 267 - 112th General Assembly

The board of education shall pay a full-time employee, including hourly and per diem employees, the difference between such employee's regular compensation and the remuneration received for serving as a juror.

Section 3313.212 | Parental review of instructional materials, etc.

• Effective: September 17, 2014
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 487 - 130th General Assembly

The board of education of each school district shall provide an opportunity for parents to review the selection of textbooks and reading lists, instructional materials, and the academic curriculum used by schools in the district. The board shall establish a parental advisory committee or another method for review, as determined appropriate by the board, to meet this requirement.

Section 3313.22 | Appointment of treasurer - re-employment - evaluation.

• Effective: March 30, 2007
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 671 - 126th General Assembly

Notwithstanding division (D) of section 3311.52, if the treasurer of any cooperative education school district is also the treasurer of another school district or educational service center pursuant to division (B)(2) of section 3311.52 or division (B)(3) of section 3311.521 of the Revised Code, this section and sections 3313.222 to 3313.25 of the Revised Code do not apply to that cooperative district or its treasurer.

(A) Except as otherwise provided in division (E) of section 3311.19 of the Revised Code, the board of education of each city, local, exempted village, and joint vocational school district, at a regular or special meeting held not later than the first day of May, shall appoint a treasurer, who shall be the chief fiscal officer of the school district. The treasurer shall be appointed for a term not longer than five years beginning the first day of August and ending the thirty-first day of July.

The board shall execute a written contract of employment with the treasurer.

At the expiration of a treasurer's current term of employment, the treasurer is deemed re-employed for a term of one year at the same salary plus any increments that the board may authorize, unless the board, on or before the first day of March of the year in which the contract of employment expires, either re-employs the treasurer for a succeeding term as provided in division (C) of this section or gives to the treasurer written notice of its intention not to re-employ the treasurer.

A treasurer shall not be transferred to any other position during the term of the treasurer's employment or re-employment except by mutual agreement by the treasurer and the board.

Except in the case of the appointment of a treasurer pro tempore pursuant to section 3313.23 of the Revised Code, if a vacancy occurs in the office of treasurer, the board shall appoint a treasurer for a term not to exceed five years from the preceding first day of August.

(B) A treasurer appointed under this section may not be a member of the board or otherwise regularly employed by the board. No board of education, other than the board of an island school district, shall appoint a person treasurer who does not hold a valid license issued under section 3301.074 of the Revised Code, unless the person is an otherwise qualified treasurer. If the treasurer fails to maintain that license, the treasurer is automatically disqualified from further service, unless the treasurer is an otherwise qualified treasurer. As used in this division, an "otherwise qualified treasurer" is a person who does not possess a current valid treasurer's license but demonstrates to the district board's satisfaction both that the person meets all qualifications for that license and that the person has applied to the state board of education for issuance or renewal of the license but has not yet received the state board's decision regarding the issuance or renewal. A treasurer who is automatically disqualified from service pursuant to this division shall not be entitled to the termination procedures in section 3319.16 of the Revised Code.

(C) A board may, at any regular or special meeting held during the period beginning on the first day of January of the calendar year preceding the year the treasurer's contract of employment expires and ending on the first day of March of the year the contract expires, re-employ the treasurer for a succeeding term for not longer than five years, beginning the first day of August immediately following the expiration of the treasurer's current term of employment and ending the thirty-first day of July.

(D) Each board shall adopt procedures for the evaluation of its treasurer and shall evaluate its treasurer in accordance with those procedures. The board shall consider an evaluation based upon those procedures in deciding whether to renew the treasurer's contract. The establishment of an evaluation procedure shall not create an expectancy of continued employment. Nothing in this division shall prevent a board from making the final determination regarding the renewal or nonrenewal of a treasurer's contract.

(E) Except for a treasurer who is automatically disqualified from service pursuant to division (B) of this section, termination of a treasurer's contract shall be in accordance with section 3319.16 of the Revised Code. In the case of the termination of a treasurer's contract under that section, the duties assigned to the district treasurer under that section shall be performed by the district superintendent.

(F) A governing board of an educational service center that is the taxing authority of a county school financing district that levies a tax pursuant to section 5705.215 of the Revised Code or a governing board of an educational service center that chooses to act as the governing board of the educational service center pursuant to division (D) of section 135.01 of the Revised Code shall appoint a treasurer in the manner prescribed in this section for city, local, and exempted village school districts. In the case of an educational service center governing board that neither is the taxing authority of a district that levies such tax nor chooses to act as the governing board of the educational service center pursuant to division (D) of section 135.01 of the Revised Code, the educational service center superintendent shall act as treasurer of such governing board, but the tenure, removal, and licensing provisions described in this section shall not apply to the superintendent.

Section 3313.222 | Agreement of districts to jointly employ treasurer.

• Effective: September 29, 1995
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 117 - 121st General Assembly

As used in this section "school district" means any of the following:

(A) A city, local, or exempted village school district;

(B) An educational service center in which the governing board chooses to act as the governing board of the educational service center pursuant to division (D) of section 135.01 of the Revised Code;

(C) A joint vocational school district other than one governed by a governing board of an educational service center that has appointed the educational service center superintendent to act as treasurer of the joint vocational school district.

The boards of education of two or more school districts may, by agreement, jointly employ a treasurer to act as treasurer of each district and compensate him in accordance with the terms of such agreement. The duration of the agreement shall be the same as the treasurer's contract and may be renewed.

Section 3313.23 | Absence or incapacitation of treasurer.

• Effective: March 20, 2019
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 291 - 132nd General Assembly

If a treasurer of a board of education is absent from any meeting of the board the members present shall choose one of their number to serve in the treasurer's place pro tempore.

If a board of education determines the treasurer is incapacitated in such a manner that the treasurer is unable to perform the duties of the office of treasurer, the board may, by a majority vote of the members of the board, appoint a person to serve in the treasurer's place pro tempore. Each board of education shall adopt a written policy establishing standards for determining whether the treasurer is incapacitated, and shall provide that during any period in which the treasurer is incapacitated, the treasurer may be placed on sick leave or on leave of absence and may be returned to active duty status from sick leave or leave of absence. The treasurer may request a hearing before the board on any action taken under this section and shall have the same rights in any such hearing as are afforded to a teacher in a board hearing under section 3319.16 of the Revised Code. The treasurer pro tempore shall perform all of the duties and functions of the treasurer, and shall serve until the treasurer's incapacity is removed as determined by a majority vote of the members of the board or until the expiration of the treasurer's contract or term of office, whichever is sooner. The treasurer pro tempore may be removed at any time for cause by a two-thirds vote of the members of the board. The board shall fix the compensation of the treasurer pro tempore in accordance with section 3313.24 of the Revised Code, and, except as otherwise provided in section 3.061 of the Revised Code, shall require the treasurer pro tempore to execute a bond immediately after appointment in accordance with section 3313.25 of the Revised Code. If a treasurer is a member of the board, the treasurer shall not vote on any matter related to the treasurer's own incapacitation.

Section 3313.24 | Compensation of treasurer.

• Effective: March 30, 2007
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 671 - 126th General Assembly

(A) At the time of the appointment or designation of the term of office of the treasurer, subject to division (B) of this section, the board of education of each local, exempted village, or city school district shall fix the compensation of its treasurer, which shall be paid from the general fund of the district. No order for payment of the salary of the treasurer of a local, exempted village, or city school district, other than an island school district, shall be drawn until the treasurer presents to the district board evidence that the treasurer either holds a valid license issued under section 3301.074 of the Revised Code or is an otherwise qualified treasurer, as defined in division (B) of section 3313.22 of the Revised Code.

A governing board of an educational service center which chooses to act as the governing board of the educational service center pursuant to division (D) of section 135.01 of the Revised Code shall fix the compensation of its treasurer and pay its treasurer in the manner prescribed in the section for local, exempted village, and city school districts.

(B) The compensation of the treasurer may be increased or decreased during the treasurer's term of office, provided any decrease is a part of a uniform plan affecting salaries of all employees of the district.

(C) The board may establish vacation leave for its treasurer. Upon the treasurer's separation from employment, the board may provide compensation at the treasurer's current rate of pay for all lawfully accrued and unused vacation leave to the treasurer's credit at the time of separation, not to exceed the amount accrued during the three years before the date of separation. In case of the death of a treasurer, unused vacation leave that the board would have paid to the treasurer upon separation shall be paid in accordance with section 2113.04 of the Revised Code or to the treasurer's estate.

Section 3313.241 | Documents to be executed by superintendent.

• Effective: November 2, 2018
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 87 - 132nd General Assembly

Notwithstanding division (A) of section 3313.33 of the Revised Code, the following shall be signed and executed on behalf of a school district only by the superintendent of the school district or the president of the district's board of education:

(A) Employment contracts, salary notices, and other employment-related documents of the school district treasurer;

(B) Employment contracts, salary notices, and other employment-related documents of any member of the school district treasurer's family.

Section 3313.25 | Bond of treasurer of board.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) Except as otherwise provided in section 3.061 of the Revised Code, before entering upon the duties of office, the treasurer of each board of education shall execute a bond, in an amount and with surety to be approved by the board, payable to the state, conditioned for the faithful performance of all the official duties required of the treasurer. Such bond must be deposited with the president of the board, and a copy thereof, certified by the president, shall be filed with the county auditor.

(B)(1) A treasurer shall not be held liable for a loss of public funds when the treasurer has performed all official duties required of the treasurer with reasonable care, but shall be liable only when a loss of public funds results from the treasurer's negligence or other wrongful act.

(2) The department of education and workforce shall not consider the loss of public funds not resulting from the treasurer's negligence or other wrongful act a violation of the treasurer's professional duties, provided the treasurer has performed all official duties required of the treasurer with reasonable care.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 4:21 PM

Section 3313.26 | Record of proceedings.

• Effective: October 24, 2024
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 168 - 135th General Assembly

The treasurer of the board of education, in the performance of the treasurer's duties, shall record the proceedings of each meeting in a book to be provided by the board for that purpose, which shall be a public record. The record of proceedings at each meeting of the board shall be read at its next regular meeting, corrected and approved, which approval shall be noted in the proceedings. After such approval, the president shall sign the record and the treasurer shall attest to the accuracy of the information contained in the record. The treasurer's attestation shall not be construed to serve as authorization or execution of any action taken or not taken during any meeting.

By resolution, a board of education may waive the reading of the record of any of its proceedings, provided that such record has been distributed to the members of the board of education at least two days prior to the date of the next regular meeting and that copies of such record are made available to the public and news media. Such resolution shall be in full force and effect until such time as amended or rescinded by the board of education.

Last updated August 15, 2024 at 4:43 PM

Section 3313.261 | Treasurer to notify board of elections of changes in boundaries.

• Effective: September 29, 1995
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 117 - 121st General Assembly

The treasurer of an educational service center governing board or a city, exempted village, or local board of education shall notify the board of elections of all changes in the boundaries of the school district or educational service center territory. Such notification shall be made in writing and contain a plat clearly showing all boundary changes and shall be filed not later than ten days after the change of boundaries becomes effective with the board of election of the county or counties in which the school district or educational service center territory is located.

Section 3313.27 | Delivery of funds to board at expiration of term of treasurer - certificate.

• Effective: July 1, 1985
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 201 - 116th General Assembly

At the expiration of the term of any treasurer of any board of education or before any board approves the surety of any treasurer, such board shall require the treasurer to produce all money, bonds, or other securities in his hands, which shall then be counted by the board or a committee thereof, or by a representative of the auditor of state. A certificate setting forth the exact amount of such money, bonds, or other securities, and signed by the representatives making such count, shall be entered upon the records of the board and shall be prima-facie evidence that the amount therein stated was actually in the treasury at that date.

Section 3313.28 | Delivery of records to successor.

• Effective: April 12, 2021
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 450 - 133rd General Assembly

The treasurer of a board of education, at the expiration of the treasurer's term of office, shall deliver to the treasurer's successor all books and papers in the treasurer's hands relating to the affairs of the district. The treasurer of a board of education shall include an inventory of the items delivered in accordance with this section in a certificate of transition under section 117.171 of the Revised Code.

Section 3313.29 | Treasurer to keep account of school funds - vouchers.

• Effective: September 29, 2011
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 153 - 131st General Assembly

The treasurer of each board of education shall keep an account of all school funds of the district. The treasurer shall receive all vouchers for payments and disbursements made to and by the board and preserve such vouchers for a period of ten years unless copied or reproduced according to the procedure prescribed in section 9.01 of the Revised Code. Thereafter, such vouchers may be destroyed by the treasurer upon applying to and obtaining an order from the school district records commission in the manner prescribed by section 149.381 of the Revised Code, except that it shall not be necessary to copy or reproduce such vouchers before their destruction. The treasurer shall render a statement to the board and to the superintendent of the school district, monthly, or more often if required, showing the revenues and receipts from whatever sources derived, the various appropriations made by the board, the expenditures and disbursements therefrom, the purposes thereof, the balances remaining in each appropriation, and the assets and liabilities of the school district. At the end of the fiscal year such statement shall be a complete exhibit of the financial affairs of the school district which may be published and distributed with the approval of the board. All monthly and yearly statements as required in this section shall be available for examination by the public.

On request of the principal or other chief administrator of any nonpublic school located within the school district's territory, the treasurer shall provide such principal or administrator with an account of the moneys received by the district under division (E) of section 3317.024 of the Revised Code as reported to the district's board in the treasurer's most recent monthly statement.

Section 3313.291 | Petty cash account.

• Effective: November 2, 2018
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 312 - 132nd General Assembly

The board of education of a school district may adopt a resolution establishing a petty cash account from which a designated district official may draw moneys by check signed by that official for purchases made within the district. The resolution establishing the account shall specify the maximum amount of money that may be placed in the account; designate the district officials who may draw moneys from the account, or require the treasurer of such board to designate such officials; and specify the requirements and procedures for replenishing the account.

Section 3313.30 | Declaration that school district is unauditable; notice.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) If the auditor of state or a public accountant, under section 117.41 of the Revised Code, declares a school district to be unauditable, the auditor of state shall provide written notification of that declaration to the district and the department of education and workforce. The auditor of state also shall post the notification on the auditor of state's web site.

(B) If the district's current treasurer held that position during the period for which the district is unauditable, upon receipt of the notification under division (A) of this section, the district board of education shall suspend the treasurer until the auditor of state or a public accountant has completed an audit of the district. Suspension of the treasurer may be with or without pay, as determined by the district board based on the circumstances that prompted the auditor of state's declaration. The district board shall appoint a person to assume the duties of the treasurer during the period of the suspension. If the appointee is not licensed as a treasurer under section 3301.074 of the Revised Code, the appointee shall be approved by the director of education and workforce before assuming the duties of the treasurer. The state board of education may take action under section 3319.31 of the Revised Code to suspend, revoke, or limit the license of a treasurer who has been suspended under this division.

(C) Not later than forty-five days after receiving the notification under division (A) of this section, the district board shall provide a written response to the auditor of state. The response shall include the following:

(1) An overview of the process the district board will use to review and understand the circumstances that led to the district becoming unauditable;

(2) A plan for providing the auditor of state with the documentation necessary to complete an audit of the district and for ensuring that all financial documents are available in the future;

(3) The actions the district board will take to ensure that the plan described in division (C)(2) of this section is implemented.

(D) If the school district fails to make reasonable efforts and continuing progress to bring its accounts, records, files, or reports into an auditable condition within ninety days after being declared unauditable, the auditor of state, in addition to requesting legal action under sections 117.41 and 117.42 of the Revised Code, shall notify the district and the department of the district's failure. If the auditor of state or a public accountant subsequently is able to complete a financial audit of the district, the auditor of state shall notify the district and the department that the audit has been completed.

(E) Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in Chapter 3317. of the Revised Code or in any other provision of law, upon notification by the auditor of state under division (D) of this section that the district has failed to make reasonable efforts and continuing progress to bring its accounts, records, files, or reports into an auditable condition, the department shall immediately cease all payments to the district under Chapter 3317. of the Revised Code and any other provision of law. Upon subsequent notification from the auditor of state under that division that the auditor of state or a public accountant was able to complete a financial audit of the district, the department shall release all funds withheld from the district under this section.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 4:21 PM

Section 3313.31 | Treasurer to perform all duties relating to moneys.

• Effective: March 20, 2019
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 491 - 132nd General Assembly

(A) All the duties and obligations of the county auditor, county treasurer, or other officer or person relating to the moneys of a school district shall be complied with by dealing with the treasurer of the board of education thereof.

The treasurer shall be the chief fiscal officer of the school district, shall be responsible for the financial affairs of the district, and shall report to and is subject to the direction of the district board of education. Except as otherwise required by law, no treasurer shall be required to verify the accuracy of nonfinancial information or data of the school district.

No treasurer shall be liable for a loss of public funds that results from a treasurer's reliance on the accuracy of nonfinancial information or data of the school district, including reports in the education management information system under section 3301.0714 of the Revised Code, pupil transportation reports, and licensure or other credentialing information unless the loss results from the treasurer's negligence or other wrongful act.

(B) Notwithstanding any provision of the Revised Code to the contrary, but subject to section 3319.40 of the Revised Code, in all school districts and educational service centers, the treasurer shall direct and assign employees directly engaged in the day-to-day fiscal operations of the district or service center, as those employees are so designated by the board of the district or service center.

Section 3313.311 | Policies for use of credit card accounts.

• Effective: November 2, 2018
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 312 - 132nd General Assembly

(A) Not later than three months after the effective date of this section, a board of education of any school district, a governing board of an educational service center, or a governing authority of an information technology center that holds a credit card account on the effective date of this section shall adopt a written policy for the use of credit card accounts. Otherwise, a board or authority shall adopt a written policy before first holding a credit card account.

The policy shall include provisions addressing all of the following:

(1) The officers or positions authorized to use credit card accounts;

(2) The types of expenses for which a credit card account may be used;

(3) The procedure for acquisition, use, and management of a credit card account and presentation instruments related to the account including cards and checks;

(4) The procedure for submitting itemized receipts to the treasurer or chief fiscal officer or the treasurer's or chief fiscal officer's designee;

(5) The procedure for credit card issuance, credit card reissuance, credit card cancellation, and the process for reporting lost or stolen credit cards;

(6) The entity's credit card account's maximum credit limit or limits;

(7) The actions or omissions by an officer or employee that qualify as misuse of a credit card account.

(B) The name of the school district, educational service center, or information technology center shall appear on each presentation instrument related to the account including cards and checks.

(C) If the treasurer of the board of education, treasurer of the educational service center, or chief fiscal officer of the information technology center does not retain general possession and control of the credit card account and presentation instruments related to the account including cards and checks, the board, governing board, or governing authority shall appoint a compliance officer to perform the duties enumerated under division (D) of this section. Except a superintendent of a school district or chief administrator of an information technology center serving as compliance officer, the compliance officer may not use a credit card account. The compliance officer may not authorize an officer or employee to use a credit card account. If a school district superintendent acting as compliance officer has authority to use a credit card account, the treasurer or the treasurer's designee, who shall not be the school district superintendent, monthly shall review the credit card account transaction detail and shall sign an attestation stating the treasurer or designee reviewed the credit card account transaction detail. If the chief administrator of an information technology center acting as compliance officer has authority to use a credit card account, the governing authority monthly shall review the credit card account transaction detail and shall sign an attestation stating the governing authority reviewed the credit card account transaction detail. The treasurer of the board of education, treasurer of the educational service center, and chief fiscal officer of the information technology center are not eligible for appointment as compliance officer. The superintendent of a school district or chief administrator of an information technology center is eligible for appointment as compliance officer.

(D) The compliance officer, if applicable, at least once every six months shall review the number of cards and accounts issued, the number of active cards and accounts issued, the cards' and accounts' expiration dates, and the cards' and accounts' credit limits.

(E) If the treasurer of the board of education, treasurer of the educational service center, or chief fiscal officer of the information technology center retains general possession and control of the credit card account and presentation instruments related to the account including cards and checks, and the board or authority authorizes an officer or employee to use a credit card, the treasurer or chief fiscal officer may use a system to sign out credit cards to the authorized users. The officer or employee is liable in person and upon any official bond the officer or employee has given to the school district, educational service center, or information technology center to reimburse the treasury the amount for which the officer or employee does not provide itemized receipts in accordance with the policy described in division (A) of this section.

(F) The use of a credit card account for expenses beyond those authorized by the board or authority constitutes misuse of a credit card account. An officer or employee of a school district, educational service center, or information technology center or a public servant as defined under section 2921.01 of the Revised Code who knowingly misuses a credit card account held by a board or authority violates section 2913.21 of the Revised Code.

(G) The treasurer or chief fiscal officer, as applicable, or the designee of that applicable officer annually shall file a report with the board or authority detailing all rewards received based on the use of the credit card account.

(H) As used in this section, "credit card account" means any bank-issued credit card account, store-issued credit card account, financial institution-issued credit card account, financial depository-issued credit card account, affinity credit card account, or any other card account allowing the holder to purchase goods or services on credit or to transact with the account, and any debit or gift card account related to the receipt of grant moneys. "Credit card account" does not include a procurement card account, gasoline or telephone credit card account, or any other card account where merchant category codes are in place as a system of control for use of the card account.

Section 3313.32 | Moneys to be placed with treasurer when depository ceases to act.

• Effective: May 16, 1979
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 113th General Assembly

If, for any reason, a depository in a school district ceases to act as custodian of the school moneys, all moneys of such school district shall be placed in the custody of the treasurer of the city or county in which the school district is located. Such moneys shall be held and disbursed by the treasurer of the board of education until another depository is provided for such moneys. Thereupon the treasurer shall place such moneys in the depository.

Section 3313.33 | Conveyances and contracts.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) Conveyances made by a board of education shall be executed by the president and treasurer thereof.

(B) Except as provided in division (C) of this section, no member of the board shall have, directly or indirectly, any pecuniary interest in any contract of the board or be employed in any manner for compensation by the board of which the person is a member. No contract shall be binding upon any board unless it is made or authorized at a regular or special meeting of such board.

(C) A member of the board may have a pecuniary interest in a contract of the board if all of the following apply:

(1) The member's pecuniary interest in that contract is that the member is employed by a political subdivision, instrumentality, or agency of the state or a private institution of higher education that is contracting with the board;

(2) The member does not participate in any discussion or debate regarding the contract or vote on the contract;

(3) The member files with the school district treasurer an affidavit stating the member's exact employment status with the political subdivision, instrumentality, or agency or private institution of higher education contracting with the board.

(D) This section does not apply where a member of the board, being a shareholder of a corporation but not being an officer or director thereof, owns not in excess of five per cent of the stock of such corporation. If a stockholder desires to avail self of the exception, before entering upon such contract such person shall first file with the treasurer an affidavit stating the stockholder's exact status and connection with said corporation.

This section does not apply where a member of the board elects to be covered by a health care plan under section 3313.202 of the Revised Code.

Last updated September 14, 2023 at 2:15 PM

Section 3313.34 | Process against boards.

• Effective: May 16, 1979
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 113th General Assembly

Process in all suits against a board of education shall be by summons which shall be served by leaving a copy thereof with the treasurer or president of the board.

Section 3313.35 | Legal adviser of boards of education and governing board of an educational service center.

• Effective: September 29, 1995
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 117 - 121st General Assembly

Notwithstanding division (D) of section 3311.19 and division (D) of section 3311.52 of the Revised Code, the provisions of this section that apply to a city school district do not apply to a joint vocational or cooperative education school district unless otherwise specified.

Except in city, joint vocational, and cooperative education school districts, the prosecuting attorney of the county shall be the legal adviser of all boards of education and the governing board of an educational service center in the county in which the prosecuting attorney is serving. The prosecuting attorney shall prosecute all actions against a member or officer of a board for malfeasance or misfeasance in office, and he shall be the legal counsel of such boards or the officers thereof in all civil actions brought by or against them and shall conduct such actions in his official capacity . In the case of educational service centers created under section 3311.053 of the Revised Code, the legal adviser shall be the prosecuting attorney of the county in which the largest number of pupils supervised by the governing board of the educational service center reside. In joint vocational and cooperative education school districts the legal adviser shall be the prosecuting attorney of the most populous county containing a school district which is a member of the joint vocational or cooperative education school district. When such civil action is between two or more boards in the same county, the prosecuting attorney shall not be required to act for either of them. In city school districts, the city director of law shall be the legal adviser and attorney for the board thereof, and shall perform the same services for such board as required of the prosecuting attorney for other boards of the county. Such duties shall devolve upon any official serving in a capacity similar to that of prosecuting attorney or city director of law for the territory wherein a school district is situated regardless of his official designation. In a district which becomes a city school district pursuant to section 3311.10 of the Revised Code, the legal adviser shall be the solicitor or director of law of the largest of the municipal corporations all or a part of which is included within the school district boundaries. No compensation in addition to such officer's regular salary shall be allowed for such services.

Section 3313.351 | Information regarding contracting with online service providers.

• Effective: September 15, 2014
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 483 - 130th General Assembly

The attorney general may educate school districts about contracting with any entity that provides students with account-based access to a web site or an online service, including electronic mail.

Section 3313.36 | Acceptance of bequests, gifts, or endowments.

• Effective: June 13, 1990
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 292 - 118th General Assembly

(A) By the adoption of a resolution, a board of education may accept any bequest made to it by will or may accept any gift or endowment upon the conditions and stipulations contained in the will or connected with the gift or endowment. For the purpose of enabling the board to carry out the conditions and limitations upon which a bequest, gift, or endowment is made, it may make all rules required to fully carry them into effect. No such bequest, gift, or endowment shall be accepted by the board if the conditions remove any portion of the public schools from the control of the board.

(B) By the adoption of a resolution, a board may direct the school district treasurer to pay the proceeds of any bequest, gift, or endowment given to the district for the education foundation fund or given without conditions or limitations into the education foundation fund established by section 3315.40 of the Revised Code.

Section 3313.37 | Powers regarding school buildings and facilities; educational service centers; acquisition of property and equipment.

• Effective: September 24, 2012
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 316 - 129th General Assembly

(A)(1) The board of education of any city, local, or exempted village school district may build, enlarge, repair, and furnish the necessary schoolhouses, purchase or lease sites therefor, or rights-of-way thereto, or purchase or lease real estate to be used as playgrounds for children or rent suitable schoolrooms, either within or without the district, and provide the necessary apparatus and make all other necessary provisions for the schools under its control.

(2) A governing board of an educational service center may acquire, lease or lease-purchase, or enter into a contract to purchase, lease or lease-purchase, or sell real and personal property and may construct, enlarge, repair, renovate, furnish, or equip facilities, buildings, or structures for the educational service center's purposes. The board may enter into loan agreements, including mortgages, for the acquisition of such property.

(3) A board of county commissioners may issue securities of the county pursuant to Chapter 133. of the Revised Code for the acquisition of real and personal property or for the construction, enlargement, repair, or renovation of facilities, buildings, or structures by an educational service center, but only if the county has a contract with the educational service center whereby the educational service center agrees to pay the county an amount equal to the debt charges on the issued securities on or before the date those charges fall due. For the purposes of this section, "debt charges" and "securities" have the same meanings as in section 133.01 of the Revised Code.

(B)(1) Boards of education of city, local, and exempted village school districts may acquire land by gift or devise, by purchase, or by appropriation. Lands purchased may be purchased for cash, by installment payments, with or without a mortgage, by entering into lease-purchase agreements, or by lease with an option to purchase, provided that if the purchase price is to be paid over a period of time, such payments shall not extend for a period of more than five years. A special tax levy may be authorized by the voters of the school district in accordance with section 5705.21 of the Revised Code to provide a special fund to meet the future time payments.

(2) For the purposes of section 5705.21 of the Revised Code, acquisition of land under the provisions of this division shall be considered a necessary requirement of the school district.

(3) Boards of education of city, local, and exempted village school districts may acquire federal land at a discount by a lease-purchase agreement for use as a site for the construction of educational facilities or for other related purposes. External administrative and other costs pertaining to the acquisition of federal land at a discount may be paid from funds available to the school district for operating purposes. Such boards of education may also acquire federal land by lease-purchase agreements, by negotiation, or otherwise.

(4) As used in this division:

(a) "Office equipment" includes but is not limited to typewriters, copying and duplicating equipment, and computer and data processing equipment.

(b) "Software for instructional purposes" includes computer programs usable for computer assisted instruction, computer managed instruction, drill and practice, and problem simulations.

A board of education or governing board of an educational service center may acquire the necessary office equipment, and computer hardware and software for instructional purposes, for the schools under its control by purchase, by lease, by installment payments, by entering into lease-purchase agreements, or by lease with an option to purchase. In the case of a city, exempted village, or local school district, if the purchase price is to be paid over a period of time, the contract setting forth the terms of such purchase shall be considered a continuing contract pursuant to section 5705.41 of the Revised Code. Payments shall not extend for a period of more than five years. Costs relating to the acquisition of necessary apparatus may be paid from funds available to the school district or educational service center for operating purposes.

(5) A board of education or governing board of an educational service center may acquire the necessary equipment for the maintenance or physical upkeep of facilities and land under its control by entering into lease-purchase agreements. If payments under the lease-purchase agreement are to be made over a period of time, the agreement shall be considered a continuing contract pursuant to section 5705.41 of the Revised Code, and such payments shall not extend for a period of more than five years.

Section 3313.371 | Governing board of service center may borrow money to purchase computer equipment.

• Effective: September 29, 1995
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 117 - 121st General Assembly

The governing board of any educational service center may borrow money for the purpose of purchasing computer equipment, subject to the terms and conditions agreed to by the governing board and the lender. The principal and interest on such indebtedness shall be discharged solely from the revenues available to the educational service center governing board, and the proceeds of the loan shall be used solely for the purpose of purchasing computer equipment.

Section 3313.372 | Installment payment contract for purchase and installation of energy conservation measures.

• Effective: September 29, 2017
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 49 - 132nd General Assembly

(A) As used in this section, "energy conservation measure" means an installation or modification of an installation in, or remodeling of, a building, to reduce energy consumption. It includes:

(1) Insulation of the building structure and systems within the building;

(2) Storm windows and doors, multiglazed windows and doors, heat absorbing or heat reflective glazed and coated window and door systems, additional glazing, reductions in glass area, and other window and door system modifications that reduce energy consumption;

(3) Automatic energy control systems;

(4) Heating, ventilating, or air conditioning system modifications or replacements;

(5) Caulking and weatherstripping;

(6) Replacement or modification of lighting fixtures to increase the energy efficiency of the system without increasing the overall illumination of a facility, unless such increase in illumination is necessary to conform to the applicable state or local building code for the proposed lighting system;

(7) Energy recovery systems;

(8) Cogeneration systems that produce steam or forms of energy such as heat, as well as electricity, for use primarily within a building or complex of buildings;

(9) Any other modification, installation, or remodeling approved by the Ohio facilities construction commission as an energy conservation measure.

(B) A board of education of a city, exempted village, local, or joint vocational school district may enter into an installment payment contract for the purchase and installation of energy conservation measures. The provisions of such installment payment contracts dealing with interest charges and financing terms shall not be subject to the competitive bidding requirements of section 3313.46 of the Revised Code, and shall be on the following terms:

(1) Not less than one-fifteenth of the costs thereof shall be paid within two years from the date of purchase.

(2) The remaining balance of the costs thereof shall be paid within fifteen years from the date of purchase.

The provisions of any installment payment contract entered into pursuant to this section shall provide that all payments, except payments for repairs and obligations on termination of the contract prior to its expiration, shall not exceed the calculated energy, water, or waste water cost savings, avoided operating costs, and avoided capital costs attributable to the one or more measures over a defined period of time. Those payments shall be made only to the extent that the savings described in this division actually occur. The energy services company shall warrant and guarantee that the energy conservation measures shall realize guaranteed savings and shall be responsible to pay an amount equal to any savings shortfall.

An installment payment contract entered into by a board of education under this section shall require the board to contract in accordance with division (A) of section 3313.46 of the Revised Code for the installation, modification, or remodeling of energy conservation measures unless division (A) of section 3313.46 of the Revised Code does not apply pursuant to division (B)(3) of that section, in which case the contract shall be awarded through a competitive selection process pursuant to rules adopted by the facilities construction commission.

An installment payment contract entered into by a board of education under this section may include services for measurement and verification of energy savings associated with the guarantee. The annual cost of measurement and verification services shall not exceed ten per cent of the guaranteed savings in any year of the installment payment contract.

(C) If a board of education determines that a surety bond is necessary to secure energy, water, or waste water cost savings guaranteed in a contract entered into by the board of education under this section, the energy services company shall provide a surety bond that satisfies all of the following requirements:

(1) The penal sum of the surety bond for the first guarantee year shall equal the amount of savings included in the annual guaranteed savings amount that is measured and calculated in accordance with the measurement and verification plan included in the contract, but may not include guaranteed savings that are not measured or that are stipulated in the contract. The annual guaranteed savings amount shall include only the savings guaranteed in the contract for the one-year term that begins on the first day of the first savings guarantee year and may not include amounts from subsequent years.

(2) The surety bond shall have a term of not more than one year unless renewed. At the option of the board of education, the surety bond may be renewed for one or two additional terms, each term not to exceed one year. The surety bond may not be renewed or extended so that it is in effect for more than three consecutive years.

In the event of a renewal, the penal sum of the surety bond for each renewed year shall be revised so that the penal sum equals the annual guaranteed savings amount for such renewal year that is measured and calculated in accordance with the measurement and verification plan included in the contract, but may not include guaranteed savings that are not measured or that are stipulated in the contract. Regardless of the number of renewals of the bond, the aggregate liability under each renewed bond may not exceed the penal sum stated in the renewal certificate for the applicable renewal year.

(3) The surety bond for the first year shall be issued within thirty days of the commencement of the first savings guarantee year under the contract.

In the event of renewal, the surety shall deliver to the board of education a renewal certificate reflecting the revised penal sum within thirty days of the board of education's request. The board of education shall deliver the request for renewal not less than thirty days prior to the expiration date of the surety bond then in existence. A surety bond furnished pursuant to section 153.54 of the Revised Code shall not secure obligations related to energy, water, or waste water cost savings as referenced in division (C) of this section.

(D) The board may issue the notes of the school district signed by the president and the treasurer of the board and specifying the terms of the purchase and securing the deferred payments provided in this section, payable at the times provided and bearing interest at a rate not exceeding the rate determined as provided in section 9.95 of the Revised Code. The notes may contain an option for prepayment and shall not be subject to Chapter 133. of the Revised Code. In the resolution authorizing the notes, the board may provide, without the vote of the electors of the district, for annually levying and collecting taxes in amounts sufficient to pay the interest on and retire the notes, except that the total net indebtedness of the district without a vote of the electors incurred under this and all other sections of the Revised Code, except section 3318.052 of the Revised Code, shall not exceed one per cent of the district's tax valuation. Revenues derived from local taxes or otherwise, for the purpose of conserving energy or for defraying the current operating expenses of the district, may be applied to the payment of interest and the retirement of such notes. The notes may be sold at private sale or given to the energy services company under the installment payment contract authorized by division (B) of this section.

(E) Debt incurred under this section shall not be included in the calculation of the net indebtedness of a school district under section 133.06 of the Revised Code.

(F) No school district board shall enter into an installment payment contract under division (B) of this section unless it first obtains a report of the costs of the energy conservation measures and the savings thereof as described under division (G)(1) of section 133.06 of the Revised Code as a requirement for issuing energy securities, makes a finding that the amount spent on such measures is not likely to exceed the amount of money it would save in energy costs and resultant operational and maintenance costs as described in that division, except that that finding shall cover the ensuing fifteen years, and the facilities construction commission determines that the district board's findings are reasonable and approves the contract as described in that division.

The district board shall monitor the savings and maintain a report of those savings, which shall be submitted to the commission in the same manner as required by division (G) of section 133.06 of the Revised Code in the case of energy securities.

Section 3313.373 | Shared-savings contract.

• Effective: October 1, 1985
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 264 - 116th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Energy saving measure" means both of the following:

(a) The acquisition and installation, by purchase, lease, lease purchase, lease with an option to buy, or installment purchase, of an energy conservation measure as defined in section 3313.372 of the Revised Code and any attendant architectural and engineering consulting services.

(b) Architectural and engineering consulting services related to energy conservation.

(2) "Shared-savings contract" means a contract for one or more energy savings measures, which contract provides that all payments, except payments for maintenance and repairs and obligations on termination of the contract prior to its expiration, are to be a stated percentage of calculated savings of energy costs attributable to the energy saving measure over a defined period of time and are to be made only to the extent that such savings occur. A contract that requires any additional capital investment or contribution of funds, other than funds available from state or federal energy grants, or that is for an initial term of longer than ten years is not a shared-savings contract.

(B) The board of education of a city, local, exempted village, or joint vocational school district may enter into a shared-savings contract with any person experienced in the design and implementation of energy saving measures for buildings owned or rented by the board. Such contract is not subject to section 3313.46 of the Revised Code. If the contract is for a term extending beyond the fiscal year, it shall be considered to be a continuing contract within the meaning of division (D) of section 5705.41 of the Revised Code. A board of education entering into an installment contract under this section shall also comply with section 3313.372 of the Revised Code.

(C) In the case of a shared-savings contract running beyond the fiscal year in which it is entered into, the board shall include in its annual appropriations measure for each subsequent year any amounts payable under shared-savings contracts during such year and shall furnish the certification required by section 5705.44 of the Revised Code, but the failure of a board to make such an appropriation or furnish the certificates referred to in division (D) of section 5705.41, or 5705.412 or 5705.44 of the Revised Code, shall not affect the validity of the shared-savings contract or the board's obligations under the contract.

Section 3313.374 | Installment payment contract for construction and purchase of administrative offices.

• Effective: June 30, 1995
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 117 - 121st General Assembly

(A) This section applies only to city, exempted village, and local school districts to which both of the following apply:

(1) The board of education of the district has entered into rental agreements for administrative office facilities for at least ten consecutive years;

(2) The rent paid by the board has increased at an average annual percentage rate of not less than four per cent during the ten-year period immediately preceding the date on which the board adopts the resolution described in division (B) of this section.

(B) A board of education may adopt a resolution to enter into an installment payment contract for the construction and purchase of office facilities on land owned by the board to be used for administrative offices of the school district. The provisions of the contract dealing with interest charges and financing terms shall not be subject to the competitive bidding requirements of section 3313.46 of the Revised Code. The provisions of the contract dealing with the construction of office facilities shall be subject to division (A) of section 3313.46 of the Revised Code. The contract shall be on the following terms:

(1) The term of the installment payment contract shall not exceed fifteen years, measured from the date of the installment payment contract;

(2) Installment payments shall be made not less frequently than every six months during the term of the contract except the contract may provide for the first payment to be made not later than eleven months after the date of the contract;

(3) The total amount of the installment payments becoming due and payable during any twelve-month period after the school district has occupied the facilities shall be substantially equal; except the total amount of installment payments becoming due and payable in the final twelve-month period of the contract may be lower than the total amount due and payable in earlier twelve-month periods.

(4) Provision may be made for capitalizing interest charges during the period of construction of the office facilities.

(C) The board may issue notes of the school district signed by the president and treasurer of the board and securing the installment payments provided in this section, payable at the times provided and bearing interest at a rate not exceeding the rate determined as provided in section 9.95 of the Revised Code. The notes may contain an option for prepayment and shall not be subject to Chapter 133. of the Revised Code.

(D) Debt incurred under this section shall not be included in the calculation of net indebtedness of a school district under section 133.06 of the Revised Code.

Section 3313.375 | Lease-purchase agreement for building or improvements to building.

• Effective: September 29, 2015
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 64 - 131st General Assembly

The board of education of a city, local, exempted village, or joint vocational school district, the governing board of an educational service center, or the governing authority of a community school may enter into a lease-purchase agreement providing for construction; enlarging or other improvement, furnishing, and equipping; lease; and eventual acquisition of facilities or improvements to facilities, including but not limited to buildings, playgrounds, parking lots, athletic facilities, and safety enhancements for any school district, educational service center, or community school purpose. The agreement shall provide for a lease for a series of one-year renewable lease terms totaling not more than the number of years equivalent to the useful life of the asset and in no event more than thirty years. The agreement shall provide that at the end of the series of lease terms provided for in the agreement the title to the leased property shall be vested in the school district or educational service center, if all obligations of the school district, educational service center, or community school provided for in the agreement have been satisfied. The agreement may, in addition to the rental payments, require the school district, educational service center, or community school to pay the lessor a lump-sum amount as a condition of obtaining title to the leased property. In conjunction with the agreement, a school district board of education, an educational service center governing board, or a governing authority of a community school may grant leases, easements, or licenses for underlying land or facilities under the board's control for terms not exceeding five years beyond the final renewal term of the lease-purchase agreement entered into pursuant to this section. Payments under the agreement may be deemed to be, and paid as, current operating expenses.

The obligations under a lease-purchase agreement entered into pursuant to this section shall not be considered to be net indebtedness of a school district under section 133.06 of the Revised Code.

Section 3313.376 | Service centers may jointly purchase commodities.

• Effective: September 29, 2013
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 59 - 130th General Assembly

As used in this section, "client school district" means a city, exempted village, or local school district that has entered into an agreement under section 3313.843 or 3313.845 of the Revised Code to receive any services from an educational service center.

For the purpose of obtaining quantity discounts in purchasing textbooks; computer equipment, including computer software; school buses; and natural gas, electricity, and other utility services, the governing boards of two or more educational service centers may enter into agreements, including installment purchase and lease-purchase contracts, to jointly purchase such commodities to be utilized by client school districts of the educational service centers.

Section 3313.38 | Residence for principal or teacher when school district inaccessible from mainland.

• Effective: October 1, 1953
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly

The board of education of a school district that is inaccessible from the mainland at some time of the year for any reason may purchase, erect, or rent, and maintain a residence for a principal or teacher, when in the opinion of a majority of the members of the board it is necessary to insure adequate personnel for the schools of such district. To provide a sum sufficient for the purchase price, the cost of the erection, or the cost of renting such residence an additional tax may be levied upon all the taxable property in the school district, in such amount as the board determines. The question of levying such tax, and the amount thereof, shall be separately submitted to the qualified electors of the school district at a general or special election. Twenty days' notice thereof shall be previously given by posting notice of such election in at least three public places in the school district. Such notice shall state specifically the amount to be raised and the purposes thereof. If a majority of all votes cast at such election upon the proposition are in favor thereof, the tax provided for shall be authorized.

Upon authorization of the tax levy the members of the board may issue notes in anticipation of such revenues to mature in not more than two years from the date of issue and to bear interest at not more than four per cent per annum.

Section 3313.39 | Appropriation of land.

• Effective: January 1, 1966
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 94 - 106th General Assembly

When it is necessary, in the opinion of any board of education, to procure or enlarge: (A) any site for a building to be used for public school purposes whether as classrooms, auditorium, or for technical training, administrative, storage, or other educational purposes; (B) grounds to be used for agricultural purposes, athletic field, or playground for children; (C) any site for the purpose of erecting and maintaining buildings to be used as homes or houses for public school teachers when the cost of such erection has been contributed by private donations; (D) any site for the purpose of providing an outlet to dispose of sewage for a school building or grounds, the board may proceed to appropriate such property in accordance with sections 163.01 to 163.22, inclusive, of the Revised Code.

Section 3313.40 | Exchange of real estate.

• Effective: January 16, 1980
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 44 - 113th General Assembly

Upon a vote of a majority of the members of a board of education and a concurring vote of the legislative authority of a municipal corporation, declaring that an exchange of real estate held by such board for school purposes for real estate held by such municipal corporation for municipal purposes will be mutually beneficial to such school district and municipal corporation, such exchange may be made by conveyances, executed by the mayor and clerk of the municipal corporation and by the president and treasurer of the board, respectively.

Section 3313.41 | Disposal of real or personal property - acquisition of real property.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) Except as provided in divisions (C), (D), and (F) of this section and in sections 3313.412 and 3313.413 of the Revised Code, when a board of education decides to dispose of real or personal property that it owns in its corporate capacity and that exceeds in value ten thousand dollars, it shall sell the property at public auction, after giving at least thirty days' notice of the auction by publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the school district, by publication as provided in section 7.16 of the Revised Code, or by posting notices in five of the most public places in the school district in which the property, if it is real property, is situated, or, if it is personal property, in the school district of the board of education that owns the property. The board may offer real property for sale as an entire tract or in parcels.

(B) When the board of education has offered real or personal property for sale at public auction at least once pursuant to division (A) of this section, and the property has not been sold, the board may sell it at a private sale. Regardless of how it was offered at public auction, at a private sale, the board shall, as it considers best, sell real property as an entire tract or in parcels, and personal property in a single lot or in several lots.

(C) If a board of education decides to dispose of real or personal property that it owns in its corporate capacity and that exceeds in value ten thousand dollars, it may sell the property to the adjutant general; to any subdivision or taxing authority as respectively defined in section 5705.01 of the Revised Code, township park district, board of park commissioners established under Chapter 755. of the Revised Code, or park district established under Chapter 1545. of the Revised Code; to a wholly or partially tax-supported university, university branch, or college; to a nonprofit institution of higher education that has a certificate of authorization under Chapter 1713. of the Revised Code; to the governing authority of a chartered nonpublic school; or to the board of trustees of a school district library, upon such terms as are agreed upon. The sale of real or personal property to the board of trustees of a school district library is limited, in the case of real property, to a school district library within whose boundaries the real property is situated, or, in the case of personal property, to a school district library whose boundaries lie in whole or in part within the school district of the selling board of education.

(D) When a board of education decides to trade as a part or an entire consideration, an item of personal property on the purchase price of an item of similar personal property, it may trade the same upon such terms as are agreed upon by the parties to the trade.

(E) The president and the treasurer of the board of education shall execute and deliver deeds or other necessary instruments of conveyance to complete any sale or trade under this section.

(F) When a board of education has identified a parcel of real property that it determines is needed for school purposes, the board may, upon a majority vote of the members of the board, acquire that property by exchanging real property that the board owns in its corporate capacity for the identified real property or by using real property that the board owns in its corporate capacity as part or an entire consideration for the purchase price of the identified real property. Any exchange or acquisition made pursuant to this division shall be made by a conveyance executed by the president and the treasurer of the board.

(G) When a school district board of education has property that the board, by resolution, finds is not needed for school district use, is obsolete, or is unfit for the use for which it was acquired, the board may donate that property in accordance with this division if the fair market value of the property is, in the opinion of the board, two thousand five hundred dollars or less.

The property may be donated to an eligible nonprofit organization that is located in this state and is exempt from federal income taxation pursuant to 26 U.S.C. 501(a) and (c)(3). Before donating any property under this division, the board shall adopt a resolution expressing its intent to make unneeded, obsolete, or unfit-for-use school district property available to these organizations. The resolution shall include guidelines and procedures the board considers to be necessary to implement the donation program and shall indicate whether the school district will conduct the donation program or the board will contract with a representative to conduct it. If a representative is known when the resolution is adopted, the resolution shall provide contact information such as the representative's name, address, and telephone number.

The resolution shall include within its procedures a requirement that any nonprofit organization desiring to obtain donated property under this division shall submit a written notice to the board or its representative. The written notice shall include evidence that the organization is a nonprofit organization that is located in this state and is exempt from federal income taxation pursuant to 26 U.S.C. 501(a) and (c)(3); a description of the organization's primary purpose; a description of the type or types of property the organization needs; and the name, address, and telephone number of a person designated by the organization's governing board to receive donated property and to serve as its agent. The written notice may be submitted electronically to the board or its representative.

After adoption of the resolution, the board shall continually post in the board's office notice of its intent to donate school district property that is unneeded, obsolete, or unfit for use to eligible nonprofit organizations. If the school district maintains a web site on the internet, the notice shall be posted continually at that web site.

The board or its representatives shall maintain a list of all nonprofit organizations that notify the board or its representative of their desire to obtain donated property under this division and that the board or its representative determines to be eligible, in accordance with the requirements set forth in this section and in the donation program's guidelines and procedures, to receive donated property.

The board or its representative also shall maintain a list of all school district property the board finds to be unneeded, obsolete, or unfit for use and to be available for donation under this division. The list shall be posted continually in a conspicuous location in the board's office, and, if the school district maintains a web site on the internet, the list shall be posted continually at that web site. An item of property on the list shall be donated to the eligible nonprofit organization that first declares to the board or its representative its desire to obtain the item unless the board previously has established, by resolution, a list of eligible nonprofit organizations that shall be given priority with respect to the item's donation. Priority may be given on the basis that the purposes of a nonprofit organization have a direct relationship to specific school district purposes of programs provided or administered by the board. A resolution giving priority to certain nonprofit organizations with respect to the donation of an item of property shall specify the reasons why the organizations are given that priority.

Members of the board shall consult with the Ohio ethics commission, and comply with Chapters 102. and 2921. of the Revised Code, with respect to any donation under this division to a nonprofit organization of which a board member, any member of a board member's family, or any business associate of a board member is a trustee, officer, board member, or employee.

Last updated August 16, 2023 at 12:03 PM

Section 3313.411 | Lease or sale of unused school facilities.

• Effective: July 1, 2022
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 110 - 134th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "College-preparatory boarding school" means a college-preparatory boarding school established under Chapter 3328. of the Revised Code.

(2) "Community school" means a community school established under Chapter 3314. of the Revised Code.

(3) "High-performing community school" has the same meaning as in section 3313.413 of the Revised Code.

(4) "STEM school" means a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics school established under Chapter 3326. of the Revised Code.

(5) "Unused school facilities" means either:

(a) Any real property that has been used by a school district for school operations, including, but not limited to, academic instruction or administration, since July 1, 1998, but has not been used in that capacity for one year;

(b) Any school building that has been used for direct academic instruction but less than sixty per cent of the building was used for that purpose in the preceding school year.

(B)(1) Except as provided in section 3313.412 of the Revised Code, on and after June 30, 2011, any school district board of education shall offer any unused school facilities it owns in its corporate capacity for lease or sale to the governing authorities of community schools, the boards of trustees of any college-preparatory boarding schools, and the governing bodies of any STEM schools, that are located within the territory of the district. Not later than sixty days after the district board makes the offer, interested governing authorities, boards of trustees, and governing bodies shall notify the district treasurer in writing of the intention to lease or purchase the property.

The district board shall give priority to the governing authorities of high-performing community schools that are located within the territory of the district.

(2) At the same time that a district board makes the offer required under division (B)(1) of this section, the board also may, but shall not be required to, offer that property for sale or lease to the governing authorities of community schools with plans, stipulated in their contracts entered into under section 3314.03 of the Revised Code, either to relocate their operations to the territory of the district or to add facilities, as authorized by division (B)(3) or (4) of section 3314.05 of the Revised Code, to be located within the territory of the district.

(C)(1) If, not later than sixty days after the district board makes the offer, only one governing authority of a high-performing community school offered the property under division (B) of this section notifies the district treasurer in writing of the intention to purchase the property pursuant to that division, the district board shall sell the property to that party for the appraised fair market value of the property as determined in an appraisal of the property that is not more than one year old.

If, not later than sixty days after the district board makes the offer, more than one governing authority of a high-performing community school offered the property under division (B) of this section notifies the district treasurer in writing of the intention to purchase the property pursuant to that division, the board shall conduct a public auction in the manner required for auctions of district property under division (A) of section 3313.41 of the Revised Code. Only the governing authorities of high-performing community schools that notified the district treasurer of the intention to purchase the property pursuant to division (B) of this section are eligible to bid at the auction. The district board is not obligated to accept any bid for the property that is lower than the appraised fair market value of the property as determined in an appraisal that is not more than one year old.

(2) If, not later than sixty days after the district board makes the offer, no governing authority of a high-performing community school notifies the district treasurer of its intention to purchase the property pursuant to division (B) of this section, the board shall then proceed with the offers from all other start-up community schools, college-preparatory boarding schools, and STEM schools made pursuant to that division.

If more than one such entity notifies the district treasurer of its intention to purchase the property pursuant to division (B) of this section, the board shall conduct a public auction in the manner required for auctions of district property under division (A) of section 3313.41 of the Revised Code. Only the entities that notified the district treasurer pursuant to division (B) of this section are eligible to bid at the auction.

(3) If more than one governing authority of a high-performing community school notifies the district treasurer in writing of the intention to lease the property pursuant to division (B) of this section, the district board shall conduct a lottery to select from among those governing authorities the one qualified governing authority to which the district board shall lease the property.

If no such governing authority of a high-performing community school notifies the district treasurer of its intention to lease the property pursuant to division (B) of this section, the board shall then proceed with the offers from all other start-up community schools, college-preparatory boarding schools, and STEM schools made pursuant to that division. If more than one other start-up community school, college-preparatory boarding school, or STEM school notified the district treasurer of its intention to lease the property pursuant to division (B) of this section, the district board shall conduct a lottery to select from among those parties the one qualified party to which the district board shall lease the property.

(4) The lease price offered by a district board to a community school, college-preparatory boarding school, or STEM school under this section shall not be higher than the fair market value for such a leasehold as determined in an appraisal that is not more than one year old.

(5) If no qualified party offered the property under division (B) of this section accepts the offer to lease or buy the property within sixty days after the offer is made, the district board may offer the property to any other entity in accordance with divisions (A) to (F) of section 3313.41 of the Revised Code.

(D) Notwithstanding division (B) of this section, a school district board may renew any agreement it originally entered into prior to June 30, 2011, to lease real property to an entity other than a community school, college-preparatory boarding school, or STEM school. Nothing in this section shall affect the leasehold arrangements between the district board and that other entity.

(E)(1) Except as provided in division (E)(2) of this section, the governing authority of a community school, board of trustees of a college-preparatory boarding school, or governing body of a STEM school shall not sell any property purchased under division (B) of this section within five years of purchasing that property.

(2) The governing authority, board of trustees, or governing body may sell a property purchased under division (B) of this section within five years of the purchase, only if the governing authority, board of trustees, or governing body sells or transfers that property to another entity described in that division.

Last updated July 1, 2022 at 4:05 AM

Section 3313.412 | Direct sale or lease of real property to STEM school.

• Effective: April 6, 2017
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 438 - 131st General Assembly

A school district board of education may offer for sale or lease any parcel of real property directly to the governing body of a STEM school established under Chapter 3326. of the Revised Code without offering that property under division (A) and former division (G) of section 3313.41 or under section 3313.411 of the Revised Code, if all of the following apply:

(A) The district board offered that real property for sale under former division (G) of section 3313.41 of the Revised Code prior to June 30, 2011.

(B) No entity accepted the offer described in division (A) of this section.

(C) The district board still owns that real property and has decided again to dispose of it by sale or lease.

(D) The STEM school, to which the real property is sold or leased under this section, was approved for operation under section 3326.03 of the Revised Code between October 1 and December 31, 2012.

Section 3313.413 | Priority consideration of high-performing community schools in sale or lease of real property or school facilities.

• Effective: October 24, 2024
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 168 - 135th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section, "high-performing community school" means either of the following:

(1) A community school established under Chapter 3314. of the Revised Code that meets the following conditions:

(a) Except as provided in division (A)(1)(b) or (c) of this section, the school both:

(i) Has received either a grade of "A," "B," or "C" for the performance index score under division (C)(1)(b) of section 3302.03 of the Revised Code or a performance rating of three stars or higher for achievement under division (D)(3)(b) of that section; or has increased its performance index score under division (C)(1)(b) or (D)(1)(d) of section 3302.03 of the Revised Code in each of the previous three years of operation; and

(ii) Has received either a grade of "A" or "B" for the value-added progress dimension under division (C)(1)(e) of section 3302.03 of the Revised Code or a performance rating of four stars or higher for progress under division (D)(3)(c) of that section on its most recent report card rating issued under that section.

(b) If the school serves only grades kindergarten through three, the school received either a grade of "A" or "B" for making progress in improving literacy in grades kindergarten through three under division (C)(1)(g) of section 3302.03 of the Revised Code or a performance rating of four stars or higher for early literacy under division (D)(3)(e) of that section on its most recent report card issued under that section.

(c) If the school primarily serves students enrolled in a dropout prevention and recovery program as described in division (B)(1) of section 3314.35 of the Revised Code, the school received a rating of "exceeds standards" on its most recent report card issued under section 3314.017 of the Revised Code.

(2) A newly established community school that is implementing a community school model that has a track record of high-quality academic performance, as determined by the department of education and workforce.

(B) When a school district board of education decides to dispose of real property it owns in its corporate capacity under section 3313.41 of the Revised Code, the board shall first offer that property to the governing authorities of all start-up community schools, the boards of trustees of any college-preparatory boarding schools, and the governing bodies of any STEM schools that are located within the territory of the district. Not later than sixty days after the district board makes the offer, interested governing authorities, boards of trustees, and governing bodies shall notify the district treasurer in writing of the intention to purchase the property.

The district board shall give priority to the governing authorities of high-performing community schools that are located within the territory of the district.

(1) If more than one governing authority of a high-performing community school notifies the district treasurer of its intention to purchase the property pursuant to division (B) of this section, the board shall conduct a public auction in the manner required for auctions of district property under division (A) of section 3313.41 of the Revised Code. Only the governing authorities of high-performing community schools that notified the district treasurer pursuant to division (B) of this section are eligible to bid at the auction.

(2) If no governing authority of a high-performing community school notifies the district treasurer of its intention to purchase the property pursuant to division (B) of this section, the board shall then proceed with the offers from all other start-up community schools, college-preparatory boarding schools, and STEM schools made pursuant to that division. If more than one such entity notifies the district treasurer of its intention to purchase the property pursuant to division (B) of this section, the board shall conduct a public auction in the manner required for auctions of district property under division (A) of section 3313.41 of the Revised Code. Only the entities that notified the district treasurer pursuant to division (B) of this section are eligible to bid at the auction.

(3) If no governing authority, board of trustees, or governing body notifies the district treasurer of its intention to purchase the property pursuant to division (B) of this section, the district may then offer the property for sale in the manner prescribed under divisions (A) to (F) of section 3313.41 of the Revised Code.

(C) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in sections 3313.41 and 3313.411 of the Revised Code, the purchase price of any real property sold to any of the entities in accordance with division (B) of this section shall not be more than the appraised fair market value of that property as determined in an appraisal of the property that is not more than one year old.

(D) Not later than the first day of October of each year, the department of education and workforce shall post in a prominent location on its web site a list of schools that qualify as high-performing community schools for purposes of this section and section 3313.411 of the Revised Code.

Last updated August 14, 2024 at 9:28 AM

Section 3313.42 | School district of this state and another state may maintain a school jointly.

• Effective: October 29, 1996
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 230 - 121st General Assembly

(A) When in the judgment of a board of education of any school district in this state, lying adjacent to a school district of another state, the best interests of the public schools can be promoted by purchasing school grounds, repairing or erecting a schoolhouse, and maintaining them jointly between the two adjacent school districts, the board of education of the school district of this state so situated may enter into an agreement with the school authorities of said adjacent school district for the purpose of purchasing school grounds, repairing or constructing a school building, purchasing school furniture, equipment, appliances, fuel, employing teachers, and maintaining a school. The board of education of this state may levy taxes and perform such other duties in maintaining such joint school as are otherwise provided by law for maintaining the public schools in this state.

In carrying out this section the school district shall pay such proportion of the cost of purchasing school grounds, repairing or erecting a building, and in maintaining the joint school as is equitable and just in the judgment of the board of education and trustees of the two adjacent school districts.

(B) In any school district that has entered into an agreement under division (A) of this section, the state minimum teacher salary requirements prescribed by section 3317.13 of the Revised Code do not apply if the total expenditures by the school district for teacher salaries in any school year equals or exceeds the total minimum expenditures that would have been required in that year if such minimum teacher salary requirements did apply.

(C) Notwithstanding sections 3319.01, 3319.02, and 3313.22 of the Revised Code, the board of education of a local school district that has entered into an agreement with an adjacent school district in another state under division (A) of this section may contract with the educational service center within which the local school district is located for the service center to provide any administrative services specified in the agreement to the local school district and the adjacent district. If such an agreement provides for the duties of a district treasurer, superintendent, or principals to be performed by the service center, the local school district is not required to employ persons to perform such duties.

Section 3313.43 | Dedication of school lands for street purposes - certificate of dedication.

• Effective: January 16, 1980
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 44 - 113th General Assembly

When the board of education of any school district owns or holds lands for school purposes and said lands are not accessible by reason of the want of any street or public highway leading thereto and it becomes necessary that streets and highways be dedicated and opened for the purpose of making such lands accessible and available for the public use, and in so doing it becomes necessary to use and occupy part of said school lands for street or highway purposes, such board may, by resolution, authorize that a true map or plat of said lands be made by a competent engineer, delineating thereon the proposed streets or highways, and shall authorize the president and treasurer of the board to execute and acknowledge thereon a certificate of dedication of such lands as are embraced therein as streets and highways, for the use of the general public as such. The legislative authority of any municipal corporation, within which such lands are situated may, by ordinance, accept such lands so dedicated as public streets, and the same shall thereafter be under the control and supervision of such legislative authority as streets and highways.

Section 3313.44 | School property exempt from taxation.

• Effective: September 13, 2010
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 181 - 128th General Assembly

Real or personal property owned by or leased to any board of education for a lease term of at least fifty years shall be exempt from taxation.

Section 3313.45 | Board may execute and deliver contracts or leases to mineral lands.

• Effective: June 22, 1984
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 37 - 115th General Assembly

When, in its opinion, the school district would be benefited thereby, the board of education may make, execute, and deliver contracts or leases to mine iron ore, stone, coal, petroleum, gas, salt, and other mineral upon lands owned by such school district, to any person, association, or corporation, who complies with the terms prescribed by the board as to consideration, rights of way, and occupancy of ground for necessary purposes, and all other matters of contract shall be such as the board deems most advantageous to the school district. Such contracts or leases shall be forfeited to the school district for noncompliance with any of the terms therein set forth, and shall not operate as a conveyance of the fee to any part of the realty. No such contract or lease, except a contract or lease for exploration for or production of petroleum or gas, shall be valid for more than fifteen years from the date thereof. The consideration of such contracts and leases shall be such rental or royalty as is prescribed by the board and payable as prescribed in such contract or lease, but at least once in every year, and shall be payable to the treasurer of the school district, who shall give a receipt therefor and deposit same in the general fund of such school district.

Section 3313.451 | Investigation, exploration, production of oil and gas.

• Effective: March 28, 1985
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 581 - 115th General Assembly

The board of education of any school district may contract with a geologist experienced in making such reports or a report on the feasibility of exploring for petroleum and gas on property owned by the board. Upon receipt of a favorable report from such geologist, the board may, by two-thirds vote of all of its members, appropriate and expend funds and may enter into contracts with others, including any public entity or governmental agency, for the purposes of investigating, exploring, prospecting, or drilling for petroleum and gas and the constituent components and mineral by-products thereof upon lands owned by the board.

Following such investigation, exploration, prospecting, or drilling, the board may, by majority vote of all of its members, appropriate and expend funds and may enter into contracts with others, including any public entity or governmental agency, for the purposes of extracting, producing, selling, using, or transporting such petroleum, gas, components, and by-products.

All contracts authorized by this section shall be on such terms as the board considers most advantageous to the school district. The authority granted by this section is supplementary to the authority granted in section 3313.45 of the Revised Code.

Section 3313.46 | Contract bidding process; exceptions.

• Effective: October 24, 2024
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 168 - 135th General Assembly

(A) In addition to any other law governing the bidding for contracts by the board of education of any school district, when any such board determines to build, repair, enlarge, improve, or demolish any school building, the cost of which will exceed the amount specified in section 9.17 of the Revised Code, except in cases of urgent necessity, or for the security and protection of school property, and except as otherwise provided in division (D) of section 713.23 and in section 125.04 of the Revised Code, all of the following shall apply:

(1) The board shall cause to be prepared the plans, specifications, and related information as required in divisions (A)(1), (2), and (3) of section 153.01 of the Revised Code unless the board determines that other information is sufficient to inform any bidders of the board's requirements. However, if the board determines that such other information is sufficient for bidding a project, the board shall not engage in the construction of any such project involving the practice of professional engineering, professional surveying, or architecture, for which plans, specifications, and estimates have not been made by, and the construction thereof inspected by, a licensed professional engineer, licensed professional surveyor, or registered architect.

(2) The board shall advertise for bids once each week for a period of not less than two consecutive weeks, or as provided in section 7.16 of the Revised Code, in a newspaper of general circulation in the district before the date specified by the board for receiving bids. The board may also cause notice to be inserted in trade papers or other publications designated by it or to be distributed by electronic means, including posting the notice on the board's internet web site. If the board posts the notice on its web site, it may eliminate the second notice otherwise required to be published in a newspaper of general circulation within the school district, provided that the first notice published in such newspaper meets all of the following requirements:

(a) It is published at least two weeks before the opening of bids.

(b) It includes a statement that the notice is posted on the board of education's internet web site.

(c) It includes the internet address of the board's internet web site.

(d) It includes instructions describing how the notice may be accessed on the board's internet web site.

(3) Unless the board extends the time for the opening of bids they shall be opened at the time and place specified by the board in the advertisement for the bids.

(4) Each bid shall contain the name of every person interested therein. Each bid shall meet the requirements of section 153.54 of the Revised Code.

(5) When both labor and materials are embraced in the work bid for, the board may require that each be separately stated in the bid, with the price thereof, or may require that bids be submitted without such separation.

(6) None but the lowest responsible bid shall be accepted. The board may reject all the bids, or accept any bid for both labor and material for such improvement or repair, which is the lowest in the aggregate. In all other respects, the award of contracts for improvement or repair, but not for purchases made under section 3327.08 of the Revised Code, shall be pursuant to section 153.12 of the Revised Code.

(7) The contract shall be between the board and the bidders. The board shall pay the contract price for the work pursuant to sections 153.13 and 153.14 of the Revised Code. The board shall approve and retain the estimates referred to in section 153.13 of the Revised Code and make them available to the auditor of state upon request.

(8) When two or more bids are equal, in the whole, or in any part thereof, and are lower than any others, either may be accepted, but in no case shall the work be divided between such bidders.

(9) When there is reason to believe there is collusion or combination among the bidders, or any number of them, the bids of those concerned therein shall be rejected.

(B) Division (A) of this section does not apply to the board of education of any school district in any of the following situations:

(1) The acquisition of educational materials used in teaching.

(2) If the board determines and declares by resolution adopted by two-thirds of all its members that any item is available and can be acquired only from a single source.

(3) If the board declares by resolution adopted by two-thirds of all its members that division (A) of this section does not apply to any installation, modification, or remodeling involved in any energy conservation measure undertaken through an installment payment contract under section 3313.372 of the Revised Code or undertaken pursuant to division (G)(1) of section 133.06 of the Revised Code.

(4) The acquisition of computer software for instructional purposes and computer hardware for instructional purposes pursuant to division (B)(4) of section 3313.37 of the Revised Code.

(C) No resolution adopted pursuant to division (B)(2) or (3) of this section shall have any effect on whether sections 153.12 to 153.14 and 153.54 of the Revised Code apply to the board of education of any school district with regard to any item.

Last updated August 15, 2024 at 4:44 PM

Section 3313.47 | Management and control of schools vested in board of education.

• Effective: July 1, 1993
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 152 - 120th General Assembly

Each city, exempted village, or local board of education shall have the management and control of all of the public schools of whatever name or character that it operates in its respective district. If the board has adopted an annual appropriation resolution, it may, by general resolution, authorize the superintendent or other officer to appoint janitors, superintendents of buildings, and such other employees as are provided for in such annual appropriation resolution.

Section 3313.471 | Presentation of career information.

• Effective: June 29, 2018
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 98 - 132nd General Assembly

(A) As used in this section, "armed forces" means the Ohio national guard, the Ohio naval militia, the Ohio military reserve, and the active and reserve components of the United States army, navy, air force, marine corps, and coast guard.

(B) No school district board of education shall impose any restriction on the presentation of career information to students that is not uniformly imposed on representatives of the armed forces, skilled trades, institutions of higher education, career-technical education providers, business, industry, charitable institutions, and other employers or prohibit the presentation of information or recruitment of students by those representatives for employment, employment training, or education on the district's campus. The board shall provide equal access to any of the district's employment or placement services to all of the entities described in this division.

(C) The district board shall provide any entity described in division (B) of this section with at least two opportunities per school year to present information in person to all students in grades nine through twelve individually or in a group setting and shall provide students with the opportunity to speak in person with the entities that participate in those opportunities. This requirement may be satisfied by providing common area access for presentation of information materials or by providing a scheduled educational or career fair.

(D) To the extent permitted by federal law and in accordance with this section, the district board may develop an application process for entities that wish to access school property for the purpose of presenting information to students. The board may develop standards of conduct and require entities to adhere to those standards as a condition of continued access and presentation of information materials.

Last updated February 25, 2022 at 9:14 AM

Section 3313.472 | Policy on parental and foster caregiver involvement in schools.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) The board of education of each city, exempted village, local, and joint vocational school district shall adopt a policy on parental involvement in the schools of the district. The policy shall be designed to build consistent and effective communication between the parents and foster caregivers of students enrolled in the district and the teachers and administrators assigned to the schools their children or foster children attend. The policy shall provide the opportunity for parents and foster caregivers to be actively involved in their children's or foster children's education and to be informed of the following:

(1) The importance of the involvement of parents and foster caregivers in directly affecting the success of their children's or foster children's educational efforts;

(2) How and when to assist their children or foster children in and support their children's or foster children's classroom learning activities;

(3) Techniques, strategies, and skills to use at home to improve their children's or foster children's academic success and to support their children's or foster children's academic efforts at school and their children's or foster children's development as future responsible adult members of society.

(B) The department of education and workforce shall adopt recommendations for the development of parental involvement policies under this section. Prior to adopting the recommendations, the department shall consult with the national center for parents at the university of Toledo.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 4:23 PM

Section 3313.48 | Free education to be provided; hours in a school year.

• Effective: October 24, 2024
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 168 - 135th General Assembly

(A) The board of education of each city, exempted village, local, and joint vocational school district shall provide for the free education of the youth of school age within the district under its jurisdiction, at such places as will be most convenient for the attendance of the largest number thereof. Each school so provided and each chartered nonpublic school shall be open for instruction with pupils in attendance, including scheduled classes, supervised activities, and approved education options but excluding lunch and breakfast periods and extracurricular activities, for not less than four hundred fifty-five hours in the case of pupils in kindergarten unless such pupils are provided all-day kindergarten, as defined in section 3321.05 of the Revised Code, in which case the pupils shall be in attendance for nine hundred ten hours; nine hundred ten hours in the case of pupils in grades one through six; and one thousand one hours in the case of pupils in grades seven through twelve in each school year, which may include all of the following:

(1) Up to the equivalent of two school days per year during which pupils would otherwise be in attendance but are not required to attend for the purpose of individualized parent-teacher conferences and reporting periods;

(2) Up to the equivalent of two school days per year during which pupils would otherwise be in attendance but are not required to attend for professional meetings of teachers;

(3) Morning and afternoon recess periods of not more than fifteen minutes duration per period for pupils in grades kindergarten through six.

(B) Not later than thirty days prior to adopting a school calendar, the board of education of each city, exempted village, and local school district shall hold a public hearing on the school calendar, addressing topics that include, but are not limited to, the total number of hours in a school year, length of school day, and beginning and end dates of instruction. The public hearing required under this division need not be a separate, individual hearing and may be part of another public hearing or board meeting.

(C) No school operated by a city, exempted village, local, or joint vocational school district shall reduce the number of hours in each school year that the school is scheduled to be open for instruction from the number of hours per year the school was open for instruction during the previous school year unless the reduction is approved by a resolution adopted by the district board of education. Any reduction so approved shall not result in fewer hours of instruction per school year than the applicable number of hours required under division (A) of this section.

(D) Prior to making any change in the hours or days in which a high school under its jurisdiction is open for instruction, the board of education of each city, exempted village, and local school district shall consider the compatibility of the proposed change with the scheduling needs of any joint vocational school district in which any of the high school's students are also enrolled. The board shall consider the impact of the proposed change on student access to the instructional programs offered by the joint vocational school district, incentives for students to participate in career-technical education, transportation, and the timing of graduation. The board shall provide the joint vocational school district board with advance notice of the proposed change and the two boards shall enter into a written agreement prescribing reasonable accommodations to meet the scheduling needs of the joint vocational school district prior to implementation of the change.

(E) Subject to section 3327.016 of the Revised Code, prior to making any change in the hours or days in which a school under its jurisdiction is open for instruction, the board of education of each city, exempted village, and local school district shall consider the compatibility of the proposed change with the scheduling needs of any community school established under Chapter 3314. of the Revised Code to which the district is required to transport students under sections 3314.09 and 3327.01 of the Revised Code. The board shall consider the impact of the proposed change on student access to the instructional programs offered by the community school, transportation, and the timing of graduation. The board shall provide the sponsor, governing authority, and operator of the community school with advance notice of the proposed change, and the board and the governing authority, or operator if such authority is delegated to the operator, shall enter into a written agreement prescribing reasonable accommodations to meet the scheduling needs of the community school prior to implementation of the change.

(F) Subject to section 3327.016 of the Revised Code, prior to making any change in the hours or days in which the schools under its jurisdiction are open for instruction, the board of education of each city, exempted village, and local school district shall consult with the chartered nonpublic schools to which the district is required to transport students under section 3327.01 of the Revised Code and shall consider the effect of the proposed change on the schedule for transportation of those students to their nonpublic schools. The governing authority of a chartered nonpublic school shall consult with each school district board of education that transports students to the chartered nonpublic school under section 3327.01 of the Revised Code prior to making any change in the hours or days in which the nonpublic school is open for instruction.

(G) The department of education and workforce shall not adopt or enforce any rule or standard that imposes on chartered nonpublic schools the procedural requirements imposed on school districts by divisions (B), (C), (D), and (E) of this section.

Last updated August 15, 2024 at 4:44 PM

Section 3313.481 | School schedule.

• Effective: July 1, 2014
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 59 - 130th General Assembly

Wherever in Title XXXIII of the Revised Code the term "school day" is used, unless otherwise specified, that term shall be construed to mean the time during a calendar day that a school is open for instruction pursuant to the schedule adopted by the board of education of the school district or the governing authority of the chartered nonpublic school in accordance with section 3313.48 of the Revised Code.

Section 3313.482 | Online make-up hours.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Community school" means a community school established under Chapter 3314. of the Revised Code that is not an internet- or computer-based community school, as defined in section 3314.02 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Qualifying school" means a school operated by a school district, a community school, a STEM school, or a chartered nonpublic school that is not operating using a blended learning model in accordance with section 3302.41 of the Revised Code for the applicable school year. However, "qualifying school" does not include any school operated by a school district that uses an online learning model pursuant to section 3302.42 of the Revised Code.

(3) "School district" means a city, local, exempted village, or joint vocational school district.

(4) "STEM school" means a STEM school established under Chapter 3326. of the Revised Code.

(B)(1) Not later than the first day of August of each school year, the governing body of each qualifying school shall adopt a plan to provide instruction via online delivery in order to make up hours in that school year for which it is necessary to close schools for disease epidemic, hazardous weather conditions, law enforcement emergencies, inoperability of school buses or other equipment necessary to the school's operation, damage to a school building, or other temporary circumstances due to utility failure rendering the school building unfit for use.

(2) Each plan shall be designed to ensure continuity of learning for students during a school closure and shall include all of the following:

(a) A statement that the qualifying school, to the extent possible, will provide for teacher-directed synchronous learning in which the teacher and students are interacting in real time on a virtual learning platform during the closure;

(b) The qualifying school's attendance requirements, including how the school will document participation in learning opportunities and how the school will reach out to students to ensure engagement during the closure;

(c) A description of how equitable access to quality instruction will be ensured, including how the qualifying school will address the needs of students with disabilities, English learners, and other vulnerable student populations;

(d) The process the qualifying school will use to notify staff, students, and parents that the school will be using online delivery of instruction;

(e) Information on contacting teachers by telephone, electronic mail, or a virtual learning platform during the closure;

(f) A description of how the qualifying school will meet the needs of staff and students regarding internet connectivity and technology for online delivery of instruction.

(3) A plan adopted under this section shall provide for making up any number of hours, up to a maximum of the number of hours that are the equivalent of three school days.

(4) Each plan adopted under this section shall include the written consent of the teachers' employee representative designated under division (B) of section 4117.04 of the Revised Code.

(C) In addition to the hours that may be made up in accordance with division (B) of this section, the board of education of any joint vocational school district may include in its plan adopted under this section other options to make up any number of additional hours missed as a result of one or more of the schools of its member city, exempted village, or local school districts being closed for the reasons specified in division (B)(1) of this section. Those options may include additional online lessons, planned student internships, student projects, or other options specified by the board in its plan.

(D)(1) No school district that implements a plan in accordance with this section shall be considered to have failed to comply with division (B) of section 3317.01 of the Revised Code with respect to the number of make-up hours for which the plan is utilized.

(2) No community school that implements a plan in accordance with this section shall be considered to have failed to comply with the minimum number of hours required under Chapter 3314. of the Revised Code with respect to the number of make-up hours for which the plan is utilized.

(3) No STEM school that implements a plan in accordance with this section shall be considered to have failed to comply with the minimum number of hours required under Chapter 3326. of the Revised Code with respect to the number of make-up hours for which the plan is utilized.

(4) No chartered nonpublic school that implements a plan in accordance with this section shall be considered to have failed to comply with the minimum number of hours required under section 3313.48 of the Revised Code with respect to the number of make-up hours for which the plan is utilized.

Last updated October 5, 2023 at 5:15 AM

Section 3313.483 | Delaying opening for financial reasons.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) A board of education, upon the adoption of a resolution stating that it may be financially unable to open on the day or to remain open for instruction on all days set forth in its adopted school calendar and pay all obligated expenses, or the director of education and workforce upon the issuance of written notification under division (B) of section 3313.489 of the Revised Code, shall request the auditor of state to determine whether such situation exists. The auditor shall deliver a copy of each request from a board of education to the director. In the case of a school district not under a fiscal emergency pursuant to Chapter 3316. of the Revised Code the auditor shall not issue a finding under this section until written notification is received from the director pursuant to section 3313.487 of the Revised Code.

(B) If the auditor of state finds that the board of education has attempted to avail itself to the fullest extent authorized by law of all lawful revenue sources available to it except those authorized by section 5705.21 of the Revised Code, the auditor shall certify that finding to the department of education and workforce and shall certify the operating deficit the district will have at the end of the fiscal year if it commences or continues operating its instructional program in accordance with its adopted school calendar and pays all obligated expenses.

(C) No board of education may delay the opening of its schools or close its schools for financial reasons. Upon the request of the director of education and workforce, the attorney general shall seek injunctive relief and any other relief required to enforce this prohibition in the court of common pleas of Franklin county. The court of common pleas of Franklin county has exclusive original jurisdiction over all such actions.

(D) Upon the receipt of any certification of an operating deficit from the auditor of state, a board of education shall make application to a commercial bank, underwriter, or other prospective lender or purchaser of its obligations for a loan in an amount sufficient to enable the district to open or remain open for instruction on all days set forth in its adopted school calendar but not to exceed the amount of the deficit certified.

(E)(1) Any board of education that has applied for and been denied a loan from a commercial bank, underwriter, or other prospective lender or purchaser of its obligations pursuant to division (D) of this section shall submit to the director of education and workforce a plan for implementing reductions in the school district's budget; apply for a loan from a commercial bank, underwriter, or other prospective lender or purchaser of its obligations in an amount not to exceed its certified deficit; and provide the director such information as the director requires concerning its application for such a loan. The board of education of a school district declared to be under a fiscal watch pursuant to division (A) of section 3316.03 of the Revised Code may, upon approval of the director, utilize the financial plan required by section 3316.04 of the Revised Code, or applicable parts thereof, as the plan required under this division. The board of education of a school district declared to be under a fiscal emergency pursuant to division (B) of section 3316.03 of the Revised Code may utilize the financial recovery plan for the district, or applicable parts thereof, as the plan required under this division. Except for the plan of a school district under a fiscal emergency, the director shall evaluate, make recommendations concerning, and approve or disapprove each plan. When a plan is submitted, the director shall immediately notify the members of the general assembly whose legislative districts include any or all of the territory of the school district submitting the plan.

(2) The director shall submit to the controlling board a copy of each plan the director approves, or each plan submitted by a district under a fiscal emergency pursuant to division (B) of section 3316.03 of the Revised Code, and the general terms of each proposed loan, and shall make recommendations regarding the plan and whether a proposed loan to the board of education should be approved for payment as provided in division (E)(3) of this section. The controlling board shall approve or disapprove the plan and the proposed loan presented to it by the director. In the case of a district not under a fiscal emergency pursuant to division (B) of section 3316.03 of the Revised Code, the controlling board may require a board of education to implement the director's recommendations for expenditure reductions or impose other requirements. Loan repayments shall be in accordance with a schedule approved by the director, except that the principal amount of the loan shall be payable in monthly, semiannual, or annual installments of principal and interest that are substantially equal principal and interest installments. Except as otherwise provided in division (E)(2) of this section, repayment shall be made no later than the fifteenth day of June of the second fiscal year following the approval of the loan. A school district with a certified deficit in excess of either twenty-five million dollars or fifteen per cent of the general fund expenditures of the district during the fiscal year shall repay the loan no later than the fifteenth day of June of the tenth fiscal year following the approval of the loan. In deciding whether to approve or disapprove a proposed loan, the controlling board shall consider the deficit certified by the auditor of state pursuant to this section. A board of education that has an outstanding loan approved pursuant to this section with a repayment date of more than two fiscal years after the date of approval of such loan may not apply for another loan with such a repayment date until the outstanding loan has been repaid.

(3) If a board of education has submitted and received controlling board approval of a plan and proposed loan in accordance with this section, the director of education and workforce shall report to the controlling board the actual amounts loaned to the board of education. Such board of education shall request the director to pay any funds the board of education would otherwise receive pursuant to Chapter 3306. of the Revised Code first directly to the holders of the board of education's notes, or an agent thereof, such amounts as are specified under the terms of the loan. Such payments shall be made only from and to the extent of money appropriated by the general assembly for purposes of such sections. No note or other obligation of the board of education under the loan constitutes an obligation nor a debt or a pledge of the faith, credit, or taxing power of the state, and the holder or owner of such note or obligation has no right to have taxes levied by the general assembly for the payment of such note or obligation, and such note or obligation shall contain a statement to that effect.

(4) Pursuant to the terms of such a loan, a board of education may issue its notes in anticipation of the collection of its voted levies for current expenses or its receipt of such state funds or both. Such notes shall be issued in accordance with division (E) of section 133.10 of the Revised Code and constitute Chapter 133. securities to the extent such division and the otherwise applicable provisions of Chapter 133. of the Revised Code are not inconsistent with this section, provided that in any event sections 133.24 and 5705.21 and divisions (A), (B), (C), and (E)(2) of section 133.10 of the Revised Code do not apply to such notes.

(5) Notwithstanding section 133.36 or 3313.17, any other section of the Revised Code, or any other provision of law, a board of education that has received a loan under this section may not declare bankruptcy, so long as any portion of such loan remains unpaid.

(F) Under this section and section 3313.4810, "board of education" or "district board" includes the financial planning and supervision commission of a school district under a fiscal emergency pursuant to Chapter 3316. of the Revised Code where such commission chooses to exercise the powers and duties otherwise required of the district board of education under this section and section 3313.4810 of the Revised Code.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 4:24 PM

Section 3313.484 | Loans after 3-1-98 prohibited - subsidy for interest expense.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

No loan shall be approved under sections 3313.483 to 3313.4810 of the Revised Code after March 1, 1998.

By the last day of June each year, the department of education and workforce shall calculate and pay a subsidy to every school district that during the current fiscal year paid and was obligated to pay interest on a loan under sections 3313.483 to 3313.4810 of the Revised Code in excess of two per cent simple interest. The amount of the subsidy shall equal the difference between the amount of interest the district paid and was obligated to pay during the year and the interest that the district would have been obligated to pay if the interest rate on the loan had been two per cent per year.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 4:24 PM

Section 3313.487 | Report on district's financial condition.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) Upon receipt of a copy of a request for a determination under section 3313.483 of the Revised Code or upon the issuance of written notification under division (B) of section 3313.489 of the Revised Code, the department of education and workforce shall analyze the district's financial condition and ascertain what elements of the district's educational program exceed or fail to meet the minimum standards of the director of education and workforce and requirements set forth in the Revised Code, and what, if any, additional revenues or revenue sources may be available to the district that are not included in its official certificate or amended certificate of estimated resources. The director shall make a written report of the director's findings to the school district's board of education and the auditor of state. The report shall include any recommendations, including reductions in programs which exceed minimum standards of the director or requirements set forth in the Revised Code, that, if followed, would enable the district to reduce its expenses while operating an educational program that is responsive to the educational needs of the school district in accordance with its adopted school calendar. The director may determine that a responsive educational program requires the inclusion of elements exceeding the minimum standards of the director or requirements of the Revised Code. If, upon completion of the analysis and findings as provided in this division, the director determines that the district will be financially unable to operate its educational program in accordance with its adopted school calendar and pay all obligated expenses, the director shall notify the auditor of state in writing. Upon receipt of such notification, the auditor of state shall issue findings pursuant to section 3313.483 of the Revised Code.

(B) Upon the receipt of the director of education and workforce's report under division (A) of this section or a certification from the auditor of state under section 3313.483 of the Revised Code, the director may, at any time during the next ninety days, issue an order making the school district subject to section 3313.488 of the Revised Code if it finds the school district is not able to operate an educational program from existing revenue sources during the current and the ensuing school year. Such order shall take immediate effect, and such section shall apply to the school district. A board of education may appeal the order on questions of fact to the court of common pleas of Franklin county.

(C) Notwithstanding division (B) of this section, the director shall issue an order making a school district subject to section 3313.488 of the Revised Code if the district fails to enter into a loan agreement with a commercial lending institution within forty-five days of the deficit certification pursuant to section 3313.483 of the Revised Code. If the director issues an order under this division, the director shall apply for a loan from a commercial lending institution pursuant to section 3313.483 of the Revised Code on behalf of the district. The director shall have full authority to act on behalf of the board of education of a school district with respect to the making of loan agreements, and any loan agreement made by the director shall be fully binding on the school district.

(D) This section does not apply to a school district declared to be under a fiscal emergency pursuant to division (B) of section 3316.03 of the Revised Code.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 4:25 PM

Section 3313.488 | School district fiscal statement.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) Within fifteen days after the date the director of education and workforce issues an order under section 3313.487 of the Revised Code making a school district subject to this section, the district's board of education shall prepare a fiscal statement of expenses and expenditures for the remainder of the current fiscal year. The fiscal statement shall be submitted to the department of education and workforce and shall set forth all revenues to be received by the district during the remainder of the fiscal year and their sources, the expenses to be incurred by the district during the remainder of the fiscal year, the outstanding and unpaid expenses at the time the fiscal statement is prepared and the date or dates by which such expenses must be paid, and such other information as the director requires to enable the department of education and workforce to ensure that during the remainder of the fiscal year, the district will not incur any expenses that will further impair its ability to operate an instructional program that meets or exceeds the minimum standards of the director and requirements of the Revised Code during the current and ensuing fiscal years with the revenue available to it from existing revenue sources. The fiscal statement shall be presented in such detail and form as the department prescribes. Beginning the tenth day after the fiscal statement is submitted and for the remainder of the fiscal year, the board shall not make any expenditure of money, make any employment, purchase, or rental contract, give any order involving the expenditure of money, or increase any wage or salary schedule unless the director has approved the fiscal statement in writing and the expenditure, contract, order, or schedule has been approved in writing by the director as being in conformity with the fiscal statement.

Any contract or expenditure made, order given, or schedule adopted or put into effect without the written approval of the director is void, and no warrant shall be issued in payment of any amount due thereon.

(B) A board of education subject to division (A) of this section shall prepare a fiscal statement of expenses and expenditures for the ensuing fiscal year. The fiscal statement shall be submitted to the director and shall set forth all revenues to be received by the district during such year and their source, the expenses to be incurred by the district during such year, the outstanding and unpaid expenses on the first day of such fiscal year, the date or dates by which such expenses must be paid, and such other information as the department requires to enable the department to ensure that during such year, the district will not incur any expenses that will further impair its ability to operate an instructional program that meets or exceeds the minimum standards of the director and requirements of the Revised Code during such year with the revenue available to it from existing revenue sources. The fiscal statement shall be presented at the time and in such detail and form as the department prescribes. During the fiscal year following the year in which a board of education first becomes subject to division (A) of this section it shall not make any expenditure of money, make any employment, purchase, or rental contract, give any order involving the expenditure of money, or increase any wage or salary schedule unless the director has approved the fiscal statement submitted under this division in writing and has approved the expenditure, contract, order, or schedule in writing as being in conformity with the fiscal statement.

Any contract or expenditure made, order given, or schedule adopted or put into effect without the written approval of the director is void, and no warrant shall be issued in payment of any amount due thereon.

(C) The department shall examine any fiscal statement presented to and approved by it under division (B) of this section and shall determine whether the data set forth in the fiscal statement are factual and based upon assumptions that in its judgment are reasonable expectations consistent with acceptable governmental budget and accounting practices. If the department so determines and finds that the revenues and expenditures in the fiscal statement are in balance for the fiscal year and the fiscal statement will enable the district to operate during such year without interrupting its school calendar, it shall certify its determination and finding to the district at least thirty days prior to the beginning of the fiscal year, and the district shall thereupon cease to be subject to this section. If the department does not make such a determination and finding, the board of education and school district are subject to this division and division (B) of this section in the ensuing fiscal year and each fiscal year thereafter until the department makes a determination, finding, and certification under this division.

(D) Any officer, employee, or other person who knowingly expends or authorizes the expenditure of any public funds or knowingly authorizes or executes any contract, order, or schedule contrary to division (A) or (B) of this section or who knowingly expends or authorizes the expenditure of any public funds on any such void contract, order, or schedule is jointly and severally liable in person and upon any official bond that the officer, employee, or other person has given to such school district to the extent of any payments on the void claim, not to exceed twenty thousand dollars. The attorney general at the written request of the department shall enforce this liability by civil action brought in any court of appropriate jurisdiction in the name of and on behalf of the school district.

(E) This section does not apply to a school district declared to be under a fiscal emergency pursuant to division (B) of section 3316.03 of the Revised Code.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 4:26 PM

Section 3313.489 | Determining whether district may be unable to operate during entire school year.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) The director of education and workforce shall examine each five-year projection of revenues and expenditures submitted under section 5705.391 of the Revised Code and shall determine whether the information contained therein, together with any other relevant information, indicates that the district may be financially unable to operate its instructional program on all days set forth in its adopted school calendars and pay all obligated expenses during the current fiscal year. If a board of education has not adopted a school calendar for the school year beginning on the first day of July of the current fiscal year at the time an examination is required under this division, the director shall examine the five-year projection and determine whether the district may be financially unable to pay all obligated expenses and operate its instructional program for the number of days on which instruction was held in the preceding fiscal year.

(B) If the director of education and workforce determines pursuant to division (A) of this section that a school district may be financially unable to operate its instructional program on all days required by such division and pay all obligated expenses during the current fiscal year, the director shall provide written notification of such determination to the president of the district's board of education and the auditor of state.

(C) This section does not apply to a school district declared to be under a fiscal emergency pursuant to division (B) of section 3316.03 of the Revised Code.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 4:26 PM

Section 3313.4810 | Receiving loans.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

Any school district receiving a loan under section 3313.483 of the Revised Code in excess of seven per cent of the general fund expenditures of the district during the fiscal year in which the loan is received and that has received a loan under that section within the last five years is subject to section 3313.488 of the Revised Code for the duration of the fiscal year in which the district receives the loan and during the ensuing two fiscal years. The controlling board may not relieve a school district to which this section applies from any requirements imposed under section 3313.483 of the Revised Code to implement recommendations of the director of education and workforce for expenditure reduction and may not modify any other requirements imposed under such section upon such a district as a condition for receiving the loan unless expressly authorized to do so by law. The director shall, among any recommendations the director makes for expenditure reduction under section 3313.483 of the Revised Code affecting the number of employees of a school district to which this section applies, provide wherever possible for the retention of teachers who are actually involved in the daily teaching of students in the classroom.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 4:27 PM

Section 3313.49 | Suspension of school - resolution of board - transfer of pupils.

• Effective: October 1, 1953
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly

The board of education of each city, exempted village, and local school district may suspend, by resolution, temporarily or permanently, any school in such district because of disadvantageous location or any other cause. Whenever any school is suspended, the board of education of the district shall at once provide for the assignment of the pupils residing within the territory of the suspended school to such other schools as are named by said board.

Section 3313.50 | Record of tests - statistical data - individual records.

• Effective: December 23, 1986
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 428 - 116th General Assembly

Boards of education and boards of health making tests for determining defects in hearing and vision in school children shall keep an accurate record of such tests and of measures taken to correct such hearing and visual defects. This record shall be kept on a form to be prescribed and furnished or approved by the director of health. Statistical data from such records shall be made available to official state and local health, education, and human services departments and agencies. Individual records shall be made available to such departments and agencies only in cases where there is evidence that no measures have been taken to correct defects determined by such tests, provided that such records shall be made available to school authorities where they are deemed essential in establishing special education facilities for children with hearing and visual defects.

Section 3313.51 | Disbursement and deposit of school funds.

• Effective: July 31, 1980
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 694 - 113th General Assembly

In every school district the treasurer of the board of education shall be the treasurer of the school funds. No moneys of a school district shall be paid out except on a check signed by the treasurer. If the treasurer is incapacitated in such manner that he is unable to sign such checks, the board may appoint an officer of the school district to sign such checks in the capacity of the treasurer. Payroll disbursements constitute an exception to this requirement if otherwise provided by law. All moneys received by a treasurer of a school district from any source whatsoever shall be immediately placed by him in a depository designated by the board of education of such school district, as provided by sections 135.01 to 135.21 of the Revised Code.

Section 3313.52 | Evening schools.

• Effective: January 1, 1974
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 1 - 110th General Assembly

The board of education of a city, exempted village, or local school district may organize evening schools.

Any person more than eighteen years old may be permitted to attend evening school upon such terms and upon payment of such tuition as the board prescribes.

Section 3313.53 | Special instruction departments and schools - pupil-activity programs.

• Effective: October 16, 2009
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 128th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Licensed individual" means an individual who holds a valid educator license, certificate, or permit issued by the state board of education under section 3319.22, 3319.26, or 3319.27 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Nonlicensed individual" means an individual who does not hold a valid educator license, certificate, or permit issued by the state board of education under section 3319.22, 3319.26, or 3319.27 of the Revised Code.

(B) The board of education of any city, exempted village, or local school district may establish and maintain in connection with the public school systems:

(1) Manual training, industrial arts, domestic science, and commercial departments;

(2) Agricultural, industrial, vocational, and trades schools.

Such board may pay from the public school funds, as other school expenses are paid, the expenses of establishing and maintaining such departments and schools and of directing, supervising, and coaching the pupil-activity programs in music, language, arts, speech, government, athletics, and any others directly related to the curriculum.

(C) The board of education of any city, exempted village, or local school district may employ a nonlicensed individual to direct, supervise, or coach a pupil-activity program as long as that individual holds a valid pupil-activity program permit issued by the state board of education under division (A) of section 3319.303 of the Revised Code.

(D)(1) Except as provided in division (D)(2) of this section, a nonlicensed individual who holds a valid pupil-activity program permit may be employed under division (C) of this section only after the school district's board of education adopts a resolution stating that it has offered such position to those employees of the district who are licensed individuals and no such employee qualified to fill the position has accepted it, and has then advertised the position as available to any licensed individual who is qualified to fill it and who is not employed by the board, and no such person has applied for and accepted the position.

(2) A board of education may renew the contract of any nonlicensed individual, currently employed by the board under division (C) of this section for one or more years, without first offering the position held by that individual to employees of the district who are licensed individuals or advertising the position as available to any qualified licensed individuals who are not currently employed by the board as otherwise required under division (D)(1) of this section.

(E) A nonlicensed individual employed under this section is a nonteaching employee and is not an educational assistant as defined in section 3319.088 of the Revised Code. A nonlicensed individual may direct, supervise, or coach a pupil-activity program under this section as long as that pupil-activity program does not include any class or course required or offered for credit toward a pupil's promotion to the next grade or for graduation, or any activity conducted as a part of or required for such a class or course. A nonlicensed individual employed under this section may perform only the duties of the director, supervisor, or coach of the pupil-activity program for which the nonlicensed individual is employed.

(F) The board shall fix the compensation of each nonlicensed individual employed under this section, which shall be the same amount as the position was or would be offered to the district's licensed employees, and execute a written contract with the nonlicensed individual for a term not to exceed one year. The contract shall specify the compensation, duration, and other terms of employment, and the compensation shall not be reduced unless such reduction is a part of a uniform plan affecting the entire district.

If the state board suspends, revokes, or limits the pupil-activity program permit of a nonlicensed individual, the school district board may terminate or suspend the employment contract of that individual. Otherwise, no contract issued under this section shall be terminated or suspended except pursuant to the procedure established by division (C) of section 3319.081 of the Revised Code.

Section 3313.531 | Adult high school continuation program.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section, "adult high school continuation programs" means an organized instructional program for persons sixteen years of age and older, except as provided in division (C) of this section, who are not otherwise enrolled in a high school for which the director of education and workforce sets standards pursuant to section 3301.07 of the Revised Code. Such programs are limited to courses for which credit may be granted toward the issuance of a high school diploma.

(B) The board of education of any school district may establish and operate an adult high school continuation program. Two or more boards of education may jointly establish and operate such a program. The resolution establishing an adult high school continuation program may specify the contribution and expenditure of funds, the use of buildings, equipment, and other school facilities, and such other matters as the board wishes to include. In the case of a jointly operated program, the resolutions establishing such program shall also designate one of the participating boards to be responsible for receiving and disbursing funds, and administering the program for the benefit of all participating boards of education.

(C) A board of education that operates an adult high school continuation program alone or jointly with another board may, by resolution, authorize the district's superintendent to assign to such program in accordance with this section, any student who has not received a high school diploma, who is at least eighteen years old, and who is being readmitted to school following expulsion or commitment to the department of youth services. Before making any such assignment, the superintendent or the superintendent's designee shall meet with the student to determine whether the student should be so assigned, and shall prepare a report on the superintendent's or designee's findings and determination. If based on the meeting or the designee's report the superintendent finds that the pupil should be placed in a program under this section, the superintendent shall make the assignment. Once assigned to the program, the student shall remain in it until the student is reassigned by the superintendent or leaves school. At least once in each academic term, the superintendent or the superintendent's designee shall review the progress of each student assigned to the program under this division and the superintendent shall, based on the review, make a determination of whether the student should remain in the program or be reassigned. Tuition shall not be charged for the attendance of any student assigned to a program pursuant to this division who is entitled under section 3313.64 of the Revised Code to attend the schools of the district without payment of tuition.

(D) The department of education and workforce shall adopt rules and standards governing the operations of adult high school continuation programs. Any school district or combination of districts operating such a program in accordance with the rules and standards of the department may, with the approval of the department, receive reimbursement from the department in an amount not to exceed ten dollars per instructional hour.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 4:28 PM

Section 3313.532 | Excusing disabled adults from assessments.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) Any person twenty-two or more years of age and enrolled in an adult high school continuation program established pursuant to section 3313.531 of the Revised Code may request the board of education operating the program to conduct an evaluation in accordance with division (C) of this section.

(B) Any applicant to a board of education for a diploma of adult education under division (B) of section 3313.611 of the Revised Code may request the board to conduct an evaluation in accordance with division (C) of this section.

(C) Upon the request of any person pursuant to division (A) or (B) of this section, the board of education to which the request is made shall evaluate the person to determine whether the person is disabled, in accordance with rules adopted by the department of education and workforce. If the evaluation indicates that the person is disabled, the board shall determine whether to excuse the person from taking any of the assessments required by section 3313.618 of the Revised Code as a requirement for receiving a diploma under section 3313.611 of the Revised Code. The board may require the person to take an alternate assessment in place of any test from which the person is so excused.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 5:06 PM

Section 3313.533 | Alternative school - plan.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) The board of education of a city, exempted village, or local school district may adopt a resolution to establish and maintain an alternative school in accordance with this section. The resolution shall specify, but not necessarily be limited to, all of the following:

(1) The purpose of the school, which purpose shall be to serve students who are on suspension, who are having truancy problems, who are experiencing academic failure, who have a history of class disruption, who are exhibiting other academic or behavioral problems specified in the resolution, or who have been discharged or released from the custody of the department of youth services under section 5139.51 of the Revised Code;

(2) The grades served by the school, which may include any of grades kindergarten through twelve;

(3) A requirement that the school be operated in accordance with this section. The board of education adopting the resolution under division (A) of this section shall be the governing board of the alternative school. The board shall develop and implement a plan for the school in accordance with the resolution establishing the school and in accordance with this section. Each plan shall include, but not necessarily be limited to, all of the following:

(a) Specification of the reasons for which students will be accepted for assignment to the school and any criteria for admission that are to be used by the board to approve or disapprove the assignment of students to the school;

(b) Specification of the criteria and procedures that will be used for returning students who have been assigned to the school back to the regular education program of the district;

(c) An evaluation plan for assessing the effectiveness of the school and its educational program and reporting the results of the evaluation to the public.

(B) Notwithstanding any provision of Title XXXIII of the Revised Code to the contrary, the alternative school plan may include any of the following:

(1) A requirement that on each school day students must attend school or participate in other programs specified in the plan or by the chief administrative officer of the school for a period equal to the minimum school day set by the board of education under section 3313.48 of the Revised Code plus any additional time required in the plan or by the chief administrative officer;

(2) Restrictions on student participation in extracurricular or interscholastic activities;

(3) A requirement that students wear uniforms prescribed by the district board of education.

(C) In accordance with the alternative school plan, the district board of education may employ teachers and nonteaching employees necessary to carry out its duties and fulfill its responsibilities or may contract with a nonprofit or for profit entity to operate the alternative school, including the provision of personnel, supplies, equipment, or facilities.

(D) An alternative school may be established in all or part of a school building.

(E) If a district board of education elects under this section, or is required by section 3313.534 of the Revised Code, to establish an alternative school, the district board may join with the board of education of one or more other districts to form a joint alternative school by forming a cooperative education school district under section 3311.52 or 3311.521 of the Revised Code, or a joint educational program under section 3313.842 of the Revised Code. The authority to employ personnel or to contract with a nonprofit or for profit entity under division (C) of this section applies to any alternative school program established under this division.

(F) Any individual employed as a teacher at an alternative school operated by a nonprofit or for profit entity under this section shall be licensed and shall be subject to background checks, as described in section 3319.39 of the Revised Code, in the same manner as an individual employed by a school district.

(G) Division (G) of this section applies only to any alternative school that is operated by a nonprofit or for profit entity under contract with the school district.

(1) In addition to the specifications authorized under division (B) of this section, any plan adopted under that division for an alternative school to which division (G) of this section also applies shall include the following:

(a) A description of the educational program provided at the alternative school, which shall include:

(i) Provisions for the school to be configured in clusters or small learning communities;

(ii) Provisions for the incorporation of education technology into the curriculum;

(iii) Provisions for accelerated learning programs in reading and mathematics.

(b) A method to determine the reading and mathematics level of each student assigned to the alternative school and a method to continuously monitor each student's progress in those areas. The methods employed under this division shall be aligned with the curriculum adopted by the school district board of education under section 3313.60 of the Revised Code.

(c) A plan for social services to be provided at the alternative school, such as, but not limited to, counseling services, psychological support services, and enrichment programs;

(d) A plan for a student's transition from the alternative school back to a school operated by the school district;

(e) A requirement that the alternative school maintain financial records in a manner that is compatible with the form prescribed for school districts by the auditor of state to enable the district to comply with any rules adopted by the auditor of state.

(2) Notwithstanding division (A)(2) of this section, any alternative school to which division (G) of this section applies shall include only grades six through twelve.

(3) Notwithstanding anything in division (A)(3)(a) of this section to the contrary, the characteristics of students who may be assigned to an alternative school to which division (G) of this section applies shall include only disruptive and low-performing students.

(H) When any district board of education determines to contract with a nonprofit or for profit entity to operate an alternative school under this section, the board shall use the procedure set forth in this division.

(1) The board shall publish notice of a request for proposals in a newspaper of general circulation in the district once each week for a period of two consecutive weeks, or as provided in section 7.16 of the Revised Code, prior to the date specified by the board for receiving proposals. Notices of requests for proposals shall contain a general description of the subject of the proposed contract and the location where the request for proposals may be obtained. The request for proposals shall include all of the following information:

(a) Instructions and information to respondents concerning the submission of proposals, including the name and address of the office where proposals are to be submitted;

(b) Instructions regarding communications, including at least the names, titles, and telephone numbers of persons to whom questions concerning a proposal may be directed;

(c) A description of the performance criteria that will be used to evaluate whether a respondent to which a contract is awarded is meeting the district's educational standards or the method by which such performance criteria will be determined;

(d) Factors and criteria to be considered in evaluating proposals, the relative importance of each factor or criterion, and a description of the evaluation procedures to be followed;

(e) Any terms or conditions of the proposed contract, including any requirement for a bond and the amount of such bond;

(f) Documents that may be incorporated by reference into the request for proposals, provided that the request for proposals specifies where such documents may be obtained and that such documents are readily available to all interested parties.

(2) After the date specified for receiving proposals, the board shall evaluate the submitted proposals and may hold discussions with any respondent to ensure a complete understanding of the proposal and the qualifications of such respondent to execute the proposed contract. Such qualifications shall include, but are not limited to, all of the following:

(a) Demonstrated competence in performance of the required services as indicated by effective implementation of educational programs in reading and mathematics and at least three years of experience successfully serving a student population similar to the student population assigned to the alternative school;

(b) Demonstrated performance in the areas of cost containment, the provision of educational services of a high quality, and any other areas determined by the board;

(c) Whether the respondent has the resources to undertake the operation of the alternative school and to provide qualified personnel to staff the school;

(d) Financial responsibility.

(3) The board shall select for further review at least three proposals from respondents the board considers qualified to operate the alternative school in the best interests of the students and the district. If fewer than three proposals are submitted, the board shall select each proposal submitted. The board may cancel a request for proposals or reject all proposals at any time prior to the execution of a contract.

The board may hold discussions with any of the three selected respondents to clarify or revise the provisions of a proposal or the proposed contract to ensure complete understanding between the board and the respondent of the terms under which a contract will be entered. Respondents shall be accorded fair and equal treatment with respect to any opportunity for discussion regarding clarifications or revisions. The board may terminate or discontinue any further discussion with a respondent upon written notice.

(4) Upon further review of the three proposals selected by the board, the board shall award a contract to the respondent the board considers to have the most merit, taking into consideration the scope, complexity, and nature of the services to be performed by the respondent under the contract.

(5) Except as provided in division (H)(6) of this section, the request for proposals, submitted proposals, and related documents shall become public records under section 149.43 of the Revised Code after the award of the contract.

(6) Any respondent may request in writing that the board not disclose confidential or proprietary information or trade secrets contained in the proposal submitted by the respondent to the board. Any such request shall be accompanied by an offer of indemnification from the respondent to the board. The board shall determine whether to agree to the request and shall inform the respondent in writing of its decision. If the board agrees to nondisclosure of specified information in a proposal, such information shall not become a public record under section 149.43 of the Revised Code. If the respondent withdraws its proposal at any time prior to the execution of a contract, the proposal shall not be a public record under section 149.43 of the Revised Code.

(I) Upon a recommendation from the department and in accordance with section 3301.16 of the Revised Code, the director of education and workforce may revoke the charter of any alternative school operated by a school district that violates this section.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 5:06 PM

Section 3313.534 | Policy of zero tolerance for violent, disruptive, or inappropriate behavior.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) The board of education of each city, exempted village, and local school district shall adopt a policy of zero tolerance for violent, disruptive, or inappropriate behavior and establish strategies to address such behavior that range from prevention to intervention. A policy adopted pursuant to this section shall comply with the requirements of sections 3313.668 and 3319.46 of the Revised Code.

(B) Each of the big eight school districts, as defined in section 3314.02 of the Revised Code, shall establish under section 3313.533 of the Revised Code at least one alternative school to meet the educational needs of students with severe discipline problems, including, but not limited to, excessive disruption in the classroom and multiple suspensions or expulsions. Any other school district that attains after that date a significantly substandard graduation rate, as defined by the department of education and workforce, shall also establish such an alternative school under that section.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 5:07 PM

Section 3313.535 | Standards for participation in interscholastic extracurricular activities.

• Effective: September 29, 1997
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 215 - 122nd General Assembly

(A) As used in this section, "interscholastic extracurricular activity" means a pupil activity program that a school or school district sponsors or participates in and that includes participants from more than one school or school district. "Interscholastic extracurricular activity" does not include any activity included in the school district's graded course of study.

(B) Not later than July 1, 1998, the board of education of each city, local, exempted village, and joint vocational school district shall adopt rules requiring students in grades seven to twelve to attain a minimum grade point average, to be established by the board, as a condition for such students to participate in interscholastic extracurricular activities.

(C) Not later than July 1, 1998, the board of education shall adopt a policy either prohibiting any student from participating in any interscholastic extracurricular activity, or allowing any student to so participate, if the student has received a failing grade for any class or course in the school district's graded course of study for the previous grading period.

(D) A board also may adopt rules that include additional standards for determining the eligibility of students to participate in interscholastic extracurricular activities, requirements for attaining reeligibility in interscholastic extracurricular activities, and an exemption for any student whose individualized education program prepared pursuant to section 3323.08 of the Revised Code indicates an exemption would be advisable.

Last updated October 4, 2021 at 5:17 PM

Section 3313.537 | Community school student participation in public school activities.

• Effective: September 17, 2014
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 487 - 130th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section, "extracurricular activity" means a pupil activity program that a school or school district operates and is not included in the school district's graded course of study, including an interscholastic extracurricular activity that a school or school district sponsors or participates in and that has participants from more than one school or school district.

(B)(1) A student who is enrolled in a community school established under Chapter 3314. of the Revised Code or in a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics school established under Chapter 3326. of the Revised Code shall be afforded, by the superintendent of the school district in which the student is entitled to attend school under section 3313.64 or 3313.65 of the Revised Code, the opportunity to participate in that extracurricular activity at the district school to which the student otherwise would be assigned during that school year. If more than one school operated by the school district serves the student's grade level, as determined by the district superintendent based on the student's age and academic performance, the student shall be afforded the opportunity to participate in that extracurricular activity at the school to which the student would be assigned by the superintendent under section 3319.01 of the Revised Code.

(2) The superintendent of any school district may afford any student enrolled in community school or science, technology, engineering, and mathematics school, and who is not entitled to attend school in the district under section 3313.64 or 3313.65 of the Revised Code, the opportunity to participate in an extracurricular activity offered by a school of the district, if both of the following apply:

(a) The school in which the student is enrolled does not offer the extracurricular activity.

(b) The extracurricular activity is not interscholastic athletics or interscholastic contests or competition in music, drama, or forensics.

(C) In order to participate in any extracurricular activity under this section, the student shall be of the appropriate age and grade level, as determined by the superintendent of the district, for the school that offers the extracurricular activity, and shall fulfill the same academic, nonacademic, and financial requirements as any other participant.

(D) No school district board of education shall take any action contrary to the provisions of this section.

(E) No school or school district shall impose additional rules on a student to participate under this section that do not apply to other students participating in the same extracurricular activity. No school or school district shall impose fees for a student to participate under this section that exceed any fees charged to other students participating in the same extracurricular activity.

(F) No school district, interscholastic conference, or organization that regulates interscholastic conferences or events shall require a student who is eligible to participate in extracurricular activities under this section to meet eligibility requirements that conflict with this section.

Section 3313.538 | Participation in interscholastic athletics - residency.

• Effective: September 29, 2011
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 153 - 129th General Assembly

(A) No student who attends school in this state shall be denied the opportunity to participate in interscholastic athletics solely because the student's parents do not reside in this state, if the student resides in this state with the student's grandparent, uncle, aunt, or sibling who has legal or temporary custody of the student or is the guardian of the student.

(B) No school district, school, interscholastic conference, or organization that regulates interscholastic conferences or events shall have a rule, bylaw, or other regulation that conflicts with this section.

(C) As used in this section, "legal custody," "temporary custody," and "guardian" have the same meanings as in section 2151.011 of the Revised Code.

Last updated October 4, 2021 at 5:22 PM

Section 3313.539 | Concussions and school athletics.

• Effective: September 17, 2014
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 487 - 130th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Licensing agency" has the same meaning as in section 4745.01 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Licensed health care professional" means an individual, other than a physician, who is authorized under Title XLVII of the Revised Code to practice a health care profession.

(3) "Physician" means a person authorized under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery.

(B) No school district board of education or governing authority of a chartered or nonchartered nonpublic school shall permit a student to practice for or compete in interscholastic athletics until the student has submitted, to a school official designated by the board or governing authority, a form signed by the parent, guardian, or other person having care or charge of the student stating that the student and the parent, guardian, or other person having care or charge of the student have received the concussion and head injury information sheet required by section 3707.52 of the Revised Code. A completed form shall be submitted each school year, as defined in section 3313.62 of the Revised Code, for each sport or other category of interscholastic athletics for or in which the student practices or competes.

(C)(1) No school district board of education or governing authority of a chartered or nonchartered nonpublic school shall permit an individual to coach interscholastic athletics unless the individual holds a pupil-activity program permit issued under section 3319.303 of the Revised Code for coaching interscholastic athletics.

(2) No school district board of education or governing authority of a chartered or nonchartered nonpublic school shall permit an individual to referee interscholastic athletics unless the individual holds a pupil-activity program permit issued under section 3319.303 of the Revised Code for coaching interscholastic athletics or presents evidence that the individual has successfully completed, within the previous three years, a training program in recognizing the symptoms of concussions and head injuries to which the department of health has provided a link on its internet web site under section 3707.52 of the Revised Code or a training program authorized and required by an organization that regulates interscholastic athletic competition and conducts interscholastic athletic events.

(D) If a student practicing for or competing in an interscholastic athletic event exhibits signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with having sustained a concussion or head injury while participating in the practice or competition, the student shall be removed from the practice or competition by either of the following:

(1) The individual who is serving as the student's coach during that practice or competition;

(2) An individual who is serving as a referee during that practice or competition.

(E)(1) If a student is removed from practice or competition under division (D) of this section, the coach or referee who removed the student shall not allow the student, on the same day the student is removed, to return to that practice or competition or to participate in any other practice or competition for which the coach or referee is responsible. Thereafter, the coach or referee shall not allow the student to return to that practice or competition or to participate in any other practice or competition for which the coach or referee is responsible until both of the following conditions are satisfied:

(a) The student's condition is assessed by any of the following who has complied with the requirements in division (E)(4) of this section:

(i) A physician;

(ii) A licensed health care professional the school district board of education or governing authority of the chartered or nonchartered nonpublic school, pursuant to division (E)(2) of this section, authorizes to assess a student who has been removed from practice or competition under division (D) of this section;

(iii) A licensed health care professional who meets the minimum education requirements established by rules adopted under section 3707.521 of the Revised Code by the professional's licensing agency.

(b) The student receives written clearance that it is safe for the student to return to practice or competition from the physician or licensed health care professional who assessed the student's condition.

(2) A school district board of education or governing authority of a chartered or nonchartered nonpublic school may authorize a licensed health care professional to make an assessment or grant a clearance for purposes of division (E)(1) of this section only if the professional is acting in accordance with one of the following, as applicable to the professional's authority to practice in this state:

(a) In consultation with a physician;

(b) Pursuant to the referral of a physician;

(c) In collaboration with a physician;

(d) Under the supervision of a physician.

(3) A physician or licensed health care professional who makes an assessment or grants a clearance for purposes of division (E)(1) of this section may be a volunteer.

(4) Beginning one year after the effective date of this amendment, all physicians and licensed health care professionals who conduct assessments and clearances under division (E)(1) of this section must meet the minimum education requirements established by rules adopted under section 3707.521 of the Revised Code by their respective licensing agencies.

(F) A school district board of education or governing authority of a chartered or nonchartered nonpublic school that is subject to the rules of an interscholastic conference or an organization that regulates interscholastic athletic competition and conducts interscholastic athletic events shall be considered to be in compliance with divisions (B), (D), and (E) of this section, as long as the requirements of those rules are substantially similar to the requirements of divisions (B), (D), and (E) of this section.

(G)(1) A school district, member of a school district board of education, or school district employee or volunteer, including a coach or referee, is not liable in damages in a civil action for injury, death, or loss to person or property allegedly arising from providing services or performing duties under this section, unless the act or omission constitutes willful or wanton misconduct.

This section does not eliminate, limit, or reduce any other immunity or defense that a school district, member of a school district board of education, or school district employee or volunteer, including a coach or referee, may be entitled to under Chapter 2744. or any other provision of the Revised Code or under the common law of this state.

(2) A chartered or nonchartered nonpublic school or any officer, director, employee, or volunteer of the school, including a coach or referee, is not liable in damages in a civil action for injury, death, or loss to person or property allegedly arising from providing services or performing duties under this section, unless the act or omission constitutes willful or wanton misconduct.

Section 3313.5310 | Information and training regarding sudden cardiac arrest.

• Effective: October 24, 2024
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 47 - 135th General Assembly

(A)(1) This section applies to both of the following:

(a) Any school operated by a school district board of education;

(b) Any chartered or nonchartered nonpublic school that is subject to the rules of an interscholastic conference or an organization that regulates interscholastic conferences or events.

(2) As used in this section, "athletic activity" means all of the following:

(a) Interscholastic athletics;

(b) An athletic contest or competition that is sponsored by or associated with a school that is subject to this section, including cheerleading, club-sponsored sports activities, and sports activities sponsored by school-affiliated organizations;

(c) Noncompetitive cheerleading that is sponsored by school-affiliated organizations;

(d) Practices, interschool practices, and scrimmages for all of the activities described in divisions (A)(2)(a), (b), and (c) of this section.

(B) Prior to the start of each athletic season, a school that is subject to this section shall hold an informational meeting for students, parents, guardians, other persons having care or charge of a student, physicians, pediatric cardiologists, athletic trainers, and any other persons regarding the symptoms and warning signs of sudden cardiac arrest for all ages of students.

(C) No student shall participate in an athletic activity until the student has submitted to a designated school official a form signed by the student and the parent, guardian, or other person having care or charge of the student stating that the student and the parent, guardian, or other person having care or charge of the student have received and reviewed a copy of the information jointly developed by the department of health and the department of education and workforce and posted on their respective web sites as required by section 3707.59 of the Revised Code. A completed form shall be submitted each school year, as defined in section 3313.62 of the Revised Code, in which the student participates in an athletic activity.

(D) No individual, including coaches and assistant coaches, shall coach an athletic activity unless the individual has completed the sudden cardiac arrest training course approved by the department of health under division (C) of section 3707.59 of the Revised Code in accordance with section 3319.303 of the Revised Code.

(E)(1) A student shall not be allowed to participate in an athletic activity if either of the following is the case:

(a) The student's biological parent, biological sibling, or biological child has previously experienced sudden cardiac arrest, and the student has not been evaluated and cleared for participation in an athletic activity by a physician authorized under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery.

(b) The student is known to have exhibited syncope or fainting at any time prior to or following an athletic activity and has not been evaluated and cleared for return under division (E)(3) of this section after exhibiting syncope or fainting.

(2) A student shall be removed by the student's coach from participation in an athletic activity if the student exhibits syncope or fainting.

(3) If a student is not allowed to participate in or is removed from participation in an athletic activity under division (E)(1) or (2) of this section, the student shall not be allowed to return to participation until the student is evaluated and cleared for return in writing by any of the following:

(a) A physician authorized under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery, including a physician who specializes in cardiology;

(b) A certified nurse practitioner, clinical nurse specialist, or certified nurse-midwife who holds a certificate of authority issued under Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code;

(c) A physician assistant licensed under Chapter 4730. of the Revised Code;

(d) An athletic trainer licensed under Chapter 4755. of the Revised Code.

The licensed health care providers specified in divisions (E)(3)(a) to (d) of this section may consult with any other licensed or certified health care providers in order to determine whether a student is ready to return to participation.

(F) A school that is subject to this section shall establish penalties for a coach who violates the provisions of division (E) of this section.

(G) Nothing in this section shall be construed to abridge or limit any rights provided under a collective bargaining agreement entered into under Chapter 4117. of the Revised Code prior to March 14, 2017.

(H)(1) A school district, member of a school district board of education, or school district employee or volunteer, including a coach, is not liable in damages in a civil action for injury, death, or loss to person or property allegedly arising from providing services or performing duties under this section, unless the act or omission constitutes willful or wanton misconduct.

This section does not eliminate, limit, or reduce any other immunity or defense that a school district, member of a school district board of education, or school district employee or volunteer, including a coach, may be entitled to under Chapter 2744. or any other provision of the Revised Code or under the common law of this state.

(2) A chartered or nonchartered nonpublic school or any officer, director, employee, or volunteer of the school, including a coach, is not liable in damages in a civil action for injury, death, or loss to person or property allegedly arising from providing services or performing duties under this section, unless the act or omission constitutes willful or wanton misconduct.

Last updated August 13, 2024 at 9:17 AM

Section 3313.5311 | Access to public school extracurricular activities by nonpublic school students.

• Effective: March 16, 2017
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 3 - 131st General Assembly

(A) As used in this section and in section 3313.5312 of the Revised Code, "extracurricular activity" has the same meaning as in section 3313.537 of the Revised Code.

(B) If the nonpublic school in which the student is enrolled does not offer the extracurricular activity, a student enrolled in a chartered or nonchartered nonpublic school shall be afforded, by the superintendent of the school district in which the student is entitled to attend school under section 3313.64 or 3313.65 of the Revised Code, the opportunity to participate in that extracurricular activity at the district school to which the student otherwise would be assigned during that school year. If more than one school operated by the school district serves the student's grade level, as determined by the district superintendent based on the student's age and academic performance, the student shall be afforded the opportunity to participate in that extracurricular activity at the school to which the student would be assigned by the superintendent under section 3319.01 of the Revised Code.

(C) The superintendent of any school district may afford any student enrolled in a nonpublic school, and who is not entitled to attend school in the district under section 3313.64 or 3313.65 of the Revised Code, the opportunity to participate in an extracurricular activity offered by a school of the district, if the nonpublic school in which the student is enrolled does not offer the extracurricular activity and either of the following apply:

(1) The extracurricular activity is not interscholastic athletics or interscholastic contests or competition in music, drama, or forensics.

(2) The extracurricular activity is in an interscholastic athletic or interscholastic contest or competition in music, drama, or forensics. In order to participate under division (C)(2) of this section, the student shall seek to participate at either the school district in which the student's nonpublic school is located or the school district in which the student is entitled to attend school under section 3313.64 or 3313.65 of the Revised Code, so long as the chosen district offers the extracurricular activity.

If the student seeks to participate under division (C)(2) of this section at the school district in which the student's nonpublic school is located, both of the following shall apply:

(a) The superintendent of the school district in which the student is entitled to attend school shall certify that the student has not participated in any extracurricular activity that is in an interscholastic athletic or interscholastic contest or competition in music, drama, or forensics at that school district during that school year. If the student has participated in such an extracurricular activity at that school district during the school year, the student shall be ineligible to participate at the school district in which the student's nonpublic school is located for that school year.

(b) The superintendent of the school district in which the student is entitled to attend school and the superintendent of the school district in which the student is seeking to participate shall mutually agree, in writing, to allow the student to participate in the extracurricular activity at the school district in which the student's nonpublic school is located.

(D) In order to participate in an extracurricular activity under this section, the student shall be of the appropriate age and grade level, as determined by the superintendent of the district, for the school that offers the extracurricular activity, and shall fulfill the same academic, nonacademic, and financial requirements as any other participant.

(E) No school district shall impose additional rules on a student to participate under this section that do not apply to other students participating in the same extracurricular activity. No district shall impose additional fees for a student to participate under this section that exceed any fees charged to other students participating in the same extracurricular activity.

(F) No school district, interscholastic conference, or organization that regulates interscholastic conferences or events shall require a student who is eligible to participate in interscholastic extracurricular activities under this section to meet eligibility requirements that conflict with this section.

Section 3313.5312 | Access to public school extracurricular activities by homeschooled students.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) A student who is receiving home education in accordance with section 3321.042 of the Revised Code shall be afforded, by the superintendent of the school district in which the student is entitled to attend school under section 3313.64 or 3313.65 of the Revised Code, the opportunity to participate in any extracurricular activity offered at the district school to which the student otherwise would be assigned during that school year. If more than one school operated by the school district serves the student's grade level, as determined by the district superintendent based on the student's age and academic performance, the student shall be afforded the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities at the school to which the student would be assigned by the superintendent under section 3319.01 of the Revised Code. If a student who is afforded the opportunity to participate in extracurricular activities under division (A) of this section wishes to participate in an activity that is offered by the district, the student shall not participate in that activity at another school or school district to which the student is not entitled to attend.

(B) The superintendent of any school district may afford any student who receives home education under section 3321.042 of the Revised Code, and who is not entitled to attend school in the district under section 3313.64 or 3313.65 of the Revised Code, the opportunity to participate in any extracurricular activity offered by a school of the district, if the district to which the student is entitled to attend does not offer that extracurricular activity.

(C) In order to participate in an extracurricular activity under this section, the student shall be of the appropriate age and grade level, as determined by the superintendent of the district, for the school that offers the extracurricular activity, and shall fulfill the same nonacademic and financial requirements as any other participant.

If the student did not receive home education in the preceding grading period, the student's academic performance during the preceding grading period shall have met any academic standards for eligibility to participate in the program established by the school district.

(D) Eligibility for a student who leaves a school district mid-year for home education shall be determined based on an interim academic assessment issued by the district in which the student was enrolled based on the student's work while enrolled in that district.

(E) Any student who commences home education after the beginning of a school year and who is, at the time home education commences, ineligible to participate in an extracurricular activity due to failure to meet academic standards or any other requirements of the district shall not participate in the extracurricular activity under this section until the student meets the applicable academic requirements as verified by the superintendent of the district. No student under this section shall be eligible to participate in the same semester in which the student was determined ineligible.

(F) No school district shall impose additional rules on a student to participate under this section that do not apply to other students participating in the same extracurricular activity. No district shall impose fees for a student to participate under this section that exceed any fees charged to other students participating in the same extracurricular activity.

(G) No school district, interscholastic conference, or organization that regulates interscholastic conferences or events shall require a student who is eligible to participate in interscholastic extracurricular activities under this section to meet eligibility requirements that conflict with this section.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 5:08 PM

Section 3313.5313 | Interscholastic athletic participation by nonresident victims of harassment.

• Effective: October 24, 2024
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 147 - 135th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Harassment, intimidation, or bullying" has the same meaning as in section 3313.666 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Home-educated student" means a student who is receiving home education in accordance with section 3321.042 of the Revised Code.

(3) "Qualifying offense" means any of the following:

(a) An offense of violence;

(b) A violation of section 2907.07 of the Revised Code;

(c) An attempt to commit an offense of violence or a violation of section 2907.07 of the Revised Code.

(4) "Qualifying school" means a community school established under Chapter 3314. of the Revised Code, a STEM school established under Chapter 3326. of the Revised Code, a chartered nonpublic school, or a nonchartered nonpublic school.

(5) "Resident district" means the school district in which a student is entitled to attend school under section 3313.64 or 3313.65 of the Revised Code.

(B) The superintendent of any school district may afford any home-educated student or any student enrolled in a qualifying school or a different school district, regardless of whether the superintendent's district is the student's resident district, the opportunity to participate in interscholastic athletics at a school of the superintendent's district, if the student was subject to any of the following by a school official, employee, or volunteer or another student from the district or school in which the student is enrolled or the district in which the student is participating in interscholastic athletics under section 3313.537, 3313.5311, or 3313.5312 of the Revised Code:

(1) Harassment, intimidation, or bullying;

(2) A qualifying offense, for which the school official, employee, or volunteer or another student has been either of the following:

(a) Charged with, indicted for, convicted of, or pled guilty to committing;

(b) Alleged to be or is adjudicated a delinquent child for committing.

(3) Conduct by a school official, employee, or volunteer that violates the licensure code of professional conduct for Ohio educators developed by the state board of education.

(C) The chief administrative officer of any qualifying school may afford any student enrolled in a school district, any student enrolled in a different qualifying school, or any home-educated student the opportunity to participate in interscholastic athletics at the chief administrative officer's school, if the student was subject to any of the following by a school official, employee, or volunteer or another student from the district or school in which the student is enrolled or the district in which the student is participating in interscholastic athletics under section 3313.537, 3313.5311, or 3313.5312 of the Revised Code:

(1) Harassment, intimidation, or bullying;

(2) A qualifying offense, for which the school official, employee, or volunteer or another student has been either of the following:

(a) Charged with, indicted for, convicted of, or pled guilty to committing;

(b) Alleged to be or is adjudicated a delinquent child for committing.

(3) Conduct by a school official, employee, or volunteer that violates the licensure code of professional conduct for Ohio educators developed by the state board of education.

(D) To participate in interscholastic athletics under this section, a student who is not a home-educated student shall be of the appropriate age and grade level, as determined by the superintendent of the district or the chief administrative officer of the qualifying school, for the school at which the student participates in interscholastic athletics and shall fulfill the same academic, nonacademic, and financial requirements as any other participant.

(E) Divisions (C) to (E) of section 3313.5312 of the Revised Code apply to a home-educated student who participates in interscholastic athletics at school under this section.

(F) No district or school shall impose additional rules on a student to participate under this section that do not apply to other students participating in the same interscholastic athletics activity. No district or school shall impose fees for a student to participate under this section that exceed any fees charged to other students participating in the same interscholastic athletics activity.

(G) No school district board of education, STEM school governing body, or governing authority of a community school, chartered nonpublic school, or nonchartered nonpublic school shall take any action contrary to the provisions of this section.

(H) No school district, interscholastic conference, or organization that regulates interscholastic conferences or events shall do either of the following:

(1) Require a student who is eligible to participate in interscholastic athletics under this section to meet eligibility requirements that conflict with this section;

(2) Penalize or restrict the eligibility to participate in interscholastic athletics of a student who, during a school year, ceases to participate in interscholastic athletics at one district or school and then begins to participate in interscholastic athletics at a different district or school under this section.

Last updated September 10, 2024 at 11:31 AM

Section 3313.5314 | Athletics and participation in college credit plus program.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

No student who is enrolled in a public or nonpublic school shall be denied the opportunity to participate in interscholastic athletics offered by that school solely because the student is participating or has participated in the college credit plus program under Chapter 3365. of the Revised Code, so long as the student fulfills all other academic, nonacademic, and financial requirements that are not related to participation in the program.

Additionally, no student who is enrolled in a community school, STEM school, or nonpublic school or who is receiving home education shall be denied the opportunity to participate in interscholastic athletics at the school in which the student is entitled to attend school under section 3313.64 or 3313.65 of the Revised Code solely because of participation in the college credit plus program, so long as the student meets the applicable requirements under section 3313.537, 3313.5311, or 3313.5312 of the Revised Code and fulfills all other academic, nonacademic, and financial requirements that are not related to participation in the program.

As used in this section, "community school" means a community school established under Chapter 3314. of the Revised Code, and "STEM school" means a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics school established under Chapter 3326. of the Revised Code.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 5:09 PM

Section 3313.5315 | Foreign students participation in interscholastic athletics.

• Effective: October 17, 2019
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 166 - 133rd General Assembly

Any student from a country or province outside the United States who attends an elementary or secondary school in this state shall be permitted to participate in interscholastic athletics at that school on the same basis as students who are residents of this state, so long as the student holds an F-1 visa issued by the United States department of state. Such a student shall not be denied the opportunity to participate in interscholastic athletics solely because the student's parents do not reside in this state.

No school district, school, interscholastic conference, or organization that regulates interscholastic conferences or events shall have a rule, bylaw, or other regulation that conflicts with this section.

Last updated October 4, 2021 at 5:28 PM

Section 3313.5317 | Religious apparel in interscholastic athletics.

• Effective: May 30, 2022
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 181 - 134th General Assembly

As used in this section, "wearing religious apparel" means the wearing of headwear, clothing, jewelry, or other coverings while observing a sincerely held religious belief.

(A) Except as provided in division (B) of this section, no public or nonpublic school, school district, interscholastic conference, or organization that regulates interscholastic athletics shall adopt a rule, bylaw, or other regulation that prohibits or creates any obstruction to wearing religious apparel when competing or participating in interscholastic athletics or extracurricular activities, including requirements that participants obtain advanced approval, written waivers, or any other permission.

(B) A school or district, interscholastic conference, or organization that regulates interscholastic athletics may limit wearing religious apparel while competing or participating in interscholastic athletics or extracurricular activities if a legitimate danger to participants is identified due to wearing religious apparel. If such a danger is identified, the administrator or official of the event or activity shall offer all reasonable accommodations to the participant wearing religious apparel.

(C) A school or school district, member of a district board of education or governing authority, a district or school employee, member or employee of an interscholastic conference, or organization that regulates interscholastic athletics or employee of such an organization is not liable in damages in a civil action for injury, death, or loss to person or property allegedly arising from the school, district, board member or governing authority, district or school employee, interscholastic conference member or employee, or interscholastic athletics organization or organization employee executing any duties under this section unless the act or omission constitutes willful or wanton misconduct.

This division does not eliminate, limit, or reduce any other immunity or defense that a school or school district, member of a district board or governing authority, or a district or school employee may be entitled to under Chapter 2744. or any other provision of the Revised Code or under the common law of this state.

(D) Whoever violates this section is subject to a civil action for damages, injunctive relief, or any other appropriate relief.

Last updated March 15, 2022 at 5:08 PM

Section 3313.5318 | Mental health training for coaches.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

As used in this section, "athletic activity" has the same meaning as in section 3313.5310 of the Revised Code.

(A) No individual shall coach an athletic activity at a school operated by a school district board of education or any chartered or nonchartered nonpublic school that is subject to the rules of an interscholastic conference or an organization that regulates interscholastic conferences or events unless the individual has completed a student mental health training course approved by the department of mental health and addiction services pursuant to division (B) of this section. The mental health training course may be combined with or part of another training course.

(B) On or after the effective date of this section, an individual shall complete the training prescribed by division (A) of this section each time the individual applies for or renews a pupil-activity program permit under section 3319.303 of the Revised Code. An individual may complete the training at any time within the duration of the individual's new or renewed permit. Upon completion, the individual shall present evidence to the state board of education that the individual has successfully completed the training described in division (A) of this section.

Last updated August 31, 2023 at 3:20 PM

Section 3313.5319 | Cash payments at school-affiliated events.

• Effective: October 24, 2024
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 147 - 135th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Qualifying school" means both of the following:

(a) A school district or chartered nonpublic school that elects to participate in athletic events regulated by an interscholastic conference or an organization that regulates either interscholastic conferences or interscholastic athletic competition among member schools;

(b) An interscholastic conference or an organization that regulates either interscholastic conferences or interscholastic athletic competition among member schools.

(2) "School-affiliated event" means an athletic event, play, musical, or any other school-related event or activity that a qualifying school conducts, sponsors, or participates in and for which a qualifying school charges admission to attend. "School-affiliated event" does not include any event or activity that is conducted in a public facility that is leased by a professional sports team or a privately owned facility.

(B) Each qualifying school shall permit an individual to pay cash for a ticket to a school-affiliated event. If a qualifying school does not accept cash payment from an individual who wishes to purchase a ticket to an event on the date of that event, the school shall grant that individual a free ticket if there are still tickets available and the individual demonstrates that the individual has enough cash to cover the full cost of the ticket.

(C) A qualifying school shall not establish different prices for tickets for a school-affiliated event based on whether those tickets are purchased using cash or any other payment method, except that the school may charge a processing fee for any ticket purchased online or by credit card.

(D) A qualifying school shall charge a student enrolled in any school participating in a school-affiliated event a ticket price that is less than the ticket price the school charges for an adult for the same event.

(E) Each qualifying school that offers concessions for sale at a school-affiliated event shall provide at least one location where an individual may pay cash for concessions and, if concessions are sold on multiple floors, at least one location on each floor that accepts cash payment.

Last updated August 29, 2024 at 8:52 AM

Section 3313.5320 | [Enacted as R.C. 3313.5319 by H.B. 68, 135th General Assembly and recodified as R.C. 3313.5320 pursuant to R.C. 103.131] Interscholastic single-sex teams.

• Effective: April 24, 2024
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 68 - 135th General Assembly

(A) Each school that participates in athletic competitions or events administered by an organization that regulates interscholastic athletic conferences or events shall designate interscholastic athletic teams based on the sex of the participants as follows:

(1) Separate teams for participants of the female sex within female sports divisions;

(2) Separate teams for participants of the male sex within male sports divisions;

(3) If applicable, co-ed teams for participants of the female and male sexes within co-ed sports divisions.

(B) No school, interscholastic conference, or organization that regulates interscholastic athletics shall knowingly permit individuals of the male sex to participate on athletic teams or in athletic competitions designated only for participants of the female sex.

(C) Nothing in this section shall be construed to restrict the eligibility of any student to participate on any athletic teams or in athletic competitions that are designated as male or co-ed.

(D) No agency or political subdivision of the state and no accrediting organization or athletic association that operates or has business activities in this state shall process a complaint, begin an investigation, or take any other adverse action against a school or school district for maintaining separate single-sex interscholastic athletic teams or sports.

(E)(1) Any participant who is deprived of an athletic opportunity or suffers a direct or indirect harm as a result of a violation of this section has a private cause of action for injunctive relief, damages, and any other relief available against the school, school district, interscholastic conference, or organization that regulates interscholastic athletics.

(2) Any participant who is subject to retaliation or other adverse action by a school, school district, interscholastic conference, or organization that regulates interscholastic athletics as a result of reporting a violation of this section has a private cause of action for injunctive relief, damages, and any other relief available against the entity that takes the retaliatory or other adverse action.

(3) Any school or school district that suffers any direct or indirect harm as a result of a violation of division (D) of this section has a private cause of action for injunctive relief, damages, and any other relief available against the agency, political subdivision, accrediting organization, or athletic association that violates that division.

(F) Any civil action brought as a result of a violation of this section shall be initiated within two years after the date on which the violation occurs. Persons or organizations who prevail on a claim brought pursuant to this section shall be entitled to monetary damages, including for any psychological, emotional, or physical harm suffered, reasonable attorney's fees and costs, and any other appropriate relief.

Last updated February 5, 2024 at 10:56 AM

Section 3313.54 | Americanization schools.

• Effective: January 1, 1974
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 1 - 110th General Assembly

On application of not less than fifteen adult persons born outside the territorial limits of the United States, including Alaska and the Hawaiian Islands, resident in the district, the board of education of a city, exempted village, or local school district may establish and conduct an Americanization school open to all persons eighteen years of age or over, of foreign birth, resident of the district or of an adjoining district. The board of such school district may charge such pupils a fee.

Section 3313.55 | Provision for education of children in hospital or institution.

• Effective: April 6, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 281 - 134th General Assembly

The board of education of any school district in which is located a state, district, county, or municipal hospital for children with epilepsy or any public institution, except state institutions for the care and treatment of delinquent, unstable, or socially maladjusted children, shall make provision for the education of all educable children therein; except that in the event another school district within the same county or an adjoining county is the source of sixty per cent or more of the children in said hospital or institution, the board of that school district shall make provision for the education of all the children therein. In any case in which a board provides educational facilities under this section, the board that provides the facilities shall be entitled to all moneys authorized for the attendance of pupils as provided in Chapter 3317. of the Revised Code, tuition as provided in section 3317.08 of the Revised Code, and such additional compensation as is provided for children with disabilities in sections 3323.01 to 3323.12 of the Revised Code. Any board that provides the educational facilities for children in county or municipal institutions established for the care and treatment of children who are delinquent, unstable, or socially maladjusted shall not be entitled to any moneys provided for children with disabilities in sections 3323.01 to 3323.12 of the Revised Code.

Last updated March 10, 2023 at 11:27 AM

Section 3313.56 | Part-time schools or classes.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

The board of education of any city, exempted village, or local school district may establish and maintain part-time schools or classes for the further education of children who are employed on age and schooling certificates. Such schools and classes shall be conducted not fewer than four hours per week while in session, and for not fewer than one hundred forty-four hours per calendar year between the hours of seven in the morning and six in the afternoon, excluding Saturday afternoon and Sunday. Such schools and classes shall be conducted under such standards as the department of education and workforce prescribes. Boards of education may provide for the expense of such schools and classes the same as for the expense of ordinary elementary schools.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 5:10 PM

Section 3313.57 | Summer vacation period activities provided or approved by boards.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

Boards of education of city, exempted village, or local school districts may provide or approve, subject to the approval of parents, activities for children during the summer vacation period which will promote their health, their civic and vocational competence, and their industry, recreation, character, or thrift. The superintendents of such school districts shall cause records to be kept of such activities assigned and completed. With the approval of the department of education and workforce the successful completion of such vacation activities may be required for promotions and diplomas of graduation, but the completion by any child of such vacation activities shall not be prerequisite to the issuance of an age and schooling certificate for such child. Boards of education shall provide the service necessary to direct such activities and may pay any necessary expenses incident thereto, the same as the expense of an ordinary elementary school.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 5:10 PM

Section 3313.58 | Supervision of social and recreational work - employment of instructors.

• Effective: October 1, 1953
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly

Boards of education of city, exempted village, or local school districts may, upon nomination of the superintendent of schools, employ persons to supervise, organize, direct, and conduct social and recreational work in such school district. The board of education may employ competent persons to deliver lectures, or give instruction on any educational subject, and provide for the further education of adult persons in the community.

Section 3313.59 | Cooperation with public officials to provide other recreational activities.

• Effective: September 20, 1955
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 801 - 101st General Assembly

Boards of education of city, exempted village, or local school districts may co-operate with boards of county commissioners, boards, or other public officials having the custody and management of public parks, libraries, museums, and public buildings and grounds of whatever kind in providing for educational, social, civic, and recreational activities, in buildings and upon grounds in the custody and under the management of such boards of county commissioners, boards, or other public officials.

Such co-operation may consist of the contribution of funds, equipment, or personnel, and the beneficiaries of same may be extended to include a corporation not for profit maintaining and operating a museum for the use and benefit of the general public and which is available to the pupils of such contributing school district.

Section 3313.60 | Prescribed curriculum.

• Effective: October 24, 2024
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 168 - 135th General Assembly

Notwithstanding division (D) of section 3311.52 of the Revised Code, divisions (A) to (E) of this section do not apply to any cooperative education school district established pursuant to divisions (A) to (C) of section 3311.52 of the Revised Code.

(A) The board of education of each city, exempted village, and local school district and the board of each cooperative education school district established, pursuant to section 3311.521 of the Revised Code, shall prescribe a curriculum for all schools under its control. Except as provided in division (E) of this section, in any such curriculum there shall be included the study of the following subjects:

(1) The language arts, including reading, writing, spelling, oral and written English, and literature;

(2) Geography, the history of the United States and of Ohio, and national, state, and local government in the United States, including a balanced presentation of the relevant contributions to society of men and women of African, Mexican, Puerto Rican, and American Indian descent as well as other ethnic and racial groups in Ohio and the United States;

(3) Mathematics;

(4) Natural science, including instruction in the conservation of natural resources;

(5) Health education, which shall include instruction in:

(a) The nutritive value of foods, including natural and organically produced foods, the relation of nutrition to health, and the use and effects of food additives;

(b) The harmful effects of and legal restrictions against the use of drugs of abuse, alcoholic beverages, and tobacco, including electronic smoking devices;

(c) Sexually transmitted infection education, except that upon written request of the student's parent or guardian, a student shall be excused from taking instruction in sexually transmitted infection education;

(d) In grades kindergarten through six, annual developmentally appropriate instruction in child sexual abuse prevention, including information on available counseling and resources for children who are sexually abused. Such instruction and information provided shall not be connected in any way to any individual, entity, or organization that provides, promotes, counsels, or makes referrals for abortion or abortion-related services. Upon written request of the student's parent or guardian, a student shall be excused from taking instruction in child sexual abuse prevention.

(e) In grades kindergarten through six, instruction in personal safety and assault prevention, except that upon written request of the student's parent or guardian, a student shall be excused from taking instruction in personal safety and assault prevention;

(f) In grades seven through twelve, developmentally appropriate instruction in dating violence prevention education and sexual violence prevention education, which shall include instruction in recognizing dating violence warning signs and characteristics of healthy relationships, except that upon written request of the student's parent or guardian a student shall be excused from taking instruction in sexual violence prevention.

In order to assist school districts in developing a dating violence prevention education and sexual violence prevention education curriculum, the department of education and workforce shall provide on its web site links to free curricula addressing dating violence prevention and sexual violence prevention education. Such instruction and information shall not be connected in any way to any individual, entity, or organization that provides, promotes, counsels, or makes referrals for abortion or abortion-related services.

Each school district shall notify the parents and legal guardians of students who receive instruction related to child sexual abuse prevention and sexual violence prevention, as described under divisions (A)(5)(d) and (f) of this section, of all of the following:

(i) That instruction in child sexual abuse prevention and sexual violence prevention is a required part of the district's curriculum;

(ii) That upon request, parents and legal guardians may examine such instructional materials in accordance with this section;

(iii) That upon written request of the student's parent or guardian, a student shall be excused from taking instruction in child sexual abuse prevention and sexual violence prevention.

If the parent or legal guardian of a student less than eighteen years of age submits to the principal of the student's school a written request to examine the dating violence prevention and sexual violence prevention instruction materials used at that school, the principal, within forty-eight hours after the request is made, shall allow the parent or guardian to examine those materials at that school.

(g) Prescription opioid abuse prevention, with an emphasis on the prescription drug epidemic and the connection between prescription opioid abuse and addiction to other drugs, such as heroin;

(h) The process of making an anatomical gift under Chapter 2108. of the Revised Code, with an emphasis on the life-saving and life-enhancing effects of organ and tissue donation;

(i) Beginning with the first day of the next school year that begins at least two years after March 24, 2021, in grades six through twelve, at least one hour or one standard class period per school year of evidence-based suicide awareness and prevention and at least one hour or one standard class period per school year of safety training and violence prevention, except that upon written request of the student's parent or guardian, a student shall be excused from taking instruction in suicide awareness and prevention or safety training and violence prevention;

(j) Beginning with the first day of the next school year that begins at least two years after March 24, 2021, in grades six through twelve, at least one hour or one standard class period per school year of evidence-based social inclusion instruction, except that upon written request of the student's parent or guardian, a student shall be excused from taking instruction in social inclusion.

For the instruction required under divisions (A)(5)(i) and (j) of this section, the board shall use a training program approved by the department of education and workforce under section 3301.221 of the Revised Code.

Schools may use student assemblies, digital learning, and homework to satisfy the instruction requirements under divisions (A)(5)(i) and (j) of this section.

(6) Physical education;

(7) The fine arts, including music;

(8) First aid, including a training program in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, which shall comply with section 3313.6021 of the Revised Code when offered in any of grades nine through twelve, safety, and fire prevention. However, upon written request of the student's parent or guardian, a student shall be excused from taking instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

(B) Except as provided in division (E) of this section, every school or school district shall include in the requirements for promotion from the eighth grade to the ninth grade one year's course of study of American history. A board may waive this requirement for academically accelerated students who, in accordance with procedures adopted by the board, are able to demonstrate mastery of essential concepts and skills of the eighth grade American history course of study.

(C) As specified in divisions (B)(6) and (C)(6) of section 3313.603 of the Revised Code, except as provided in division (E) of this section, every high school shall include in the requirements for graduation from any curriculum one-half unit each of American history and government.

(D) Except as provided in division (E) of this section, basic instruction or demonstrated mastery in geography, United States history, the government of the United States, the government of the state of Ohio, local government in Ohio, the Declaration of Independence, the United States Constitution, and the Constitution of the state of Ohio shall be required before pupils may participate in courses involving the study of social problems, economics, foreign affairs, United Nations, world government, socialism, and communism.

(E) For each cooperative education school district established pursuant to section 3311.521 of the Revised Code and each city, exempted village, and local school district that has territory within such a cooperative district, the curriculum adopted pursuant to divisions (A) to (D) of this section shall only include the study of the subjects that apply to the grades operated by each such school district. The curricula for such schools, when combined, shall provide to each student of these districts all of the subjects required under divisions (A) to (D) of this section.

(F) The board of education of any cooperative education school district established pursuant to divisions (A) to (C) of section 3311.52 of the Revised Code shall prescribe a curriculum for the subject areas and grade levels offered in any school under its control.

(G) Upon the request of any parent or legal guardian of a student, the board of education of any school district shall permit the parent or guardian to promptly examine, with respect to the parent's or guardian's own child:

(1) Any survey or questionnaire, prior to its administration to the child;

(2) Any textbook, workbook, software, video, or other instructional materials being used by the district in connection with the instruction of the child;

(3) Any completed and graded test taken or survey or questionnaire filled out by the child;

(4) Copies of the statewide academic standards and each model curriculum developed pursuant to section 3301.079 of the Revised Code, which copies shall be available at all times during school hours in each district school building.

Last updated August 15, 2024 at 4:45 PM

Section 3313.601 | Moment of silence - free exercise or expression of religious beliefs.

• Effective: September 18, 2020
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 164 - 133rd General Assembly

The board of education of each school district may provide for a moment of silence each school day for prayer, reflection, or meditation upon a moral, philosophical, or patriotic theme. No board of education, school, or employee of the school district shall require a pupil to participate in a moment of silence provided for pursuant to this section. No board of education shall prohibit a classroom teacher from providing in the teacher's classroom reasonable periods of time for activities of a moral, philosophical, or patriotic theme. No pupil shall be required to participate in such activities if they are contrary to the religious convictions of the pupil or the pupil's parents or guardians.

No board of education of a school district shall adopt any policy or rule respecting or promoting an establishment of religion or prohibiting any pupil from the free, individual, and voluntary exercise or expression of the pupil's religious beliefs in any primary or secondary school.

Section 3313.602 | Pledge of allegiance - principles of democracy and ethics - Veterans' day observance.

• Effective: October 16, 2009
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 128th General Assembly

(A) The board of education of each city, local, exempted village, and joint vocational school district shall adopt a policy specifying whether or not oral recitation of the pledge of allegiance to the flag shall be a part of the school's program and, if so, establishing a time and manner for the recitation. However, no board of education shall prohibit a classroom teacher from providing in the teacher's classroom reasonable periods of time for the oral recitation of the pledge of allegiance to the flag. The policy adopted under this division, and a teacher who includes recitation of the pledge in the classroom, shall not require any student to participate in the recitation and shall prohibit the intimidation of any student by other students or staff aimed at coercing participation.

No board of education or employee of a city, local, exempted village, or joint vocational school district shall alter the words used in the oral recitation of the pledge of allegiance to the flag from the words set forth in 4 U.S.C. 4.

(B) In the development of its graded course of study, the board of education of each city and exempted village school district and the governing board of each educational service center shall ensure that the principles of democracy and ethics are emphasized and discussed wherever appropriate in all parts of the curriculum for grades kindergarten through twelve.

(C) Each city, local, exempted village, and joint vocational school board shall adopt policies that encourage all certificated and noncertificated employees to be cognizant of their roles in instilling ethical principles and democratic ideals in all district pupils.

(D) The board of education of each city, local, joint vocational, chartered community, and exempted village school district, and the Cleveland scholarship and tutoring program, shall require each district school to devote time on or about Veterans' day to an observance that conveys the meaning and significance of that day. The amount of time each school devotes to this observance shall be at least one hour or, in schools that schedule class periods of less than one hour, at least one standard class period. The board shall determine the specific activities to constitute the observance in each school in the district after consultation with the school's administrators.

Section 3313.603 | Requirements for high school graduation; workforce or college preparatory units.

• Effective: June 12, 2024
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 17 - 135th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "One unit" means a minimum of one hundred twenty hours of course instruction, except that for a laboratory course, "one unit" means a minimum of one hundred fifty hours of course instruction.

(2) "One-half unit" means a minimum of sixty hours of course instruction, except that for physical education courses, "one-half unit" means a minimum of one hundred twenty hours of course instruction.

(B) Beginning September 15, 2001, except as required in division (C) of this section and division (C) of section 3313.614 of the Revised Code, the requirements for graduation from every high school shall include twenty units earned in grades nine through twelve and shall be distributed as follows:

(1) English language arts, four units;

(2) Health, one-half unit;

(3) Mathematics, three units;

(4) Physical education, one-half unit;

(5) Science, two units until September 15, 2003, and three units thereafter, which at all times shall include both of the following:

(a) Biological sciences, one unit;

(b) Physical sciences, one unit.

(6) History and government, one unit, which shall comply with division (M) of this section and shall include both of the following:

(a) American history, one-half unit;

(b) American government, one-half unit.

(7) Social studies, two units.

Beginning with students who enter ninth grade for the first time on or after July 1, 2017, the two units of instruction prescribed by division (B)(7) of this section shall include at least one-half unit of instruction in the study of world history and civilizations.

(8) Elective units, seven units until September 15, 2003, and six units thereafter.

Each student's electives shall include at least one unit, or two half units, chosen from among the areas of business/technology, fine arts, and/or foreign language.

(C) Beginning with students who enter ninth grade for the first time on or after July 1, 2010, except as provided in divisions (D) to (F) of this section, the requirements for graduation from every public and chartered nonpublic high school shall include twenty units that are designed to prepare students for the workforce and college. The units shall be distributed as follows:

(1) English language arts, four units;

(2) Health, one-half unit, which shall include instruction in nutrition and the benefits of nutritious foods and physical activity for overall health;

(3) Mathematics, four units, which shall include one unit of algebra II or the equivalent of algebra II, or one unit of advanced computer science as described in the standards adopted pursuant to division (A)(4) of section 3301.079 of the Revised Code. However, students who enter ninth grade for the first time on or after July 1, 2015, and who are pursuing a career-technical instructional track shall not be required to take algebra II or advanced computer science, and instead may complete a career-based pathway mathematics course approved by the department of education and workforce as an alternative.

For students who choose to take advanced computer science in lieu of algebra II under division (C)(3) of this section, the school shall communicate to those students that some institutions of higher education may require algebra II for the purpose of college admission. Also, the parent, guardian, or legal custodian of each student who chooses to take advanced computer science in lieu of algebra II shall sign and submit to the school a document containing a statement acknowledging that not taking algebra II may have an adverse effect on college admission decisions.

A student may fulfill one unit of mathematics under division (C)(3) of this section by completing one-half unit of financial literacy instruction to satisfy the requirement prescribed under division (C)(9) of this section and one-half unit of a mathematics course. The one-half unit course in mathematics shall not be in algebra II, or its equivalent, or a course for which the department requires an end-of-course examination under section 3301.0712 of the Revised Code.

Students who choose to take one unit of advanced computer science in lieu of algebra II, as described in division (C)(3) of this section, shall not be permitted to complete one-half unit of financial literacy instruction to satisfy the mathematics unit requirements of that division. Instead, those students shall be required to complete the one-half unit of financial literacy instruction under division (C)(8) of this section.

(4) Physical education, one-half unit;

(5) Science, three units with inquiry-based laboratory experience that engages students in asking valid scientific questions and gathering and analyzing information, which shall include the following, or their equivalent:

(a) Physical sciences, one unit;

(b) Life sciences, one unit;

(c) Advanced study in one or more of the following sciences, one unit:

(i) Chemistry, physics, or other physical science;

(ii) Advanced biology or other life science;

(iii) Astronomy, physical geology, or other earth or space science;

(iv) Computer science.

No student shall substitute a computer science course for a life sciences or biology course under division (C)(5) of this section.

(6) History and government, one unit, which shall comply with division (M) of this section and shall include both of the following:

(a) American history, one-half unit;

(b) American government, one-half unit.

(7) Social studies, two units.

Beginning with students who enter ninth grade for the first time on or after July 1, 2017, the two units of instruction prescribed by division (C)(7) of this section shall include at least one-half unit of instruction in the study of world history and civilizations.

(8) Five units consisting of one or any combination of foreign language, fine arts, business, career-technical education, family and consumer sciences, technology which may include computer science, agricultural education, a junior reserve officer training corps (JROTC) program approved by the congress of the United States under title 10 of the United States Code, or English language arts, mathematics, science, or social studies courses not otherwise required under division (C) of this section.

One-half unit of instruction under division (C)(8) of this section may be instruction in financial literacy to satisfy the requirement under division (C)(9) of this section.

(9)(a) Except as provided in division (C)(9)(b) of this section, for students who enter ninth grade for the first time on or after July 1, 2022, financial literacy, one-half unit. Each student shall elect to complete the one-half unit of instruction in financial literacy either in lieu of one-half unit of instruction in mathematics under division (C)(3) of this section or an elective under division (C)(8) of this section. A student may fulfill the financial literacy instruction requirement under division (C)(9) of this section through the successful completion of an advanced placement course in microeconomics or macroeconomics.

(b) A student attending a nonpublic school accredited through the independent schools association of the central states or any other chartered nonpublic school shall not be required to complete the one-half unit of financial literacy instruction prescribed in division (C)(9)(a) of this section, unless that student is attending the school under a state scholarship program as defined in section 3301.0711 of the Revised Code.

The study and instruction of financial literacy required under division (C)(9) of this section shall align with the academic content standards for financial literacy and entrepreneurship adopted under division (A)(2) of section 3301.079 of the Revised Code. The instruction provided under an advanced placement course in microeconomics or macroeconomics shall be considered to be aligned with those academic content standards. In developing the curriculum for the study and instruction of financial literacy, schools may use available public-private partnerships and resources and materials that exist in business, industry, and through the centers for economics education at institutions of higher education.

Ohioans must be prepared to apply increased knowledge and skills in the workplace and to adapt their knowledge and skills quickly to meet the rapidly changing conditions of the twenty-first century. National studies indicate that all high school graduates need the same academic foundation, regardless of the opportunities they pursue after graduation. The goal of Ohio's system of elementary and secondary education is to prepare all students for and seamlessly connect all students to success in life beyond high school graduation, regardless of whether the next step is entering the workforce, beginning an apprenticeship, engaging in post-secondary training, serving in the military, or pursuing a college degree.

The requirements for graduation prescribed in division (C) of this section are the standard expectation for all students entering ninth grade for the first time at a public or chartered nonpublic high school on or after July 1, 2010. A student may satisfy this expectation through a variety of methods, including, but not limited to, integrated, applied, career-technical, and traditional coursework.

Stronger coordination between high schools and institutions of higher education is necessary to prepare students for more challenging academic endeavors and to lessen the need for academic remediation in college, thereby reducing the costs of higher education for Ohio's students, families, and the state. The department and the chancellor of higher education shall develop policies to ensure that only in rare instances will students who complete the requirements for graduation prescribed in division (C) of this section require academic remediation after high school.

School districts, community schools, and chartered nonpublic schools shall integrate technology into learning experiences across the curriculum in order to maximize efficiency, enhance learning, and prepare students for success in the technology-driven twenty-first century. Districts and schools shall use distance and web-based course delivery as a method of providing or augmenting all instruction required under this division, including laboratory experience in science. Districts and schools shall utilize technology access and electronic learning opportunities provided by the broadcast educational media commission, chancellor, the Ohio learning network, education technology centers, public television stations, and other public and private providers.

(D) Except as provided in division (E) of this section, a student who enters ninth grade on or after July 1, 2010, and before July 1, 2016, may qualify for graduation from a public or chartered nonpublic high school even though the student has not completed the requirements for graduation prescribed in division (C) of this section if all of the following conditions are satisfied:

(1) During the student's third year of attending high school, as determined by the school, the student and the student's parent, guardian, or custodian sign and file with the school a written statement asserting the parent's, guardian's, or custodian's consent to the student's graduating without completing the requirements for graduation prescribed in division (C) of this section and acknowledging that one consequence of not completing those requirements is ineligibility to enroll in most state universities in Ohio without further coursework.

(2) The student and parent, guardian, or custodian fulfill any procedural requirements the school stipulates to ensure the student's and parent's, guardian's, or custodian's informed consent and to facilitate orderly filing of statements under division (D)(1) of this section. Annually, each district or school shall notify the department of the number of students who choose to qualify for graduation under division (D) of this section and the number of students who complete the student's success plan and graduate from high school.

(3) The student and the student's parent, guardian, or custodian and a representative of the student's high school jointly develop a student success plan for the student in the manner described in division (C)(1) of section 3313.6020 of the Revised Code that specifies the student matriculating to a two-year degree program, acquiring a business and industry-recognized credential, or entering an apprenticeship.

(4) The student's high school provides counseling and support for the student related to the plan developed under division (D)(3) of this section during the remainder of the student's high school experience.

(5)(a) Except as provided in division (D)(5)(b) of this section, the student successfully completes, at a minimum, the curriculum prescribed in division (B) of this section.

(b) Beginning with students who enter ninth grade for the first time on or after July 1, 2014, a student shall be required to complete successfully, at the minimum, the curriculum prescribed in division (B) of this section, except as follows:

(i) Mathematics, four units, one unit which shall be one of the following:

(I) Probability and statistics;

(II) Computer science;

(III) Applied mathematics or quantitative reasoning;

(IV) Any other course approved by the department using standards established by the superintendent not later than October 1, 2014.

(ii) Elective units, five units;

(iii) Science, three units as prescribed by division (B) of this section which shall include inquiry-based laboratory experience that engages students in asking valid scientific questions and gathering and analyzing information.

(E) Each school district and chartered nonpublic school retains the authority to require an even more challenging minimum curriculum for high school graduation than specified in division (B) or (C) of this section. A school district board of education, through the adoption of a resolution, or the governing authority of a chartered nonpublic school may stipulate any of the following:

(1) A minimum high school curriculum that requires more than twenty units of academic credit to graduate;

(2) An exception to the district's or school's minimum high school curriculum that is comparable to the exception provided in division (D) of this section but with additional requirements, which may include a requirement that the student successfully complete more than the minimum curriculum prescribed in division (B) of this section;

(3) That no exception comparable to that provided in division (D) of this section is available.

If a school district or chartered nonpublic school requires a foreign language as an additional graduation requirement under division (E) of this section, a student may apply one unit of instruction in computer coding to satisfy one unit of foreign language. If a student applies more than one computer coding course to satisfy the foreign language requirement, the courses shall be sequential and progressively more difficult.

(F) A student enrolled in a dropout prevention and recovery program, which program has received a waiver from the department, may qualify for graduation from high school by successfully completing a competency-based instructional program administered by the dropout prevention and recovery program in lieu of completing the requirements for graduation prescribed in division (C) of this section. The department shall grant a waiver to a dropout prevention and recovery program, within sixty days after the program applies for the waiver, if the program meets all of the following conditions:

(1) The program serves only students not younger than sixteen years of age and not older than twenty-one years of age.

(2) The program enrolls students who, at the time of their initial enrollment, either, or both, are at least one grade level behind their cohort age groups or experience crises that significantly interfere with their academic progress such that they are prevented from continuing their traditional programs.

(3) The program requires students to attain at least the applicable score designated for each of the assessments prescribed under division (B)(1) of section 3301.0710 of the Revised Code or, to the extent prescribed by rule of the department under division (D)(5) of section 3301.0712 of the Revised Code, division (B)(2) of that section.

(4) The program develops a student success plan for the student in the manner described in division (C)(1) of section 3313.6020 of the Revised Code that specifies the student's matriculating to a two-year degree program, acquiring a business and industry-recognized credential, or entering an apprenticeship.

(5) The program provides counseling and support for the student related to the plan developed under division (F)(4) of this section during the remainder of the student's high school experience.

(6) The program requires the student and the student's parent, guardian, or custodian to sign and file, in accordance with procedural requirements stipulated by the program, a written statement asserting the parent's, guardian's, or custodian's consent to the student's graduating without completing the requirements for graduation prescribed in division (C) of this section and acknowledging that one consequence of not completing those requirements is ineligibility to enroll in most state universities in Ohio without further coursework.

(7) Prior to receiving the waiver, the program has submitted to the department an instructional plan that demonstrates how the academic content standards adopted by the department under section 3301.079 of the Revised Code will be taught and assessed.

(8) Prior to receiving the waiver, the program has submitted to the department a policy on career advising that satisfies the requirements of section 3313.6020 of the Revised Code, with an emphasis on how every student will receive career advising.

(9) Prior to receiving the waiver, the program has submitted to the department a written agreement outlining the future cooperation between the program and any combination of local job training, postsecondary education, nonprofit, and health and social service organizations to provide services for students in the program and their families.

Divisions (F)(8) and (9) of this section apply only to waivers granted on or after July 1, 2015.

If the department does not act either to grant the waiver or to reject the program application for the waiver within sixty days as required under this section, the waiver shall be considered to be granted.

(G) Every high school may permit students below the ninth grade to take advanced work. If a high school so permits, it shall award high school credit for successful completion of the advanced work and shall count such advanced work toward the graduation requirements of division (B) or (C) of this section if the advanced work was both:

(1) Taught by a person who possesses a license or certificate issued under section 3301.071, 3319.22, or 3319.222 of the Revised Code that is valid for teaching high school;

(2) Designated by the board of education of the city, local, or exempted village school district, the board of the cooperative education school district, or the governing authority of the chartered nonpublic school as meeting the high school curriculum requirements.

Each high school shall record on the student's high school transcript all high school credit awarded under division (G) of this section. In addition, if the student completed a seventh- or eighth-grade fine arts course described in division (K) of this section and the course qualified for high school credit under that division, the high school shall record that course on the student's high school transcript.

(H) The department shall make its individual academic career plan available through its Ohio career information system web site for districts and schools to use as a tool for communicating with and providing guidance to students and families in selecting high school courses.

(I) A school district or chartered nonpublic school may integrate academic content in a subject area for which the department has adopted standards under section 3301.079 of the Revised Code into a course in a different subject area, including a career-technical education course, in accordance with guidance for integrated coursework developed by the department. Upon successful completion of an integrated course, a student may receive credit for both subject areas that were integrated into the course. Units earned for subject area content delivered through integrated academic and career-technical instruction are eligible to meet the graduation requirements of division (B) or (C) of this section.

For purposes of meeting graduation requirements, if an end-of-course examination has been prescribed under section 3301.0712 of the Revised Code for the subject area delivered through integrated instruction, the school district or school may administer the related subject area examinations upon the student's completion of the integrated course.

Nothing in division (I) of this section shall be construed to excuse any school district, chartered nonpublic school, or student from any requirement in the Revised Code related to curriculum, assessments, or the awarding of a high school diploma.

(J)(1) The department, in consultation with the chancellor, shall adopt a statewide plan implementing methods for students to earn units of high school credit based on a demonstration of subject area competency, instead of or in combination with completing hours of classroom instruction. The plan shall include a standard method for recording demonstrated proficiency on high school transcripts. Each school district and community school shall comply with the department's plan adopted under this division and award units of high school credit in accordance with the plan. The department may adopt existing methods for earning high school credit based on a demonstration of subject area competency as necessary prior to the 2009-2010 school year.

(2) The department shall update the statewide plan adopted pursuant to division (J)(1) of this section to also include methods for students enrolled in seventh and eighth grade to meet curriculum requirements based on a demonstration of subject area competency, instead of or in combination with completing hours of classroom instruction. Beginning with the 2017-2018 school year, each school district and community school also shall comply with the updated plan adopted pursuant to this division and permit students enrolled in seventh and eighth grade to meet curriculum requirements based on subject area competency in accordance with the plan.

(3) The department shall develop a framework for school districts and community schools to use in granting units of high school credit to students who demonstrate subject area competency through work-based learning experiences, internships, or cooperative education. Beginning with the 2018-2019 school year, each district and community school shall comply with the framework. Each district and community school also shall review any policy it has adopted regarding the demonstration of subject area competency to identify ways to incorporate work-based learning experiences, internships, and cooperative education into the policy in order to increase student engagement and opportunities to earn units of high school credit.

(K) This division does not apply to students who qualify for graduation from high school under division (D) or (F) of this section, or to students pursuing a career-technical instructional track as determined by the school district board of education or the chartered nonpublic school's governing authority. Nevertheless, the general assembly encourages such students to consider enrolling in a fine arts course as an elective.

Beginning with students who enter ninth grade for the first time on or after July 1, 2010, each student enrolled in a public or chartered nonpublic high school shall complete two semesters or the equivalent of fine arts to graduate from high school. The coursework may be completed in any of grades seven to twelve. Each student who completes a fine arts course in grade seven or eight may elect to count that course toward the five units of electives required for graduation under division (C)(8) of this section, if the course satisfied the requirements of division (G) of this section. In that case, the high school shall award the student high school credit for the course and count the course toward the five units required under division (C)(8) of this section. If the course in grade seven or eight did not satisfy the requirements of division (G) of this section, the high school shall not award the student high school credit for the course but shall count the course toward the two semesters or the equivalent of fine arts required by this division.

(L) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this section, the board of education of each school district and the governing authority of each chartered nonpublic school may adopt a policy to excuse from the high school physical education requirement each student who, during high school, has participated in interscholastic athletics, marching band, show choir, or cheerleading for at least two full seasons or in the junior reserve officer training corps for at least two full school years. If the board or authority adopts such a policy, the board or authority shall not require the student to complete any physical education course as a condition to graduate. However, the student shall be required to complete one-half unit, consisting of at least sixty hours of instruction, in another course of study. In the case of a student who has participated in the junior reserve officer training corps for at least two full school years, credit received for that participation may be used to satisfy the requirement to complete one-half unit in another course of study.

(M) It is important that high school students learn and understand United States history and the governments of both the United States and the state of Ohio. Therefore, beginning with students who enter ninth grade for the first time on or after July 1, 2012, the study of American history and American government required by divisions (B)(6) and (C)(6) of this section shall include the study of all of the following documents:

(1) The Declaration of Independence;

(2) The Northwest Ordinance;

(3) The Constitution of the United States with emphasis on the Bill of Rights;

(4) The Ohio Constitution.

The study of each of the documents prescribed in divisions (M)(1) to (4) of this section shall include study of that document in its original context.

The study of American history and government required by divisions (B)(6) and (C)(6) of this section shall include the historical evidence of the role of documents such as the Federalist Papers and the Anti-Federalist Papers to firmly establish the historical background leading to the establishment of the provisions of the Constitution and Bill of Rights.

(N) A student may apply one unit of instruction in computer science to satisfy one unit of mathematics or one unit of science under division (C) of this section as the student chooses, regardless of the field of certification of the teacher who teaches the course, so long as that teacher meets the licensure requirements prescribed by section 3319.236 of the Revised Code and, prior to teaching the course, completes a professional development program determined to be appropriate by the district board.

If a student applies more than one computer science course to satisfy curriculum requirements under that division, the courses shall be sequential and progressively more difficult or cover different subject areas within computer science.

Last updated March 19, 2024 at 11:50 AM

Section 3313.604 | Courses in American sign language.

• Effective: June 13, 1990
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 216 - 118th General Assembly

For purposes of this section, American sign language is hereby recognized as a foreign language, and any public or chartered nonpublic school may offer a course in American sign language. A student who successfully completes a course in American sign language is entitled to receive credit for that course toward satisfaction of a foreign language requirement of the public or chartered nonpublic school where the course is offered.

Section 3313.605 | Community service education program.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Civic responsibility" means the patriotic and ethical duties of all citizens to take an active role in society and to consider the interests and concerns of other individuals in the community.

(2) "Volunteerism" means nonprofit activity in the United States, the benefits and limitations of nonprofit activities, and the presence and function of nonprofit civic and charitable organizations in the United States.

(3) "Community service" means a service performed through educational institutions, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, social service agencies, and philanthropies and generally designed to provide direct experience with people or project planning, with the goal of improving the quality of life for the community. Such activities may include but are not limited to tutoring, literacy training, neighborhood improvement, encouraging interracial and multicultural understanding, promoting ideals of patriotism, increasing environmental safety, assisting the elderly or disabled, and providing mental health care, housing, drug abuse prevention programs, and other philanthropic programs, particularly for disadvantaged or low-income persons.

(B) The board of education of each city, local, exempted village, and joint vocational school district, the governing authority of each community school established under Chapter 3314. of the Revised Code, and the governing body of each STEM school established under Chapter 3326. of the Revised Code may include community service education in its educational program. A governing board of an educational service center, upon the request of a local school district board of education, may provide a community service education program for the local district pursuant to this section. If a board, governing authority, or governing body includes community service education in its education program, the board, governing authority, or governing body shall do both of the following:

(1) Establish a community service advisory committee. The committee shall provide recommendations to the board, governing authority, or governing body regarding a community service plan for students and shall oversee and assist in the implementation of the plan adopted by the board, governing authority, or governing body under division (B)(2) of this section. Each board, governing authority, or governing body shall determine the membership and organization of its advisory committee and may designate an existing committee established for another purpose to serve as the community service advisory committee; however, each such committee shall include two or more students and shall include or consult with at least one person employed in the field of volunteer management who devotes at least fifty per cent of employment hours to coordinating volunteerism among community organizations. The committee members may include representatives of parents, teachers, administrators, other educational institutions, business, government, nonprofit organizations, veterans organizations, social service agencies, religious organizations, and philanthropies.

(2) Develop and implement a community service plan. To assist in establishing its plan, the board, governing authority, or governing body shall consult with and may contract with one or more local or regional organizations with experience in volunteer program development and management. Each community service plan adopted under this division shall be based upon the recommendations of the advisory committee and shall provide for all of the following:

(a) Education of students in the value of community service and its contributions to the history of this state and this nation;

(b) Identification of opportunities for students to provide community service;

(c) Encouragement of students to provide community service;

(d) Integration of community service opportunities into the curriculum;

(e) A community service instructional program for teachers, including strategies for the teaching of community service education, for the discovery of community service opportunities, and for the motivation of students to become involved in community service.

Plans shall be reviewed periodically by the advisory committee and, if necessary, revised by the board, governing authority, or governing body at least once every five years.

Plans shall provide for students to perform services under the plan that will not supplant the hiring of, result in the displacement of, or impair any existing employment contract of any particular employee of any private or governmental entity for which the services are performed. The plan shall provide for any entity utilizing a student to perform community service under the plan to verify to the board that the student does not supplant the hiring of, displace, or impair the employment contract of any particular employee of the entity.

Upon adoption, a board, governing authority, or governing body shall submit a copy of its plan to the department of education and workforce. Each city and exempted village board of education and each governing board of a service center shall include a copy of its plan in any course of study adopted under section 3313.60 of the Revised Code that is required to be submitted for approval to the department for review. A joint vocational school district board of education shall submit a copy of its plan to the department for review when required to do so by the department. A local board shall forward its plan to the educational service center governing board for inclusion in the governing board's course of study. The department periodically shall review all plans and publish those plans that could serve as models for other school districts, educational service centers, community schools, or STEM schools.

(C) Under this section, a board, governing authority, or governing body may only grant high school credit for a community service education course if approximately half of the course is devoted to classroom study of such matters as civic responsibility, the history of volunteerism, and community service training and approximately half of the course is devoted to community service.

Each board, governing authority, or governing body shall determine which specific activities will serve to fulfill the required hours of community service.

(D) The department of education and workforce shall develop guidelines for the development and implementation of a rubric to evaluate and rate community service education projects for use by districts, governing authorities, and governing boards that adopt a community service education plan.

(E) The department shall adopt rules for granting a student special certification, special recognition on a diploma, or special notification in the student's record upon the student's successful completion of an approved community service project.

The district board, governing authority, or governing body shall use a rubric developed in accordance with division (D) of this section to determine whether a community service project warrants recognition on a student's diploma under this division.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 5:12 PM

Section 3313.606 | Education television courses and programs.

• Effective: April 16, 1993
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 195 - 119th General Assembly

A board of education may provide educational television courses and programs for any class or classes in the school district. Such courses and programs may be secured from nonprofit educational television corporations, organized under the laws of any state, and a board of education may pay membership fees and other fees and charges necessary in order to receive the programs, materials, and other educational services offered by such corporations.

Section 3313.607 | Career plan and individual career passport for students.

• Effective: June 9, 1994
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 552 - 120th General Assembly

(A) The board of education of any school district may provide assistance to any student to develop a written career plan. If a school district receives any state money appropriated for the purposes of this section, career plans developed utilizing these funds shall be completed prior to the end of the eighth grade year, shall identify career goals and indicate educational goals to prepare for those career goals, shall be updated periodically as students successfully complete high school coursework, and shall culminate in a career passport described by division (B) of this section.

(B) The board of education of any school district may provide an individual career passport to any student upon the successful completion of the coursework of any high school. If a school district receives any state money for the purposes of this section, a career passport shall be provided to each such student. Each such passport shall document the knowledge and skills of the student, including documentation of the student's coursework and any employment, community, or leadership experiences. Each such passport shall also list the competency levels the student achieved, disclose the student's attendance record, and identify the career credentials the student gained.

Section 3313.608 | Third-grade reading guarantee.

• Effective: April 30, 2024
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 101 - 135th General Assembly

(A)(1) Beginning with students who enter third grade in the school year that starts July 1, 2009, and until June 30, 2013, unless the student is excused under division (C) of section 3301.0711 of the Revised Code from taking the assessment described in this section, for any student who does not attain at least the equivalent level of achievement designated under division (A)(3) of section 3301.0710 of the Revised Code on the assessment prescribed under that section to measure skill in English language arts expected at the end of third grade, each school district, in accordance with the policy adopted under section 3313.609 of the Revised Code, shall do one of the following:

(a) Promote the student to fourth grade if the student's principal and reading teacher agree that other evaluations of the student's skill in reading demonstrate that the student is academically prepared to be promoted to fourth grade;

(b) Promote the student to fourth grade but provide the student with intensive intervention services in fourth grade;

(c) Retain the student in third grade.

(2) Beginning with students who enter third grade in the 2013-2014 school year, unless the student is excused under division (C) of section 3301.0711 of the Revised Code from taking the assessment described in this section, no school district shall promote to fourth grade any student who does not attain at least the equivalent level of achievement designated under division (A)(3) of section 3301.0710 of the Revised Code on the assessment prescribed under that section to measure skill in English language arts expected at the end of third grade, unless one of the following applies:

(a) The student is an English learner who has been enrolled in United States schools for less than three full school years and has had less than three years of instruction in an English as a second language program.

(b) The student is a child with a disability entitled to special education and related services under Chapter 3323. of the Revised Code and the student's individualized education program exempts the student from retention under this division.

(c) The student demonstrates an acceptable level of performance on an alternative standardized reading assessment as determined by the department of education and workforce.

(d) All of the following apply:

(i) The student is a child with a disability entitled to special education and related services under Chapter 3323. of the Revised Code.

(ii) The student has taken the third grade English language arts achievement assessment prescribed under section 3301.0710 of the Revised Code.

(iii) The student's individualized education program or plan under section 504 of the "Rehabilitation Act of 1973," 87 Stat. 355, 29 U.S.C. 794, as amended, shows that the student has received intensive remediation in reading for two school years but still demonstrates a deficiency in reading.

(iv) The student previously was retained in any of grades kindergarten to three.

(e)(i) The student received intensive remediation for reading for two school years but still demonstrates a deficiency in reading and was previously retained in any of grades kindergarten to three.

(ii) A student who is promoted under division (A)(2)(e)(i) of this section shall continue to receive intensive reading instruction in grade four. The instruction shall include an altered instructional day that includes specialized diagnostic information and specific research-based reading strategies for the student that have been successful in improving reading among low-performing readers.

(f) A student's parent or guardian, in consultation with the student's reading teacher and building principal, requests that the student, regardless of if the student is reading at grade level, be promoted to the fourth grade.

A student who is promoted under division (A)(2)(f) of this section shall continue to receive intensive reading instruction in the same manner as a student retained under this section until the student is able to read at grade level.

(B)(1) Beginning in the 2012-2013 school year, to assist students in meeting the third grade guarantee established by this section, each school district board of education shall adopt policies and procedures with which it annually shall assess the reading skills of each student, except those students with significant cognitive disabilities or other disabilities as authorized by the department on a case-by-case basis, enrolled in kindergarten to third grade and shall identify students who are reading below their grade level. The reading skills assessment shall be completed by the thirtieth day of September for students in grades one to three, and by the twentieth day of instruction of the school year for students in kindergarten. Each district shall use the diagnostic assessment to measure reading ability for the appropriate grade level adopted under section 3301.079 of the Revised Code, or a comparable tool approved by the department of education and workforce, to identify such students. The policies and procedures shall require the students' classroom teachers to be involved in the assessment and the identification of students reading below grade level. The assessment may be administered electronically using live, two-way video and audio connections whereby the teacher administering the assessment may be in a separate location from the student.

(2) For each student identified by the diagnostic assessment prescribed under this section as having reading skills below grade level, the district shall do both of the following:

(a) Provide to the student's parent or guardian, in writing, all of the following:

(i) Notification that the student has been identified as having a substantial deficiency in reading;

(ii) A description of the current services that are provided to the student;

(iii) A description of the proposed supplemental instructional services and supports that will be provided to the student that are designed to remediate the identified areas of reading deficiency;

(iv) Notification that if the student attains a score in the range designated under division (A)(3) of section 3301.0710 of the Revised Code on the assessment prescribed under that section to measure skill in English language arts expected at the end of third grade, the student shall be retained unless the student is exempt under division (A) of this section. The notification shall specify that the assessment under section 3301.0710 of the Revised Code is not the sole determinant of promotion and that additional evaluations and assessments are available to the student to assist parents and the district in knowing when a student is reading at or above grade level and ready for promotion.

(v) A statement that connects the child's proficiency level in reading to long-term outcomes of success related to proficiency in reading.

(b) Provide intensive reading instruction services and regular diagnostic assessments to the student immediately following identification of a reading deficiency until the development of the reading improvement and monitoring plan required by division (C) of this section. These intervention services shall be aligned with the science of reading as defined under section 3313.6028 of the Revised Code and include research-based reading strategies that have been shown to be successful in improving reading among low-performing readers and instruction targeted at the student's identified reading deficiencies.

(3) For each student retained under division (A) of this section, the district shall do all of the following:

(a) Provide intense remediation services until the student is able to read at grade level. The remediation services shall include intensive interventions in reading that address the areas of deficiencies identified under this section including, but not limited to, not less than ninety minutes of reading instruction per day, and may include any of the following:

(i) Small group instruction;

(ii) Reduced teacher-student ratios;

(iii) More frequent progress monitoring;

(iv) Tutoring or mentoring;

(v) Transition classes containing third and fourth grade students;

(vi) Extended school day, week, or year;

(vii) Summer reading camps.

(b) Establish a policy for the mid-year promotion of a student retained under division (A) of this section who demonstrates that the student is reading at or above grade level;

(c) Provide each student with a teacher who satisfies one or more of the criteria set forth in division (H) of this section.

The district shall offer the option for students to receive applicable services from one or more providers other than the district. Providers shall be screened and approved by the district or the department of education and workforce. If the student participates in the remediation services and demonstrates reading proficiency in accordance with standards adopted by the department prior to the start of fourth grade, the district shall promote the student to that grade.

(4) For each student retained under division (A) of this section who has demonstrated proficiency in a specific academic ability field, each district shall provide instruction commensurate with student achievement levels in that specific academic ability field.

As used in this division, "specific academic ability field" has the same meaning as in section 3324.01 of the Revised Code.

(C) For each student required to be provided intervention services under this section, the district shall develop a reading improvement and monitoring plan within sixty days after receiving the student's results on the diagnostic assessment or comparable tool administered under division (B)(1) of this section. The district shall involve the student's parent or guardian and classroom teacher in developing the plan. The plan shall include all of the following:

(1) Identification of the student's specific reading deficiencies;

(2) A description of the additional instructional services and support that will be provided to the student to remediate the identified reading deficiencies;

(3) Opportunities for the student's parent or guardian to be involved in the instructional services and support described in division (C)(2) of this section;

(4) A process for monitoring the extent to which the student receives the instructional services and support described in division (C)(2) of this section;

(5) A reading curriculum during regular school hours that does all of the following:

(a) Assists students to read at grade level;

(b) Provides scientifically based and reliable assessment;

(c) Provides initial and ongoing analysis of each student's reading progress.

(6) A statement that if the student does not attain at least the equivalent level of achievement designated under division (A)(3) of section 3301.0710 of the Revised Code on the assessment prescribed under that section to measure skill in English language arts expected by the end of third grade, the student may be retained in third grade.

(7) High-dosage tutoring opportunities aligned with the student's classroom instruction through a state-approved vendor on the list of high-quality tutoring vendors under section 3301.136 of the Revised Code or a locally approved opportunity that aligns with high-dosage tutoring best practices. High-dosage tutoring opportunities shall include additional instruction time of at least three days per week, or at least fifty hours over thirty-six weeks.

The district shall continue to provide the plan developed under division (C) of this section until the student achieves the required level of skill in reading for the student's current grade level.

Each student with a reading improvement and monitoring plan under this division who enters third grade after July 1, 2013, shall be assigned to a teacher who satisfies one or more of the criteria set forth in division (H) of this section.

The district shall report any information requested by the department about the reading improvement monitoring plans developed under this division in the manner required by the department.

(D) Each school district shall report annually to the department on its implementation and compliance with this section using guidelines prescribed by the department. The director of education and workforce annually shall report to the governor and general assembly the number and percentage of students in grades kindergarten through four reading below grade level based on the diagnostic assessments administered under division (B) of this section and the achievement assessments administered under divisions (A)(1)(a) and (b) of section 3301.0710 of the Revised Code in English language arts, aggregated by school district and building; the types of intervention services provided to students; and, if available, an evaluation of the efficacy of the intervention services provided.

(E) Any summer remediation services funded in whole or in part by the state and offered by school districts to students under this section shall meet the following conditions:

(1) The remediation methods are based on reliable educational research.

(2) The school districts conduct assessment before and after students participate in the program to facilitate monitoring results of the remediation services.

(3) The parents of participating students are involved in programming decisions.

(F) Any intervention or remediation services required by this section shall include intensive, explicit, and systematic instruction.

(G) This section does not create a new cause of action or a substantive legal right for any person.

(H)(1) Except as provided under divisions (H)(2), (3), and (4) of this section, each student described in division (B)(3) or (C) of this section who enters third grade for the first time on or after July 1, 2013, shall be assigned a teacher who has at least one year of teaching experience and who satisfies one or more of the following criteria:

(a) The teacher holds a reading endorsement on the teacher's license and has attained a passing score on the corresponding assessment for that endorsement, as applicable.

(b) The teacher has completed a master's degree program with a major in reading.

(c) The teacher was rated "most effective" for reading instruction consecutively for the most recent two years based on assessments of student growth measures developed by a vendor and that is on the list of student assessments approved by the department under division (B)(2) of section 3319.112 of the Revised Code.

(d) The teacher was rated "above expected value added," in reading instruction, as determined by criteria established by the department, for the most recent, consecutive two years.

(e) The teacher has earned a passing score on a rigorous test of principles of scientifically research-based reading instruction as approved by the department.

(f) The teacher holds an educator license for teaching grades pre-kindergarten through three or four through nine issued on or after July 1, 2017.

(2) Notwithstanding division (H)(1) of this section, a student described in division (B)(3) or (C) of this section who enters third grade for the first time on or after July 1, 2013, may be assigned to a teacher with less than one year of teaching experience provided that the teacher meets one or more of the criteria described in divisions (H)(1)(a) to (f) of this section and that teacher is assigned a teacher mentor who meets the qualifications of division (H)(1) of this section.

(3) Notwithstanding division (H)(1) of this section, a student described in division (B)(3) or (C) of this section who enters third grade for the first time on or after July 1, 2013, but prior to July 1, 2016, may be assigned to a teacher who holds an alternative credential approved by the department or who has successfully completed training that is based on principles of scientifically research-based reading instruction that has been approved by the department. The alternative credentials and training described in division (H)(3) of this section shall be aligned with the reading competencies adopted by the department of education and workforce under section 3301.077 of the Revised Code.

(4) Notwithstanding division (H)(1) of this section, a student described in division (B)(3) or (C) of this section who enters third grade for the first time on or after July 1, 2013, may receive reading intervention or remediation services under this section from an individual employed as a speech-language pathologist who holds a license issued by the state speech and hearing professionals board under Chapter 4753. of the Revised Code and a registration under section 3319.221 of the Revised Code.

(5) A teacher, other than a student's teacher of record, may provide any services required under this section, so long as that other teacher meets the requirements of division (H) of this section and the teacher of record and the school principal agree to the assignment. Any such assignment shall be documented in the student's reading improvement and monitoring plan.

As used in this division, "teacher of record" means the classroom teacher to whom a student is assigned.

(I) Notwithstanding division (H) of this section, a teacher may teach reading to any student who is an English language learner, and has been in the United States for three years or less, or to a student who has an individualized education program developed under Chapter 3323. of the Revised Code if that teacher holds an alternative credential approved by the department or has successfully completed training that is based on principles of scientifically research-based reading instruction that has been approved by the department. The alternative credentials and training described in this division shall be aligned with the reading competencies adopted by the department of education and workforce under section 3301.077 of the Revised Code.

(J) If, on or after June 4, 2013, a school district or community school cannot furnish the number of teachers needed who satisfy one or more of the criteria set forth in division (H) of this section for the 2013-2014 school year, the school district or community school shall develop and submit a staffing plan by June 30, 2013. The staffing plan shall include criteria that will be used to assign a student described in division (B)(3) or (C) of this section to a teacher, credentials or training held by teachers currently teaching at the school, and how the school district or community school will meet the requirements of this section. The school district or community school shall post the staffing plan on its web site for the applicable school year.

Not later than March 1, 2014, and on the first day of March in each year thereafter, a school district or community school that has submitted a plan under this division shall submit to the department a detailed report of the progress the district or school has made in meeting the requirements under this section.

A school district or community school may request an extension of a staffing plan beyond the 2013-2014 school year. Extension requests must be submitted to the department not later than the thirtieth day of April prior to the start of the applicable school year. The department may grant extensions valid through the 2015-2016 school year.

(K) The department of education and workforce shall designate one or more staff members to provide guidance and assistance to school districts and community schools in implementing the third grade guarantee established by this section, including any standards or requirements adopted to implement the guarantee and to provide information and support for reading instruction and achievement.

Last updated February 7, 2024 at 1:59 PM

Section 3313.609 | Grade promotion and retention policy.

• Effective: September 24, 2012
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 316 - 129th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Truant" means absent without excuse.

(2) "Academically prepared" means whatever educational standard the board of education of each city, exempted village, local, and joint vocational school district establishes as necessary for the promotion of a student to the next grade level pursuant to the policy adopted under division (B) of this section.

(B) The board of education of each city, exempted village, local, and joint vocational school district shall adopt a grade promotion and retention policy for students that complies with this section and section 3313.608 of the Revised Code. The policy shall prohibit the promotion of a student to the next grade level if the student has been truant for more than ten per cent of the required attendance days of the current school year and has failed two or more of the required curriculum subject areas in the current grade unless the student's principal and the teachers of any failed subject areas agree that the student is academically prepared to be promoted to the next grade level.

Section 3313.6010 | Contracting with academic remediation and intervention providers.

• Effective: September 29, 2015
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 64 - 131st General Assembly

The board of education of a school district may contract with public and private providers of academic remediation and intervention in mathematics, science, reading, writing, and social studies for the purpose of assisting pupils in any grade outside of regular school hours.

Section 3313.6011 | Instruction in venereal disease education emphasizing abstinence.

• Effective: October 24, 2024
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 168 - 135th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section, "sexual activity" has the same meaning as in section 2907.01 of the Revised Code.

(B) Instruction in sexually transmitted infection education pursuant to division (A)(5)(c) of section 3313.60 of the Revised Code shall emphasize that abstinence from sexual activity is the only protection that is one hundred per cent effective against unwanted pregnancy, sexually transmitted disease, and the sexual transmission of a virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.

(C)(1) The department of education and workforce shall require course material and instruction in sexually transmitted infection education courses taught pursuant to division (A)(5)(c) of section 3313.60 of the Revised Code to do all of the following:

(a) Stress that students should abstain from sexual activity until after marriage;

(b) Teach the potential physical, psychological, emotional, and social side effects of participating in sexual activity outside of marriage;

(c) Teach that conceiving children at an early age or outside of marriage increases the likelihood of hardship in life;

(d) Stress that sexually transmitted diseases are serious possible hazards of sexual activity;

(e) Advise students of the laws pertaining to financial responsibility of parents to children born inside and outside of marriage;

(f) Advise students of the circumstances under which it is criminal to have sexual contact with a person under the age of sixteen pursuant to section 2907.04 of the Revised Code;

(g) Emphasize adoption as an option for unintended pregnancies.

(2) If a school district or school chooses to offer additional instruction in sexually transmitted infection or sexual education not specified in division (C)(1) of this section, the district or school shall notify all parents or guardians of that instruction, including the name of any instructor, vendor name, if applicable, and the name of the curriculum being used. No district or school shall offer that instruction to a student unless that student's parent or guardian has submitted written permission for that student to receive that instruction. Division (E) of this section does not apply to division (C)(2) of this section.

(3) Upon request, a school district or school shall provide any materials associated with the instruction offered under divisions (C)(1) and (2) of this section to a parent or guardian.

(D) The department shall not adopt a separate model education program for health education.

(E) The department shall conduct an annual audit of each city, local, and exempted village school district, at the start of each school year, relative to its compliance with the instruction requirements of this section and division (A)(5)(c) of section 3313.60 of the Revised Code. The department shall publish the findings of each audit not later than one hundred twenty days after the start of the school year. The department shall include in the findings of each audit the name of any organization or program that provided materials to a school district regarding sexually transmitted infection education. The department's findings shall be prominently posted on its web site.

(F) The director of education and workforce shall not approve, pursuant to section 3302.07 of the Revised Code, any waiver of any requirement of this section.

Last updated August 15, 2024 at 4:46 PM

Section 3313.6012 | Policy governing conduct of academic prevention/intervention services.

• Effective: September 29, 2017
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 49 - 132nd General Assembly

(A) The board of education of each city, exempted village, and local school district shall adopt a policy governing the conduct of academic prevention/intervention services for all grades and all schools throughout the district. The board shall update the policy annually. The policy shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:

(1) Procedures for using diagnostic assessments to measure student progress toward the attainment of academic standards and to identify students who may not attain the academic standards in accordance with section 3301.0715 of the Revised Code;

(2) A plan for the design of classroom-based intervention services to meet the instructional needs of individual students as determined by the results of diagnostic assessments;

(3) Procedures for the regular collection of student performance data;

(4) Procedures for using student performance data to evaluate the effectiveness of intervention services and, if necessary, to modify such services.

The policy shall include any prevention/intervention services required under sections 3301.0711, 3301.0715, and 3313.608 of the Revised Code.

(B) In accordance with the policy adopted under division (A) of this section, each school district shall provide prevention/intervention services in pertinent subject areas to students who score below the proficient level on a reading, writing, mathematics, or science proficiency or achievement test or who do not demonstrate academic performance at their grade level based on the results of a diagnostic assessment.

Section 3313.6013 | Advanced standing programs for college credit.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section, "advanced standing program" means a program that enables a student to earn credit toward a degree from an institution of higher education while enrolled in high school or that enables a student to complete coursework while enrolled in high school that may earn credit toward a degree from an institution of higher education upon the student's attainment of a specified score on an examination covering the coursework. Advanced standing programs may include any of the following:

(1) The college credit plus program established under Chapter 3365. of the Revised Code;

(2) Advanced placement courses;

(3) International baccalaureate diploma courses;

(4) Early college high school programs.

(B) Each city, local, exempted village, and joint vocational school district and each chartered nonpublic high school shall provide students enrolled in grades nine through twelve with the opportunity to participate in an advanced standing program. For this purpose, each school district and chartered nonpublic high school shall offer at least one advanced standing program in accordance with division (B)(1) or (2) of this section, as applicable.

(1) A city, local, or exempted village school district meets the requirements of this division through its mandatory participation in the college credit plus program established under Chapter 3365. of the Revised Code. However, a city, local, or exempted village school district may offer any other advanced standing program, in addition to the college credit plus program, and each joint vocational school district shall offer at least one other advanced standing program, to students in good standing, as defined by the partnership for continued learning under section 3301.42 of the Revised Code as it existed prior to October 16, 2009, or as subsequently defined by the department of education and workforce.

(2) A chartered nonpublic high school that elects to participate in the college credit plus program established under Chapter 3365. of the Revised Code meets the requirements of this division. Each chartered nonpublic high school that elects not to participate in the college credit plus program instead shall offer at least one other advanced standing program to students in good standing, as defined by the partnership for continued learning under section 3301.42 of the Revised Code as it existed prior to October 16, 2009, or as subsequently defined by the department of education and workforce.

(C) Each school district and each chartered nonpublic high school, at least annually, shall provide information about the advanced standing programs offered by the district or school to all students enrolled in grades six through eleven. The district or school shall include information about all of the following:

(1) The process colleges and universities use in awarding credit for advanced placement and international baccalaureate courses and examinations, including minimum scores required by state institutions of higher education, as defined in section 3345.011 of the Revised Code, for a student to receive college credit;

(2) The availability of tuition and fee waivers for advanced placement and international baccalaureate courses and examinations;

(3) The availability of online advanced placement or international baccalaureate courses, including those that may be available at no cost;

(4) The benefits of earning postsecondary credit through advanced placement or international baccalaureate courses;

(5) The availability of advanced placement or international baccalaureate courses offered throughout the district.

The district or school may include additional information as determined appropriate by the district or school.

(D) Except as provided for in Chapter 3365. of the Revised Code, no city, local, exempted village, and joint vocational school district shall charge an enrolled student an additional fee or tuition for participation in any advanced standing program offered by the district. Students may be required to pay the costs associated with taking an advanced placement or international baccalaureate examination.

(E) Any agreement between a school district or school and an associated college governing the operation of an early college high school program shall be exempt from the requirements of the college credit plus program, provided the program meets the definition set forth in division (F)(2) of this section and is approved by the director of education and workforce and the chancellor of higher education.

The college credit plus program also shall not govern any advanced placement course or international baccalaureate diploma course as described under this section.

(F) As used in this section:

(1) "Associated college" means a public or private college, as defined in section 3365.01 of the Revised Code, which has entered into an agreement with a school district or school to establish an early college high school program, as described in division (F)(2) of this section, and awards transcripted credit, as defined in section 3365.01 of the Revised Code, to students through that program.

(2) "Early college high school program" means a partnership between at least one school district or school and at least one institution of higher education that allows participants to simultaneously complete requirements toward earning a regular high school diploma and have the opportunity to earn not less than twenty-four credits that are transferable to the institutions of higher education in the partnership as part of an organized course of study toward a post-secondary degree or credential at no cost to the participant or participant's family. The program also shall prioritize the following students:

(a) Students who are underrepresented in regard to completing post-secondary education;

(b) Students who are economically disadvantaged, as defined by the department of education and workforce;

(c) Students whose parents did not earn a college degree.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 5:14 PM

Section 3313.6014 | Parental notification of core curriculum requirements.

• Effective: September 17, 2014
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 487 - 130th General Assembly

The board of education of each city, exempted village, and local school district shall by resolution adopt a procedure for notifying the parent, guardian, or custodian of each student enrolled in a high school operated by the district or enrolled in a school operated by the joint vocational school district to which the city, exempted village, or local district belongs of the requirements prescribed in division (C) of section 3313.603 of the Revised Code and that one consequence of not completing that curriculum is ineligibility to enroll in most state universities in Ohio without further coursework.

This section does not create a new cause of action or substantive legal right.

Section 3313.6016 | Daily physical activity for students; pilot program.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) The department of education and workforce shall administer a pilot program requiring daily physical activity for students. Any school district; community school established under Chapter 3314. of the Revised Code; science, technology, engineering, and mathematics school established under Chapter 3326. of the Revised Code; or chartered nonpublic school annually may elect to participate in the pilot program by notifying the department of its interest by a date established by the department. If a school district elects to participate in the pilot program, the district shall select one or more school buildings to participate in the program. To the maximum extent possible, the department shall seek to include in the pilot program districts and schools that are located in urban, suburban, and rural areas distributed geographically throughout the state. The department shall administer the pilot program in accordance with this section.

(B) Except as provided in division (C) of this section, each district or school participating in the pilot program shall require all students in the school building selected under division (A) of this section to engage in at least thirty minutes of moderate to rigorous physical activity each school day or at least one hundred fifty minutes of moderate to rigorous physical activity each week, exclusive of recess. Physical activity engaged in during the following may count toward the daily requirement:

(1) A physical education course;

(2) A program or activity occurring before or after the regular school day, as defined in section 3313.814 of the Revised Code, that is sponsored or approved by the school of attendance, provided school officials are able to monitor students' participation to ensure compliance with the requirement.

(C) None of the following shall be subject to the requirement of division (B) of this section:

(1) Any student enrolled in the college credit plus program established under Chapter 3365. of the Revised Code;

(2) Any student enrolled in a career-technical education program operated by the district or school;

(3) Any student enrolled in a dropout prevention and recovery program operated by the district or school.

(D) For any period in which a student is participating in interscholastic athletics, marching band, cheerleading, or a junior reserve officer training corps program, the district or school may excuse the student from the requirement of division (B) of this section.

(E) The district or school may excuse any kindergarten student who is not enrolled in all-day kindergarten, as defined in section 3321.05 of the Revised Code, from the requirement of division (B) of this section.

(F) Each district or school annually shall report to the department, in the manner prescribed by the department, how the district or school implemented the thirty minutes of daily physical activity and the financial costs of implementation. The department shall issue an annual report of the data collected under this division.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 5:15 PM

Section 3313.6017 | Alternative methods of delivering content.

• Effective: June 29, 2012
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 165 - 129th General Assembly

Nothing in this act shall be construed to limit the ability of a school district or public or nonpublic school to offer academic content based on the standards adopted under division (A)(1)(b) of section 3301.079 of the Revised Code and the academic content required under division (M) of section 3313.603 of the Revised Code through summer school, online, or any other method of education offered by the district or school.

Section 3313.6018 | Extended programming.

• Effective: September 29, 2013
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 59 - 130th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section and section 3313.6019 of the Revised Code, "extended programming" means extended programming as described in section 3301.0725 of the Revised Code.

(B) Except as provided in division (C) of section 3313.6019 of the Revised Code, extended programming shall be used for activities that involve direct contact with students or are directly related to student programs and activities.

(C) A licensed educator shall not provide more than eight hours of extended programming in a twenty-four-hour day.

Section 3313.6019 | Agricultural education programs.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) Not later than December 31, 2013, the department of education and workforce shall issue a report with recommendations for quality agricultural education programs. These recommendations shall be developed using both of the following:

(1) The standards for exemplary agricultural education that are described in the national quality program standards for secondary (grades 9-12) agricultural education developed by the national council for agricultural education or a successor document developed by the national council for agricultural education or its successor;

(2) The quality program standards for Ohio's agricultural and environmental systems career field programs or a successor document developed by the department, the Ohio association of agricultural educators, the Ohio state university, and wilmington college of Ohio.

The report shall include the appropriate use of extended programming in agricultural education programs and the recommended number of hours outside the normal school day that licensed educators may be permitted to provide extended programming instruction. Following the initial issuance of the report, the department may periodically review and update the report as it considers necessary.

(B) All agricultural education instructors shall utilize a three-part model of agricultural education instruction of classroom instruction, FFA activities, and extended programming projects.

(C) Professional development associated with agricultural education shall be considered an acceptable use of extended student programming funds.

(D) All agricultural education instructors shall submit a monthly time log to the principal of the school at which the extended programming is offered, or the principal's designee, for review.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 5:16 PM

Section 3313.6020 | Policy on career advising.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A)(1) Beginning in the 2015-2016 school year, the board of education of each city, local, exempted village, and joint vocational school district shall adopt a policy on career advising that complies with this section. Thereafter, the policy shall be updated at least once every two years.

(2) The board shall make the policy publicly available to students, parents, guardians, or custodians, local post-secondary institutions, and residents of the district. The district shall post the policy in a prominent location on its web site, if it has one.

(B) The policy on career advising shall specify how the district will do all of the following:

(1) Provide students with grade-level examples that link their schoolwork to one or more career fields. A district may use career connections developed under division (B)(2) of section 3301.079 of the Revised Code for this purpose.

(2) Create a plan to provide career advising to students in grades six through twelve;

(3) Beginning in the 2015-2016 school year, provide additional interventions and career advising for students who are identified as at risk of dropping out of school in accordance with division (C) of this section;

(4) Train its employees on how to advise students on career pathways, including training on advising students using online tools;

(5) Develop multiple, clear academic pathways through high school that students may choose in order to earn a high school diploma;

(6) Identify and publicize courses that can award students both traditional academic and career-technical credit;

(7) Document the career advising provided to each student for review by the student, the student's parent, guardian, or custodian, and future schools that the student may attend. A district shall not otherwise release this information without the written consent of the student's parent, guardian, or custodian, if the student is less than eighteen years old, or the written consent of the student, if the student is at least eighteen years old.

(8) Prepare students for their transition from high school to their post-secondary destinations, including any special interventions that are necessary for students in need of remediation in mathematics or English language arts;

(9) Include information regarding career fields that require an industry-recognized credential, certificate, associate's degree, bachelor's degree, graduate degree, or professional degree;

(10) Provide students with information about ways a student may offset the costs of a post-secondary education, including programs such as all of the following:

(a) The reserve officer training corps;

(b) The college credit plus program established under Chapter 3365. of the Revised Code;

(c) The Ohio guaranteed transfer pathways initiative established under section 3333.168 of the Revised Code;

(d) Joint academic programming or dual enrollment opportunities required under section 3333.168 of the Revised Code.

The chancellor of higher education shall develop informational materials that illustrate cost saving estimates for each of the options listed under division (B)(10) of this section. The chancellor shall develop a list of individual college courses that are transferable under section 3333.16 of the Revised Code.

(C)(1) Beginning in the 2015-2016 school year, each district shall identify students who are at risk of dropping out of school using a method that is both research-based and locally-based and that is developed with input from the district's classroom teachers and guidance counselors. If a student is identified as at risk of dropping out of school, the district shall develop a student success plan that addresses the student's academic pathway to a successful graduation and the role of career-technical education, competency-based education, and experiential learning, as appropriate, in that pathway.

(2) Prior to developing a student success plan for a student, the district shall invite the student's parent, guardian, or custodian to assist in developing the plan. If the student's parent, guardian, or custodian does not participate in the development of the plan, the district shall provide to the parent, guardian, or custodian a copy of the student's success plan and a statement of the importance of a high school diploma and the academic pathways available to the student in order to successfully graduate.

(3) Following the development of a student success plan for a student, the district shall provide career advising to the student that is aligned with the plan and, beginning in the 2015-2016 school year, the district's plan to provide career advising created under division (B)(2) of this section.

(D)(1) The department of education and workforce shall develop and post on its web site model policies on career advising and model student success plans.

(2) The department shall create an online clearinghouse of research related to proven practices for policies on career advising and student success plans that districts may access when fulfilling the requirements of this section.

(3) The department shall develop and make available informational materials for students in grades seven and eight about career opportunities available to them, including in-demand jobs as defined in section 3333.94 of the Revised Code, and how a career-technical education may help them satisfy graduation conditions under section 3313.618 of the Revised Code.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 5:16 PM

Section 3313.6021 | Instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of an automated external defibrillator in high schools.

• Effective: October 24, 2024
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 47 - 135th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Automated external defibrillator" has the same meaning as in section 3313.717 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Psychomotor skills" means the use of hands-on practice to support cognitive learning.

(B) Except as provided in division (E) of this section, each school operated by a school district which offers grades nine to twelve shall provide instruction to students in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of an automated external defibrillator.

Instruction shall include the psychomotor skills necessary to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation and use an automated external defibrillator and shall be either of the following:

(1) An instructional program developed by the American heart association or the American red cross that includes instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of an automated external defibrillator;

(2) An instructional program that is nationally recognized and based on the most current national, evidence-based emergency cardiovascular care guidelines for cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of an automated external defibrillator.

(C) No student shall receive certification in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of an automated external defibrillator unless the student is trained by an authorized or certified instructor.

(D) Nothing in this section requires a licensed educator to be certified to provide training in the manner prescribed by this section to facilitate, provide, or oversee instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and the use of an automated external defibrillator that does not result in certification of students.

(E) If a student is excused from taking instruction in cardiopulmonary resuscitation under division (A)(8) of section 3313.60 of the Revised Code or if the student is a child with a disability and is incapable of performing the psychomotor skills required to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation and to use an automated external defibrillator, as indicated in the student's IEP, the student shall not be required to receive instruction as prescribed by this section. As used in this section, "child with a disability" and "IEP" have the same meanings as in section 3323.01 of the Revised Code.

Last updated August 13, 2024 at 9:18 AM

Section 3313.6022 | Released time courses in religious instruction.

• Effective: September 11, 2014
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 171 - 130th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section, "released time" means a period of time during which a student is excused from school to attend a course in religious instruction conducted by a private entity off school district property.

(B) A school district board of education may adopt a policy that authorizes a student to be excused from school to attend a released time course in religious instruction, provided that each of the following applies:

(1) The student's parent or guardian gives written consent.

(2) The sponsoring entity maintains attendance records and makes them available to the school district the student attends.

(3) Transportation to and from the place of instruction, including transportation for students with disabilities, is the complete responsibility of the sponsoring entity, parent, guardian, or student.

(4) The sponsoring entity makes provisions for and assumes liability for the student.

(5) No public funds are expended and no public school personnel are involved in providing the religious instruction.

(6) The student assumes responsibility for any missed schoolwork.

While in attendance in a released time course in religious instruction, a student shall not be considered absent from school. No student may be released from a core curriculum subject course to attend a religious instruction course.

(C) A policy adopted under division (B) of this section may authorize high school students to earn up to two units of high school credit for the completion of a released time course in religious instruction. In determining whether to award credit for completion of such a course, the board shall evaluate the course based on purely secular criteria that are substantially the same criteria used to evaluate similar nonpublic high school courses for purposes of determining whether to award credit for such courses to a student transferring from a nonpublic high school to a public high school. However, there shall be no criteria requiring that released time courses be completed only at a nonpublic school. The decision to award credit for a released time course of religious instruction shall be neutral to, and shall not involve any test for, religious content or denominational affiliation.

For purposes of this division, secular criteria may include, but are not limited to, the following:

(1) The number of hours of classroom instruction time;

(2) A review of the course syllabus that reflects course requirements and materials used;

(3) The methods of assessment used in the course;

(4) The qualifications of the course instructor, which shall be similar to the qualifications of other teachers within the district.

Notwithstanding division (C)(8) of section 3313.603 of the Revised Code, high school credit awarded to a student for a released time course in religious instruction may substitute for the same amount of credit in subjects listed in that division.

(D) A school district, member of a school district board of education, or school district employee is not liable in damages in a civil action for injury allegedly arising during a student's transportation to or from a place of instruction when private transportation is used under a released time policy adopted under this section. This division does not eliminate, limit, or reduce any other immunity or defense that a school district, member of a school district board of education, or school district employee may be entitled to under Chapter 2744. or any other provision of the Revised Code or under the common law of this state.

Section 3313.6023 | Training in the use of an automated external defibrillator for school district employees.

• Effective: October 24, 2024
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 47 - 135th General Assembly

(A) The board of education of each school district shall provide training in the use of an automated external defibrillator to teachers, principals, administrative employees, coaches, athletic trainers, any other person that supervises interscholastic athletics, and any other employee subject to in-service training requirements under division (A) of section 3319.073 of the Revised Code.

(B) The board of education of each school district may provide training in the use of an automated external defibrillator to any other person employed by that district.

(C) The training prescribed under this section shall be incorporated into the in-service training required by division (A) of section 3319.073 of the Revised Code. For this purpose, the board shall use one of the instructional programs listed in divisions (B)(1) and (2) of section 3313.6021 of the Revised Code.

(D) Each person to whom this section applies shall complete the training not later than July 1, 2018, and at least once every five years thereafter.

Last updated August 13, 2024 at 9:19 AM

Section 3313.6024 | Reporting on prevention-focused programs.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) Annually each school district shall report to the department of education and workforce, in the manner prescribed by the department, the types of prevention-focused programs, services, and supports used to assist students in developing the knowledge and skills to engage in healthy behaviors and decision-making and to increase their awareness of the dangers and consequences of risky behaviors, including substance abuse, suicide, bullying, and other harmful behaviors. The district shall report the following information regarding such programs, services, and supports for each building operated by the district and for each of grades kindergarten through twelve served by the building:

(1) Curriculum and instruction provided during the school day;

(2) Programs and supports provided outside of the classroom or outside of the school day;

(3) Professional development for teachers, administrators, and other staff;

(4) Partnerships with community coalitions and organizations to provide prevention services and resources to students and their families;

(5) School efforts to engage parents and the community;

(6) Activities designed to communicate with and learn from other schools or professionals with expertise in prevention education.

(B) The department may use information reported under this section, and any other information collected by the department pursuant to law, as a factor in the distribution of any funding available for prevention-focused programs, services, and supports.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 5:17 PM

Section 3313.6025 | Instruction on proper interactions with peace officers.

• Effective: April 12, 2021
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 68 - 133rd General Assembly

The board of education of each city, local, exempted village, and joint vocational school district shall provide instruction on proper interactions with peace officers during traffic stops and other in-person encounters using the model curriculum developed under division (B) of section 3301.0721 of the Revised Code. Each district shall include this instruction in one or more courses offered under division (C) of section 3313.603 of the Revised Code for students in grades nine through twelve. Each district may modify the instruction in the model curriculum as appropriate for the district's community. In modifying the instruction, the district shall solicit input from local law enforcement agencies, driver training schools, as that term is defined in section 4508.01 of the Revised Code, and the community.

Section 3313.6026 | FAFSA data sharing agreement.

• Effective: September 30, 2021
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 110 - 134th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section, "school governing authority" means any of the following:

(1) The governing authority of a community school established under Chapter 3314. of the Revised Code;

(2) The governing body of a STEM school established under Chapter 3326. of the Revised Code;

(3) The board of trustees of a college-preparatory boarding school established under Chapter 3328. of the Revised Code;

(4) The governing authority of a chartered nonpublic school.

(B) Each school district board of education and each school governing authority that operates a high school shall enter into a data sharing agreement with the chancellor of higher education for the purposes of operating the free application for federal student aid data system established under section 3333.301 of the Revised Code. Each school district or school shall provide principals and school counselors with access to the data system to assist with efforts to support and encourage students to complete the free application for federal student aid form.

Last updated September 9, 2021 at 9:40 AM

Section 3313.6027 | Financial literacy instruction.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

Subject to divisions (D) to (F) of section 3313.603 of the Revised Code, this section applies to students who enter ninth grade for the first time on or after July 1, 2010, but prior to July 1, 2022.

For students to whom this section applies, each school district and chartered nonpublic school shall integrate the study of economics and financial literacy, as expressed in the social studies academic content standards adopted by the department of education and workforce under division (A)(1) of section 3301.079 of the Revised Code and the academic content standards for financial literacy and entrepreneurship adopted under division (A)(2) of that section, into one or more existing social studies credits required under division (C)(7) of section 3313.603 of the Revised Code, or into the content of another class, so that every high school student receives instruction in those concepts.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 5:18 PM

Section 3313.6028 | Literacy curriculum.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A)(1) As used in Title XXXIII of the Revised Code, "science of reading" means an interdisciplinary body of scientific evidence that:

(a) Informs how students learn to read and write proficiently;

(b) Explains why some students have difficulty with reading and writing;

(c) Indicates that all students benefit from explicit and systematic instruction in phonemic awareness, phonics, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and writing to become effective readers;

(d) Does not rely on any model of teaching students to read based on meaning, structure and syntax, and visual cues, including a three-cueing approach.

(2) As used in this section, "three-cueing approach" means any model of teaching students to read based on meaning, structure and syntax, and visual cues.

(B) The department of education and workforce shall establish a list of high-quality core curriculum and instructional materials in English language arts, and a list of evidence-based reading intervention programs, that are aligned with the science of reading and strategies for effective literacy instruction.

(C) Beginning not later than the 2024-2025 school year, each school district, community school established under Chapter 3314. of the Revised Code, and STEM school established under Chapter 3326. of the Revised Code, shall use core curriculum and instructional materials in English language arts and evidence-based reading intervention programs only from the lists established under division (B) of this section. Except as provided in division (D) of this section, no district or school shall use any core curriculum, instructional materials, or intervention program in grades pre-kindergarten to five that use the three-cueing approach to teach students to read.

(D) A district or school may apply to the department for a waiver on an individual student basis to use curriculum, instructional materials, or an intervention program in grades pre-kindergarten through five that uses the three-cueing approach to teach students to read, except as follows:

(1) No student for whom a reading improvement and monitoring plan has been developed under division (C) of section 3313.608 of the Revised Code shall be eligible for a waiver.

(2) If a student has an individualized education program that explicitly indicates the three-cueing approach is appropriate for the student's learning needs, the student shall not be required to have a waiver.

In determining whether to approve a waiver requested under this section, the department shall consider the performance of the student's district or school on the state report card issued under section 3302.03 of the Revised Code, including on the early literacy component prescribed under division (D)(3)(e) of that section.

(E)(1) The department shall identify vendors that provide professional development to educators, including pre-service teachers and faculty employed by educator preparation programs, on the use of high-quality core curriculum and instructional materials and reading intervention programs on the lists established under division (B) of this section.

(2) A professional development committee established under section 3319.22 of the Revised Code shall qualify any completed professional development coursework provided by a vendor described in division (E)(1) of this section to count towards professional development coursework requirements for teacher licensure renewal.

(3) A professional development committee shall permit a teacher to apply any hours earned over the minimum amount of hours required for professional development coursework for teacher licensure renewal under division (E)(2) of this section to the next renewal period for that license.

Last updated August 31, 2023 at 3:21 PM

Section 3313.6029 | Parental notification of student assessment results.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Parent" has the same meaning as in section 3313.98 of the Revised Code.

(2) "State assessment" means an achievement assessment prescribed under section 3301.0710 of the Revised Code or an end-of-course examination under section 3301.0712 of the Revised Code.

(B) Not later than the thirtieth day of June each school year, each school district and chartered nonpublic school shall provide a student's parents with the student's score on any state assessment administered to the student in that school year by doing either of the following:

(1) Sending the scores to the parent by mail or electronic mail;

(2) Posting the scores in a secure portal on the district's or school's web site that the parent may access.

Last updated August 31, 2023 at 3:22 PM

Section 3313.61 | Diploma or honors diploma.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) A diploma shall be granted by the board of education of any city, exempted village, or local school district that operates a high school to any person to whom all of the following apply:

(1) The person has successfully completed the curriculum in any high school or the individualized education program developed for the person by any high school pursuant to section 3323.08 of the Revised Code, or has qualified under division (D) or (F) of section 3313.603 of the Revised Code, provided that no school district shall require a student to remain in school for any specific number of semesters or other terms if the student completes the required curriculum early;

(2) Subject to section 3313.614 of the Revised Code, the person has met the assessment requirements of division (A)(2)(a) or (b) of this section, as applicable.

(a) If the person entered the ninth grade prior to July 1, 2014, the person either:

(i) Has attained at least the applicable scores designated under division (B)(1) of section 3301.0710 of the Revised Code on all the assessments required by that division unless the person was excused from taking any such assessment pursuant to section 3313.532 of the Revised Code or unless division (H) or (L) of this section applies to the person;

(ii) Has satisfied the alternative conditions prescribed in section 3313.615 of the Revised Code.

(b) If the person entered the ninth grade on or after July 1, 2014, the person has met the requirement prescribed by section 3313.618 of the Revised Code, except to the extent that the person is excused from an assessment prescribed by that section pursuant to section 3313.532 of the Revised Code or division (H) or (L) of this section.

(3) The person is not eligible to receive an honors diploma granted pursuant to division (B) of this section.

Except as provided in divisions (C), (E), (J), and (L) of this section, no diploma shall be granted under this division to anyone except as provided under this division.

(B) In lieu of a diploma granted under division (A) of this section, an honors diploma shall be granted, in accordance with rules of the department of education and workforce, by any such district board to anyone who accomplishes all of the following:

(1) Successfully completes the curriculum in any high school or the individualized education program developed for the person by any high school pursuant to section 3323.08 of the Revised Code;

(2) Subject to section 3313.614 of the Revised Code, has met the assessment requirements of division (B)(2)(a) or (b) of this section, as applicable.

(a) If the person entered the ninth grade prior to July 1, 2014, the person either:

(i) Has attained at least the applicable scores designated under division (B)(1) of section 3301.0710 of the Revised Code on all the assessments required by that division;

(ii) Has satisfied the alternative conditions prescribed in section 3313.615 of the Revised Code.

(b) If the person entered the ninth grade on or after July 1, 2014, the person has met the requirement prescribed under section 3313.618 of the Revised Code.

(3) Has met additional criteria established by the department for the granting of such a diploma.

An honors diploma shall not be granted to a student who is subject to the requirements prescribed in division (C) of section 3313.603 of the Revised Code but elects the option of division (D) or (F) of that section. Except as provided in divisions (C), (E), and (J) of this section, no honors diploma shall be granted to anyone failing to comply with this division and no more than one honors diploma shall be granted to any student under this division.

The department shall adopt rules prescribing the granting of honors diplomas under this division. These rules may prescribe the granting of honors diplomas that recognize a student's achievement as a whole or that recognize a student's achievement in one or more specific subjects or both. The rules may prescribe the granting of an honors diploma recognizing technical expertise for a career-technical student. In any case, the rules shall designate two or more criteria for the granting of each type of honors diploma the board establishes under this division and the number of such criteria that must be met for the granting of that type of diploma. The number of such criteria for any type of honors diploma shall be at least one less than the total number of criteria designated for that type and no one or more particular criteria shall be required of all persons who are to be granted that type of diploma.

(C) Any district board administering any of the assessments required by section 3301.0710 of the Revised Code to any person requesting to take such assessment pursuant to division (B)(8)(b) of section 3301.0711 of the Revised Code shall award a diploma to such person if the person attains at least the applicable scores designated under division (B)(1) of section 3301.0710 of the Revised Code on all the assessments administered and if the person has previously attained the applicable scores on all the other assessments required by division (B)(1) of that section or has been exempted or excused from attaining the applicable score on any such assessment pursuant to division (H) or (L) of this section or from taking any such assessment pursuant to section 3313.532 of the Revised Code.

(D) Each diploma awarded under this section shall be signed by the president and treasurer of the issuing board, the superintendent of schools, and the principal of the high school. Each diploma shall bear the date of its issue, be in such form as the district board prescribes, and be paid for out of the district's general fund.

(E) A person who is a resident of Ohio and is eligible under the minimum standards of the director of education and workforce to receive a high school diploma based in whole or in part on credits earned while an inmate of a correctional institution operated by the state or any political subdivision thereof, shall be granted such diploma by the correctional institution operating the programs in which such credits were earned, and by the board of education of the school district in which the inmate resided immediately prior to the inmate's placement in the institution. The diploma granted by the correctional institution shall be signed by the director of the institution, and by the person serving as principal of the institution's high school and shall bear the date of issue.

(F) Persons who are not residents of Ohio but who are inmates of correctional institutions operated by the state or any political subdivision thereof, and who are eligible under the minimum standards of the director to receive a high school diploma based in whole or in part on credits earned while an inmate of the correctional institution, shall be granted a diploma by the correctional institution offering the program in which the credits were earned. The diploma granted by the correctional institution shall be signed by the director of the institution and by the person serving as principal of the institution's high school and shall bear the date of issue.

(G) The department shall provide by rule for the administration of the assessments required by sections 3301.0710 and 3301.0712 of the Revised Code to inmates of correctional institutions.

(H) Any person to whom all of the following apply shall be exempted from attaining the applicable score on the assessment in social studies designated under division (B)(1) of section 3301.0710 of the Revised Code, any American history end-of-course examination and any American government end-of-course examination required under division (B) of section 3301.0712 of the Revised Code if such an exemption is prescribed by rule of the department under division (D)(3) of section 3301.0712 of the Revised Code, or the test in citizenship designated under former division (B) of section 3301.0710 of the Revised Code as it existed prior to September 11, 2001:

(1) The person is not a citizen of the United States;

(2) The person is not a permanent resident of the United States;

(3) The person indicates no intention to reside in the United States after the completion of high school.

(I) Notwithstanding division (D) of section 3311.19 and division (D) of section 3311.52 of the Revised Code, this section and section 3313.611 of the Revised Code do not apply to the board of education of any joint vocational school district or any cooperative education school district established pursuant to divisions (A) to (C) of section 3311.52 of the Revised Code.

(J) Upon receipt of a notice under division (D) of section 3325.08 or division (D) of section 3328.25 of the Revised Code that a student has received a diploma under either section, the board of education receiving the notice may grant a high school diploma under this section to the student, except that such board shall grant the student a diploma if the student meets the graduation requirements that the student would otherwise have had to meet to receive a diploma from the district. The diploma granted under this section shall be of the same type the notice indicates the student received under section 3325.08 or 3328.25 of the Revised Code.

(K) As used in this division, "English learner" has the same meaning as in section 3301.0731 of the Revised Code.

Notwithstanding division (C)(3) of section 3301.0711 of the Revised Code, no English learner who has not either attained the applicable scores designated under division (B)(1) of section 3301.0710 of the Revised Code on all the assessments required by that division, or met the requirement prescribed by section 3313.618 of the Revised Code, shall be awarded a diploma under this section.

(L)(1) Any student described by division (A)(1) of this section who is subject to divisions (A)(1) to (3) of section 3313.618 of the Revised Code may be awarded a diploma without meeting the requirements prescribed by those divisions provided an individualized education program specifically exempts the student from meeting such requirement. This division does not negate the requirement for a student to take the assessments prescribed by section 3301.0710 or under division (B) of section 3301.0712 of the Revised Code, or alternate assessments required by division (C)(1) of section 3301.0711 of the Revised Code, for the purpose of assessing student progress as required by federal law.

(2) Any student described by division (A)(1) of this section who is subject to division (B) of section 3313.618 of the Revised Code may be awarded a diploma without meeting the requirement prescribed by division (B)(1) of that section provided the student's individualized education program specifically exempts the student from meeting that requirement and either division (L)(2)(a) or (b) of this section applies to the student, as follows:

(a)(i) The student took an alternate assessment in mathematics and English language arts administered to the student in accordance with division (C)(1) of section 3301.0711 of the Revised Code and failed to attain a score established by the department on one or both assessments.

(ii) The school district offered remedial support to the student in each subject area in which the student did not attain the established score and the student received that support.

(iii) The student retook each alternate assessment in which the student did not attain the established score and the student did not attain the established score on the retake assessment.

(b)(i) The student took the Algebra I and English language arts II end-of-course examinations and failed to attain the competency score as determined under division (B)(10) of section 3301.0712 of the Revised Code on one or both examinations.

(ii) The school district offered remedial support to the student in each subject area in which the student did not attain the competency score and the student received that support.

(iii) The student retook each examination in which the student did not attain the competency score and the student did not attain the competency score on the retake examination.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 5:18 PM

Section 3313.611 | Standards for awarding high school credit equivalent to credit for completion of high school academic and vocational education courses.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) The department of education and workforce shall adopt, by rule, standards for awarding high school credit equivalent to credit for completion of high school academic and vocational education courses to applicants for diplomas under this section. The standards may permit high school credit to be granted to an applicant for any of the following:

(1) Work experiences or experiences as a volunteer;

(2) Completion of academic, vocational, or self-improvement courses offered to persons over the age of twenty-one by a chartered public or nonpublic school;

(3) Completion of academic, vocational, or self-improvement courses offered by an organization, individual, or educational institution other than a chartered public or nonpublic school;

(4) Other life experiences considered by the board to provide knowledge and learning experiences comparable to that gained in a classroom setting.

(B) The board of education of any city, exempted village, or local school district that operates a high school shall grant a diploma of adult education to any applicant if all of the following apply:

(1) The applicant is a resident of the district;

(2) The applicant is over the age of twenty-one and has not been issued a diploma as provided in section 3313.61 of the Revised Code;

(3) Subject to section 3313.614 of the Revised Code, the applicant has met the assessment requirements of division (B)(3)(a) or (b) of this section, as applicable.

(a) Prior to July 1, 2014, the applicant either:

(i) Has attained the applicable scores designated under division (B)(1) of section 3301.0710 of the Revised Code on all of the assessments required by that division or was excused or exempted from any such assessment pursuant to section 3313.532 or was exempted from attaining the applicable score on any such assessment pursuant to division (H) or (L) of section 3313.61 of the Revised Code;

(ii) Has satisfied the alternative conditions prescribed in section 3313.615 of the Revised Code.

(b) On or after July 1, 2014, has met the requirement prescribed by section 3313.618 of the Revised Code, except and only to the extent that the applicant is excused from some portion of that section pursuant to section 3313.532 of the Revised Code or division (H) or (L) of section 3313.61 of the Revised Code.

(4) The district board determines, in accordance with the standards adopted under division (A) of this section, that the applicant has attained sufficient high school credits, including equivalent credits awarded under such standards, to qualify as having successfully completed the curriculum required by the district for graduation.

(C) If a district board determines that an applicant is not eligible for a diploma under division (B) of this section, it shall inform the applicant of the reason the applicant is ineligible and shall provide a list of any courses required for the diploma for which the applicant has not received credit. An applicant may reapply for a diploma under this section at any time.

(D) If a district board awards an adult education diploma under this section, the president and treasurer of the board and the superintendent of schools shall sign it. Each diploma shall bear the date of its issuance, be in such form as the district board prescribes, and be paid for from the district's general fund, except that the department may by rule prescribe standard language to be included on each diploma.

(E) As used in this division, "English learner" has the same meaning as in section 3301.0731 of the Revised Code.

Notwithstanding division (C)(3) of section 3301.0711 of the Revised Code, no English learner who has not either attained the applicable scores designated under division (B)(1) of section 3301.0710 of the Revised Code on all the assessments required by that division, or has not met the requirement prescribed by section 3313.618 of the Revised Code, shall be awarded a diploma under this section.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 5:19 PM

Section 3313.612 | Graduation test requirements or alternative conditions for nonpublic schools.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) No nonpublic school chartered by the director of education and workforce shall grant a high school diploma to any person unless, subject to section 3313.614 of the Revised Code, the person has met the assessment requirements of division (A)(1) or (2) of this section, as applicable.

(1) If the person entered the ninth grade prior to July 1, 2014, the person has attained at least the applicable scores designated under division (B)(1) of section 3301.0710 of the Revised Code on all the assessments required by that division, or has satisfied the alternative conditions prescribed in section 3313.615 of the Revised Code.

(2) If the person entered the ninth grade on or after July 1, 2014, the person has met the requirement prescribed by section 3313.618 or 3313.619 of the Revised Code.

(B) This section does not apply to any of the following:

(1) Any person with regard to any assessment from which the person was excused pursuant to division (C)(1)(c) of section 3301.0711 of the Revised Code;

(2) Except as provided in division (B)(4) of this section, any person who attends a nonpublic school accredited through the independent schools association of the central states, except for a student attending the school under a state scholarship program as defined in section 3301.0711 of the Revised Code;

(3) Any person with regard to the social studies assessment under division (B)(1) of section 3301.0710 of the Revised Code, any American history end-of-course examination and any American government end-of-course examination required under division (B) of section 3301.0712 of the Revised Code if such an exemption is prescribed by rule of the department of education and workforce under division (D)(3) of section 3301.0712 of the Revised Code, or the citizenship test under former division (B) of section 3301.0710 of the Revised Code as it existed prior to September 11, 2001, if all of the following apply:

(a) The person is not a citizen of the United States;

(b) The person is not a permanent resident of the United States;

(c) The person indicates no intention to reside in the United States after completion of high school.

(4) Any person who attends a chartered nonpublic school that satisfies the requirements of division (L)(4) of section 3301.0711 of the Revised Code. In the case of such a student, the student's chartered nonpublic school shall determine the student's eligibility for graduation based on the standards of the school's accrediting body.

(C) As used in this division, "English learner" has the same meaning as in section 3301.0731 of the Revised Code.

Notwithstanding division (C)(3) of section 3301.0711 of the Revised Code, no English learner who has not either attained the applicable scores designated under division (B)(1) of section 3301.0710 of the Revised Code on all the assessments required by that division, or met the requirement prescribed by section 3313.618 or 3313.619 of the Revised Code, shall be awarded a diploma under this section.

(D) The department shall not impose additional requirements or assessments for the granting of a high school diploma under this section that are not prescribed by this section.

(E) The department shall furnish the assessment administered by a nonpublic school pursuant to division (B)(1) of section 3301.0712 of the Revised Code.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 5:19 PM

Section 3313.613 | Awarding high school credit for course completed outside regular school hours at accredited post-secondary institution.

• Effective: September 28, 1999
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 282 - 123rd General Assembly

(A) Except as provided in division (B) of this section, and notwithstanding any other section of the Revised Code, the board of education of any city, exempted village, or local school district that operates a high school shall award high school credit for a course successfully completed outside of regular school hours by a student at an accredited post-secondary institution. Such course may either be free of charge or paid for by the parent, guardian, or custodian of the student. High school credit awarded for a course successfully completed under this section shall count toward the graduation requirements and subject area requirements of the school district. If a course comparable to the course successfully completed under this section is offered by the school district, the district board shall award comparable credit for the completed equivalent course. If no comparable course is offered by the school district, the district board shall grant to the student an appropriate number of credits in a similar subject area.

(B) The board of education of a city, local, or exempted village school district or the governing authority of a community school, when applicable, may adopt a policy under which it may deny high school credit under this section and Chapter 3365. of the Revised Code for post-secondary courses any portion of which were taken during the period of an expulsion imposed by the district's superintendent or the school's governing authority under division (B) of section 3313.66 of the Revised Code or extended under division (F) of that section.

Section 3313.614 | Testing requirements for fulfilling curriculum requirement for diploma.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section, a person "fulfills the curriculum requirement for a diploma" at the time one of the following conditions is satisfied:

(1) The person successfully completes the high school curriculum of a school district, a community school, a chartered nonpublic school, or a correctional institution.

(2) The person successfully completes the individualized education program developed for the person under section 3323.08 of the Revised Code.

(3) A board of education issues its determination under section 3313.611 of the Revised Code that the person qualifies as having successfully completed the curriculum required by the district.

(B) This division specifies the assessment requirements that must be fulfilled as a condition toward granting high school diplomas under sections 3313.61, 3313.611, 3313.612, and 3325.08 of the Revised Code.

(1) A person who fulfills the curriculum requirement for a diploma before September 15, 2000, is not required to pass any proficiency test or achievement test in science as a condition to receiving a diploma.

(2) A person who began ninth grade for the first time prior to July 1, 2003, is not required to pass the Ohio graduation test prescribed under division (B)(1) of section 3301.0710 or any assessment prescribed under division (B)(2) of that section in any subject as a condition to receiving a diploma once the person has passed the ninth grade proficiency test in the same subject, so long as the person passed the ninth grade proficiency test prior to September 15, 2008. However, any such person who passes the Ohio graduation test in any subject prior to passing the ninth grade proficiency test in the same subject shall be deemed to have passed the ninth grade proficiency test in that subject as a condition to receiving a diploma. For this purpose, the ninth grade proficiency test in citizenship substitutes for the Ohio graduation test in social studies. If a person began ninth grade prior to July 1, 2003, but does not pass a ninth grade proficiency test or the Ohio graduation test in a particular subject before September 15, 2008, and passage of a test in that subject is a condition for the person to receive a diploma, the person must pass the Ohio graduation test instead of the ninth grade proficiency test in that subject to receive a diploma.

(3)(a) Except as provided in division (B)(3)(b) of this section, a person who begins ninth grade for the first time on or after July 1, 2003, in a school district, community school, or chartered nonpublic school is not eligible to receive a diploma based on passage of ninth grade proficiency tests. Each such person who begins ninth grade prior to July 1, 2014, must pass Ohio graduation tests to meet the assessment requirements applicable to that person as a condition to receiving a diploma or satisfy one of the conditions prescribed in division (B)(3)(b) of this section.

(b) A person who began ninth grade for the first time prior to July 1, 2014, shall be eligible to receive a diploma if the person meets the requirement prescribed by section 3313.618 or 3313.619 of the Revised Code.

(c) A person who began ninth grade for the first time prior to July 1, 2014, and who has not attained at least the applicable scores designated under division (B)(1) of section 3301.0710 of the Revised Code on all the assessments required by that division shall be eligible to receive a diploma if the person meets the requirement prescribed by rule of the department of education and workforce as prescribed under division (B)(3)(d) of this section.

(d) The department shall adopt rules prescribing the manner in which a person who began ninth grade for the first time prior to July 1, 2014, may be eligible for a high school diploma by combining the requirement prescribed by section 3313.618 or 3313.619 of the Revised Code and the requirement to attain at least the applicable scores designated under division (B)(1) of section 3301.0710 of the Revised Code on the assessments required by that division. The rules shall ensure that the combined requirements require a demonstration of mastery that is equivalent or greater to the expectations of the assessments prescribed by division (B)(1) of section 3301.0710 of the Revised Code. The rules shall include the following:

(i) The date by which a person who began ninth grade for the first time prior to July 1, 2014, may be eligible for a high school diploma under division (B)(3)(c) of this section;

(ii) Methods of replacing individual assessments prescribed by division (B)(1) of section 3301.0710 of the Revised Code;

(iii) Methods of integrating the pathways prescribed by division (A) of section 3313.618 or section 3313.619 of the Revised Code.

(4) Except as provided in division (B)(3)(b) of this section, a person who begins ninth grade on or after July 1, 2014, is not eligible to receive a diploma based on passage of the Ohio graduation tests. Each such person must meet the requirement prescribed by section 3313.618 or 3313.619 of the Revised Code.

(C) This division specifies the curriculum requirement that shall be completed as a condition toward granting high school diplomas under sections 3313.61, 3313.611, 3313.612, and 3325.08 of the Revised Code.

(1) A person who is under twenty-two years of age when the person fulfills the curriculum requirement for a diploma shall complete the curriculum required by the school district or school issuing the diploma for the first year that the person originally enrolled in high school, except for a person who qualifies for graduation from high school under either division (D) or (F) of section 3313.603 of the Revised Code.

(2) Once a person fulfills the curriculum requirement for a diploma, the person is never required, as a condition of receiving a diploma, to meet any different curriculum requirements that take effect pending the person's passage of proficiency tests or achievement tests or assessments, including changes mandated by section 3313.603 of the Revised Code, the department, a school district board of education, or a governing authority of a community school or chartered nonpublic school.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 5:20 PM

Section 3313.615 | Alternative conditions for eligibility for diploma where person passes all but one graduation test.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

This section shall apply to diplomas awarded after September 15, 2006, to students who are required to take the five Ohio graduation tests prescribed by division (B)(1) of section 3301.0710 of the Revised Code. This section does not apply to any student who enters ninth grade for the first time on or after July 1, 2014.

(A) As an alternative to the requirement that a person attain the scores designated under division (B)(1) of section 3301.0710 of the Revised Code on all the assessments required under that division in order to be eligible for a high school diploma or an honors diploma under sections 3313.61, 3313.612, or 3325.08 of the Revised Code or for a diploma of adult education under section 3313.611 of the Revised Code, a person who has attained at least the applicable scores designated under division (B)(1) of section 3301.0710 of the Revised Code on all but one of the assessments required by that division and from which the person was not excused or exempted, pursuant to division (L) of section 3313.61, division (B)(1) of section 3313.612, or section 3313.532 of the Revised Code, may be awarded a diploma or honors diploma if the person has satisfied all of the following conditions:

(1) On the one assessment required under division (B)(1) of section 3301.0710 of the Revised Code for which the person failed to attain the designated score, the person missed that score by ten points or less;

(2) Has a ninety-seven per cent school attendance rate in each of the last four school years, excluding any excused absences;

(3) Has not been expelled from school under section 3313.66 of the Revised Code in any of the last four school years;

(4) Has a grade point average of at least 2.5 out of 4.0, or its equivalent as designated in rules adopted by the department of education and workforce, in the subject area of the assessment required under division (B)(1) of section 3301.0710 of the Revised Code for which the person failed to attain the designated score;

(5) Has completed the high school curriculum requirements prescribed in section 3313.603 of the Revised Code or has qualified under division (D) or (F) of that section;

(6) Has taken advantage of any intervention programs provided by the school district or school in the subject area described in division (A)(4) of this section and has a ninety-seven per cent attendance rate, excluding any excused absences, in any of those programs that are provided at times beyond the normal school day, school week, or school year or has received comparable intervention services from a source other than the school district or school;

(7) Holds a letter recommending graduation from each of the person's high school teachers in the subject area described in division (A)(4) of this section and from the person's high school principal.

(B) The department shall establish rules designating grade point averages equivalent to the average specified in division (A)(4) of this section for use by school districts and schools with different grading systems.

(C) Any student who is exempt from attaining the applicable score designated under division (B)(1) of section 3301.0710 of the Revised Code on the Ohio graduation test in social studies pursuant to division (H) of section 3313.61 or division (B)(3) of section 3313.612 of the Revised Code shall not qualify for a high school diploma under this section, unless, notwithstanding the exemption, the student attains the applicable score on that assessment. If the student attains the applicable score on that assessment, the student may qualify for a diploma under this section in the same manner as any other student who is required to take the five Ohio graduation tests prescribed by division (B)(1) of section 3301.0710 of the Revised Code.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 5:21 PM

Section 3313.616 | Diploma may be granted to veteran.

• Effective: September 17, 2010
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 449 - 128th General Assembly

(A) Notwithstanding the requirements of sections 3313.61, 3313.611, and 3313.612 of the Revised Code, the board of education of any city, exempted village, or local school district or the governing authority of any chartered nonpublic school may grant a high school diploma to any veteran of World War II, the Korean conflict, or the Vietnam conflict who is a resident of this state or who was previously enrolled in any high school in this state if all of the following apply:

(1) The veteran either:

(a) Left a public or nonpublic school located in any state prior to graduation in order to serve in the armed forces of the United States;

(b) Left a public or nonpublic school located in any state prior to graduation due to family circumstances and subsequently entered the armed forces of the United States.

(2) The veteran received an honorable discharge from the armed forces of the United States.

(3) The veteran has not been granted a diploma as provided in section 3313.61 or 3313.612 of the Revised Code, a diploma of adult education as provided in section 3313.611 of the Revised Code, or a diploma under this section.

(B) Notwithstanding the requirements of sections 3313.61, 3313.611, and 3313.612 of the Revised Code, the board of education of any city, exempted village, or local school district or the governing authority of any chartered nonpublic school may grant a high school diploma to any woman who left high school during World War II, the Korean conflict, or the Vietnam conflict and who is a resident of this state or was previously enrolled in any high school in this state, if both of the following apply:

(1) The woman either:

(a) Left a public or nonpublic school located in any state prior to graduation in order to join the workforce to support her family or to join the war effort;

(b) Left a public or nonpublic school located in any state prior to graduation due to family circumstances and subsequently joined the workforce or war effort.

(2) The woman has not been granted a diploma as provided in section 3313.61 or 3313.612 of the Revised Code, a diploma of adult education as provided in section 3313.611 of the Revised Code, or a diploma under this section.

(C) If a person who would otherwise qualify for a diploma under this section is deceased, the board of education of any school district or the governing authority of any chartered nonpublic school may award such diploma to the person posthumously and may present that diploma to a living relative of the person.

(D) The department of veterans services, in accordance with section 111.15 of the Revised Code, and with the advice and consent of the veterans advisory committee established under division (J) of section 5902.02 of the Revised Code, shall develop and adopt rules to implement this section. Such rules shall include, but not be limited to, rules establishing procedures for application and verification of eligible persons for a diploma under this section.

Section 3313.617 | Adoption of policy for students at risk of not qualifying for high school diploma.

• Effective: October 17, 2019
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 166 - 133rd General Assembly

Not later than June 30, 2020, each board of education of a school district and governing authority of a chartered nonpublic school shall adopt a policy regarding students who are at risk of not qualifying for a high school diploma. The policy shall require the district or school to do all of the following:

(A) Develop criteria for identifying at-risk students, which shall include a student's lack of adequate progress in meeting the terms of a graduation plan developed or updated under division (E) of this section. The criteria also may include other factors, such as if a student has issues regarding excessive absences or misconduct.

(B) Develop procedures for identifying at-risk students. The procedures shall include a method for determining if a student is not making adequate progress in meeting the terms of a graduation plan developed or updated under division (E) of this section. The procedures shall allow for a student to be identified as at risk in each of grades nine through twelve. The procedures also may include the identification of students in other grades.

(C) Develop a notification process in which the district or school shall notify an at-risk student's parent, guardian, or custodian in each year in which the student has been identified as at risk. The notification process shall at least include providing a written notification to the at-risk student's parent, guardian, or custodian, which shall include all of the following:

(1) A statement that the student is at risk of not qualifying for a high school diploma;

(2) A description of the district's or school's curriculum requirements, or the student's individualized education program, and, as appropriate, the graduation conditions prescribed under section 3313.618 or 3313.619 of the Revised Code;

(3) A description of any additional instructional or support services available to the at-risk student through the district or school.

(D) Assist at-risk students with additional instructional or support services to help the students qualify for a high school diploma. The instructional and support services may include any of the following:

(1) Mentoring programs;

(2) Tutoring programs;

(3) High school credit through demonstrations of subject area competency under division (J) of section 3313.603 of the Revised Code;

(4) Adjusted curriculum options;

(5) Career-technical programs;

(6) Mental health services;

(7) Physical health care services;

(8) Family engagement and support services.

(E)(1) Develop a graduation plan for each student enrolled in grades nine through twelve in the district or school. The graduation plan shall address the student's academic pathway to meet the curriculum requirements specified by the district or school and satisfy the graduation conditions, as appropriate, under section 3313.618 or 3313.619 of the Revised Code.

(2) The graduation plan shall be developed jointly by the student and a representative of the district or school and updated each school year in which the student is enrolled in the district or school, until the student qualifies for a high school diploma. The district or school shall invite a student's parent, guardian, or custodian to assist in developing and updating the graduation plan.

(3) A district or school shall include a student's lack of progress in meeting the terms of a graduation plan developed or updated under this division as both a criterion for identifying at-risk students under division (A) of this section and a procedure for identifying at-risk students under division (B) of this section.

(4) A graduation plan developed under this section shall supplement a school district's policy on career advising adopted under section 3313.6020 of the Revised Code.

(5) A school district may use the individualized education program developed for a student pursuant to section 3323.08 of the Revised Code in lieu of developing a graduation plan under this division, if the individualized education program contains academic goals substantively similar to a graduation plan.

Section 3313.618 | Diploma requirements.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) In addition to the curriculum requirements specified by the board of education of a school district or governing authority of a chartered nonpublic school, each student entering ninth grade for the first time on or after July 1, 2014, but prior to July 1, 2019, shall satisfy at least one of the following conditions or the conditions prescribed under division (B) of this section in order to qualify for a high school diploma:

(1) Be remediation-free, in accordance with standards adopted under division (F) of section 3345.061 of the Revised Code, on each of the nationally standardized assessments in English, mathematics, and reading;

(2) Attain a score specified under division (B)(5)(c) of section 3301.0712 of the Revised Code on the end-of-course examinations prescribed under division (B) of section 3301.0712 of the Revised Code.

(3) Attain a score that demonstrates workforce readiness and employability on a nationally recognized job skills assessment selected by the department of education and workforce under division (F) of section 3301.0712 of the Revised Code and obtain either an industry-recognized credential or a license issued by a state agency or board for practice in a vocation that requires an examination for issuance of that license.

For the purposes of this division, the industry-recognized credentials and licenses shall be as approved under section 3313.6113 of the Revised Code.

A student may choose to qualify for a high school diploma by satisfying any of the separate requirements prescribed by divisions (A)(1) to (3) of this section. If the student's school district or school does not administer the examination prescribed by one of those divisions that the student chooses to take to satisfy the requirements of this section, the school district or school may require that student to arrange for the applicable scores to be sent directly to the district or school by the company or organization that administers the examination.

(B) In addition to the curriculum requirements specified by the district board or school governing authority, each student entering ninth grade for the first time on or after July 1, 2019, shall satisfy the following conditions in order to qualify for a high school diploma:

(1) Attain a competency score as determined under division (B)(10) of section 3301.0712 of the Revised Code on each of the Algebra I and English language arts II end-of-course examinations prescribed under division (B)(2) of section 3301.0712 of the Revised Code.

School districts and chartered nonpublic schools shall offer remedial support to any student who fails to attain a competency score on one or both of the Algebra I and English language arts II end-of-course examinations.

Following the first administration of the exam, if a student fails to attain a competency score on one or both of the Algebra I and English language arts II end-of-course examinations that student must retake the respective examination at least once.

If a student fails to attain a competency score on a retake examination, the student may demonstrate competency in the failed subject area through one of the following options:

(a) Earn course credit taken through the college credit plus program established under Chapter 3365. of the Revised Code in the failed subject area;

(b) Complete two of the following options, one of which must be foundational:

(i) Foundational options to demonstrate competency, which include earning a cumulative score of proficient or higher on three or more state technical assessments aligned with section 3313.903 of the Revised Code in a single career pathway, obtaining an industry-recognized credential, or group of credentials, approved under section 3313.6113 of the Revised Code that is at least equal to the total number of points established under that section to qualify for a high school diploma, obtaining a license approved under section 3313.6113 of the Revised Code that is issued by a state agency or board for practice in a vocation that requires an examination for issuance of that license, completing a pre-apprenticeship aligned with options established under section 3313.904 of the Revised Code in the student's chosen career field, completing an apprenticeship registered with the apprenticeship council established under section 4139.02 of the Revised Code in the student's chosen career field, or providing evidence of acceptance into an apprenticeship program after high school that is restricted to participants eighteen years of age or older;

(ii) Supporting options to demonstrate competency, which include completing two hundred fifty hours of a work-based learning experience with evidence of positive evaluations, obtaining an OhioMeansJobs-readiness seal under section 3313.6112 of the Revised Code, or attaining a workforce readiness score, as determined by the department, on the nationally recognized job skills assessment selected by the department under division (F) of section 3301.0712 of the Revised Code.

(c) Provide evidence that the student has enlisted in a branch of the armed services of the United States as defined in section 5910.01 of the Revised Code.

(d) Be remediation-free, in accordance with standards adopted under division (F) of section 3345.061 of the Revised Code, in the failed subject area on a nationally standardized assessment prescribed under division (B)(1) of section 3301.0712 of the Revised Code. For English language arts II, a student must be remediation-free in the subjects of English and reading on the nationally standardized assessment.

Subject to division (L)(2) of section 3313.61 of the Revised Code, for any students receiving special education and related services under Chapter 3323. of the Revised Code, the individualized education program developed for the student under that chapter shall specify the manner in which the student will participate in the assessments administered under this division or an alternate assessment in accordance with division (C)(1) of section 3301.0711 of the Revised Code.

(2) Earn at least two of the state diploma seals prescribed under division (A) of section 3313.6114 of the Revised Code, at least one of which shall be any of the following:

(a) The state seal of biliteracy established under section 3313.6111 of the Revised Code;

(b) The OhioMeansJobs-readiness seal established under section 3313.6112 of the Revised Code;

(c) One of the state diploma seals established under divisions (C)(1) to (7) of section 3313.6114 of the Revised Code.

(C)(1) A student who transfers into an Ohio public or chartered nonpublic high school from another state or enrolls in such a high school after receiving home education or attending a nonchartered, nontax-supported school in the previous school year shall meet the requirements of division (B) or (D) of this section, as applicable, in order to qualify for a high school diploma. However, any student subject to division (B) of this section who transfers or enrolls after the start of the student's twelfth grade year and fails to attain a competency score on the Algebra I or English language arts II end-of-course examination shall not be required to retake the applicable examination prior to demonstrating competency in the failed subject area under the options prescribed in divisions (B)(1)(a) to (d) of this section.

(2) The department shall prescribe standards that allow a transfer student who, prior to the student's transfer, took an assessment described in division (B)(1) or (2) of section 3301.0712 or section 3313.619 of the Revised Code to apply the score from that assessment towards graduation requirements at the student's new public or chartered nonpublic school.

(D) Notwithstanding division (B) of this section, in addition to the curriculum requirements specified by the school governing authority, a chartered nonpublic school student subject to division (L)(3)(a)(ii) of section 3301.0711 of the Revised Code entering ninth grade for the first time on or after July 1, 2019, shall qualify for a high school diploma if the student earns a remediation-free score in the areas of English, mathematics, and reading, in accordance with standards adopted under division (F) of section 3345.061 of the Revised Code, on a nationally standardized assessment prescribed under division (B)(1) of section 3301.0712 of the Revised Code. No such student shall be required to take the Algebra I or English language arts II end-of-course examination or earn diploma seals under this section.

(E) The department shall not create or require any additional assessment for the granting of any type of high school diploma other than as prescribed by this section. Except as provided in sections 3313.6111, 3313.6112, and 3313.6114 of the Revised Code, the department or the director of education and workforce shall not create any endorsement or designation that may be affiliated with a high school diploma.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 5:21 PM

Section 3313.619 | Chartered nonpublic school diploma with alternate assessment.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) In lieu of the assessment requirements prescribed by division (A) of section 3313.618 of the Revised Code or the requirements to demonstrate competency and earn diploma seals prescribed by division (B) of that section, a chartered nonpublic school may grant a high school diploma to a student who attains at least the designated score on an assessment approved by the department of education and workforce under division (B) of this section and selected by the school's governing authority.

(B) For purposes of division (A) of this section, the department shall approve assessments that meet the conditions specified under division (C) of this section and shall designate passing scores for each of those assessments.

(C) Each assessment approved under division (B) of this section shall be nationally norm-referenced, have internal consistency reliability coefficients of at least "0.8," be standardized, have specific evidence of content, concurrent, or criterion validity, have evidence of norming studies in the previous ten years, have a measure of student achievement in core academic areas, and have high validity evidenced by the alignment of the assessment with nationally recognized content.

(D) Nothing in this section shall prohibit a chartered nonpublic school from granting a high school diploma to a student if the student satisfies the applicable requirements prescribed by section 3313.618 of the Revised Code.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 5:22 PM

Section 3313.6110 | Diploma granted by parent or guardian.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) A person who has completed the final year of education at home, as authorized under section 3321.042 of the Revised Code, and has successfully fulfilled the high school curriculum applicable to that person may be granted a high school diploma by the person's parent, guardian, or other person having charge or care of a child, as defined in division (A)(1) of section 3321.01 of the Revised Code.

(B) A person who has graduated from a nonchartered nonpublic school in Ohio and who has successfully fulfilled that school's high school curriculum may be granted a high school diploma by the governing authority of that school.

(C) Notwithstanding anything in the Revised Code to the contrary, a diploma granted under this section shall serve as proof of the successful completion of that person's applicable high school curriculum and satisfactory to fulfill any legal requirement to show such proof.

(D) For the purposes of an application for employment, a diploma granted under this section shall be considered proof of completion of a high school education, regardless of whether the person to which the diploma was granted participated in the assessments prescribed by division (A)(1) or (B)(1) or (2) of section 3301.0710 and section 3301.0712 of the Revised Code.

(E) A diploma granted under division (A) of this section may include a state seal of biliteracy, an OhioMeansJobs-readiness seal, or a state diploma seal that may be assigned to the student's diploma, by the parent, guardian, or other person having charge or care of the student, in the same manner as prescribed for diplomas and transcripts issued by school districts and chartered nonpublic schools under sections 3313.6111, 3113.6112, and 3313.6114 of the Revised Code.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 5:23 PM

Section 3313.6111 | State seal of biliteracy.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) The department of education and workforce shall establish the state seal of biliteracy, which may be attached or affixed to the high school transcript of a student enrolled in a public or chartered nonpublic school. The state seal of biliteracy shall demonstrate the attainment of a high level of proficiency by a graduate of a public or chartered nonpublic high school in one or more languages in addition to English, sufficient for meaningful use in college and a career. The purpose of the state seal of biliteracy shall be to:

(1) Encourage students to study languages;

(2) Certify the attainment of biliteracy;

(3) Provide employers with a method of identifying individuals with language and biliteracy skills;

(4) Provide institutions of higher education with an additional method to recognize applicants for admission;

(5) Prepare students with twenty-first century skills;

(6) Recognize the value of foreign language and native language instruction in public schools; and

(7) Strengthen inter-group relationships, affirm the value of diversity, and honor the multiple cultures and languages of a community.

(B)(1) A school district, community school established under Chapter 3314. of the Revised Code, STEM school established under Chapter 3326. of the Revised Code, college-preparatory boarding school established under Chapter 3328. of the Revised Code, or chartered nonpublic school may attach or affix the state seal of biliteracy to the transcript of a student enrolled in the school who meets the requirements prescribed under division (C)(1) of this section. A district or school shall not be required to attach or affix the state seal of biliteracy on the transcript of a student enrolled in the school.

(2) Each school district, community school, STEM school, college-preparatory boarding school, and chartered nonpublic school shall maintain appropriate records to identify students who have completed the requirements for earning a state seal of biliteracy as prescribed under division (C)(1) of this section, and if the district or school has a policy of attaching or affixing the state seal of biliteracy to student transcripts, the district or school shall make the appropriate designation on the transcript of a student who completes the requirements.

(C) The department shall do the following:

(1) Establish the requirements and criteria for earning a state seal of biliteracy, including assessments of foreign language and English proficiency.

(2) Prepare and deliver to participating school districts, community schools, STEM schools, college-preparatory boarding schools, and chartered nonpublic schools an appropriate mechanism for assigning a state seal of biliteracy on a student's transcript indicating that the student has been assigned the seal;

(3) Provide any other information it considers necessary for school districts, community schools, STEM schools, college-preparatory boarding schools, and chartered nonpublic schools to participate in the assigning of a state seal of biliteracy;

(4) Adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code to implement the provisions of this section.

(D) A student shall not be charged a fee to be assigned a state seal of biliteracy on their transcript. A student may be required to pay a fee to demonstrate proficiency in a language, including the cost of a standardized test to determine proficiency in a language.

(E) As used in this section, "foreign language" refers to any language other than English, including modern languages, Latin, American sign language, native American languages, and native languages.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 5:23 PM

Section 3313.6112 | OhioMeansJobs-readiness seal.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) The department of education and workforce, in consultation with the chancellor of higher education and the governor's office of workforce transformation, shall establish the OhioMeansJobs-readiness seal, which may be attached or affixed to the high school diploma and transcript of a student enrolled in a public or chartered nonpublic school.

(B) A school district, community school established under Chapter 3314. of the Revised Code, STEM school established under Chapter 3326. of the Revised Code, college-preparatory boarding school established under Chapter 3328. of the Revised Code, or chartered nonpublic school shall attach or affix the OhioMeansJobs-readiness seal to the diploma and transcript of a student enrolled in the school who meets the requirements prescribed under division (C)(1) of this section.

(C) The department of education and workforce, in consultation with the chancellor and the governor's office of workforce transformation, shall do the following:

(1) Establish the requirements and criteria for earning an OhioMeansJobs-readiness seal, including demonstration of work-readiness and work ethic competencies such as teamwork, problem-solving, reliability, punctuality, and computer technology competency;

(2) Develop a standardized form for students to complete and have validated prior to graduation by at least three individuals, each of whom must be an employer, teacher, business mentor, community leader, faith-based leader, school leader, or coach of the student;

(3) Prepare and deliver to all school districts, community schools, STEM schools, college-preparatory boarding schools, and chartered nonpublic schools an appropriate mechanism for assigning an OhioMeansJobs-readiness seal on a student's diploma and transcript indicating that the student has been assigned the seal;

(4) Provide any other information the department considers necessary for school districts, community schools, STEM schools, college-preparatory boarding schools, and chartered nonpublic schools to assign an OhioMeansJobs-readiness seal.

(D) A student shall not be charged a fee to be assigned an OhioMeansJobs-readiness seal on the student's diploma and transcript.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 5:24 PM

Section 3313.6113 | Committee to develop a list of industry-recognized credentials and licenses.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) The director of education and workforce, in collaboration with the governor's office of workforce transformation and representatives of business organizations, shall establish a committee to develop a list of industry-recognized credentials and licenses that may be used to qualify for a high school diploma under section 3313.618 of the Revised Code and shall be used for state report card purposes under section 3302.03 of the Revised Code.

(B) The committee shall do the following:

(1) Establish criteria for acceptable industry-recognized credentials and licenses aligned with the in-demand jobs list published by the department of job and family services;

(2) Review the list of industry-recognized credentials and licenses that was in existence on January 1, 2018, and update the list as it considers necessary;

(3) Review and update the list of industry-recognized credentials and licenses at least biennially;

(4) Assign a point value for each industry-recognized credential and establish the total number of points for industry-recognized credentials that a student must earn to qualify for a high school diploma under sections 3313.618 and 3313.6114 of the Revised Code;

(5) Update the list of industry-recognized credentials to include a driver's license obtained by a student through a driver education course offered by a school district in accordance with section 3301.17 of the Revised Code.

(C) For purposes of divisions (B)(2)(d), (C)(2)(e), and (D)(1)(j)(v) of section 3302.03 of the Revised Code, the department of education and workforce shall include only those students who earn an industry-recognized credential, or group of credentials, at least equal to the total number of points established by the committee under this section to qualify for a high school diploma.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 5:25 PM

Section 3313.6114 | State diploma seals.

• Effective: August 14, 2024
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 250 - 135th General Assembly

(A) The department of education and workforce shall establish a system of state diploma seals for the purposes of allowing a student to qualify for graduation under section 3313.618 of the Revised Code. State diploma seals may be attached or affixed to the high school diploma of a student enrolled in a public or chartered nonpublic school. The system of state diploma seals shall consist of all of the following:

(1) The state seal of biliteracy established under section 3313.6111 of the Revised Code;

(2) The OhioMeansJobs-readiness seal established under section 3313.6112 of the Revised Code;

(3) The state diploma seals prescribed under division (C) of this section.

(B) A school district, community school established under Chapter 3314. of the Revised Code, STEM school established under Chapter 3326. of the Revised Code, college-preparatory boarding school established under Chapter 3328. of the Revised Code, or chartered nonpublic school shall attach or affix the state seals prescribed under division (C) of this section to the diploma and transcript of a student enrolled in the district or school who meets the requirements established under that division.

(C) The department shall establish all of the following state diploma seals:

(1) An industry-recognized credential seal. A student shall meet the requirement for this seal by doing either of the following:

(a) Earning an industry-recognized credential, or group of credentials, approved under section 3313.6113 of the Revised Code that is both of the following:

(i) At least equal to the total number of points established under section 3313.6113 of the Revised Code to qualify for a high school diploma;

(ii) Aligned to a job that is determined to be in demand in this state and its regions under section 6301.11 of the Revised Code.

(b) Obtaining a license approved under section 3313.6113 of the Revised Code that is issued by a state agency or board for practice in a vocation that requires an examination for issuance of that license.

(2) A college-ready seal. A student shall meet the requirement for this seal by attaining a score that is remediation-free, in accordance with standards adopted under division (F) of section 3345.061 of the Revised Code, on a nationally standardized assessment prescribed under division (B)(1) of section 3301.0712 of the Revised Code.

(3) A military seal. A student shall meet the requirement for this seal by doing one of the following:

(a) Providing evidence that the student has enlisted in a branch of the armed services of the United States as defined in section 5910.01 of the Revised Code;

(b) Participating in a junior reserve officer training program approved by the congress of the United States under title 10 of the United States Code;

(c) Providing evidence that the student has accepted a scholarship to enter the reserve officer training corps;

(d) Providing evidence that the student has been appointed to a United States military service academy.

(4) A citizenship seal. A student shall meet the requirement for this seal by doing any of the following:

(a) Demonstrating at least a proficient level of skill as prescribed under division (B)(5)(a) of section 3301.0712 of the Revised Code on both the American history and American government end-of-course examinations prescribed under division (B)(2) of section 3301.0712 of the Revised Code;

(b) Attaining a score level prescribed under division (B)(5)(d) of section 3301.0712 of the Revised Code that is at least the equivalent of a proficient level of skill in appropriate advanced placement or international baccalaureate examinations in lieu of the American history and American government end-of-course examinations;

(c) In lieu of the American history and American government end-of-course examinations, attaining a final course grade that is the equivalent of a "B" or higher in either:

(i) An American history course and an American government course that are offered by the student's high school;

(ii) Appropriate courses taken through the college credit plus program established under Chapter 3365. of the Revised Code.

(d) In the case of a student who takes an alternate assessment in accordance with division (C)(1) of section 3301.0711 of the Revised Code, attaining a score established by the department on the alternate assessment in social studies;

(e) In the case of a student who transfers into an Ohio public or chartered nonpublic high school from another state or who enrolls in an Ohio public or chartered nonpublic high school after receiving home education or attending a nonchartered, nontax-supported school in the previous school year, attaining a final course grade that is the equivalent of a "B" or higher in courses that correspond with the American history and American government end-of-course examinations and that the student completed in the state from which the student transferred or completed while receiving home education or attending a nonchartered, nontax-supported school. Division (C)(4)(e) of this section does not apply to any such student with respect to an American history or American government course for which an end-of-course examination is associated that the student takes after enrolling in the high school.

(5) A science seal. A student shall meet the requirement for this seal by doing any of the following:

(a) Demonstrating at least a proficient level of skill as prescribed under division (B)(5)(a) of section 3301.0712 of the Revised Code on the science end-of-course examination prescribed under division (B)(2) of section 3301.0712 of the Revised Code;

(b) Attaining a score level prescribed under division (B)(5)(d) of section 3301.0712 of the Revised Code that is at least the equivalent of a proficient level of skill in an appropriate advanced placement or international baccalaureate examination in lieu of the science end-of-course examination;

(c) In lieu of the science end-of-course examination, attaining a final course grade that is the equivalent of a "B" or higher in either:

(i) A science course listed in divisions (C)(5)(c)(i) to (iii) of section 3313.603 of the Revised Code that is offered by the student's high school;

(ii) An appropriate course taken through the college credit plus program established under Chapter 3365. of the Revised Code.

(d) In the case of a student who takes an alternate assessment in accordance with division (C)(1) of section 3301.0711 of the Revised Code, attaining a score established by the department on the alternate assessment in science;

(e) In the case of a student who transfers into an Ohio public or chartered nonpublic high school from another state or enrolls in an Ohio public or chartered nonpublic high school after receiving home education or attending a nonchartered, nontax-supported school in the previous school year, attaining a final course grade that is the equivalent of a "B" or higher in a course that corresponds with the science end-of-course examination and that the student completed in the state from which the student transferred or completed while receiving home instruction or attending a nonchartered, nontax-supported school. Division (C)(5)(e) of this section does not apply to any such student who takes a science course for which an end-of-course examination is associated after enrolling in the high school.

(6) An honors diploma seal. A student shall meet the requirement for this seal by meeting the additional criteria for an honors diploma under division (B) of section 3313.61 of the Revised Code.

(7) A technology seal. A student shall meet the requirement for this seal by doing any of the following:

(a) Subject to division (B)(5)(d) of section 3301.0712 of the Revised Code, attaining a score level that is at least the equivalent of a proficient level of skill in an appropriate advanced placement or international baccalaureate examination;

(b) Attaining a final course grade that is the equivalent of a "B" or higher in an appropriate course taken through the college credit plus program established under Chapter 3365. of the Revised Code;

(c) Completing a course offered through the student's district or school that meets guidelines developed by the department. However, a district or school shall not be required to offer a course that meets those guidelines.

(d) In the case of a student who transfers into an Ohio public or chartered nonpublic high school from another state or enrolls in an Ohio public or chartered nonpublic high school after receiving home education or attending a nonchartered, nontax-supported school in the previous school year, attaining a final course grade that is the equivalent of a "B" or higher in an appropriate course, as determined by the district or school, that the student completed in the state from which the student transferred or completed while receiving home education or attending a nonchartered, nontax-supported school.

(8) A community service seal. A student shall meet the requirement for this seal by completing a community service project that is aligned with guidelines adopted by the student's district board or school governing authority.

(9) A fine and performing arts seal. A student shall meet the requirement for this seal by demonstrating skill in the fine or performing arts according to an evaluation that is aligned with guidelines adopted by the student's district board or school governing authority.

(10) A student engagement seal. A student shall meet the requirement for this seal by participating in extracurricular activities such as athletics, clubs, or student government to a meaningful extent, as determined by guidelines adopted by the student's district board or school governing authority.

(D)(1) Each district or school shall develop guidelines for at least one of the state seals prescribed under divisions (C)(8) to (10) of this section.

(2) For the purposes of determining whether a student who transfers to a district or school has satisfied the state diploma seal requirement under division (B)(2) of section 3313.618 of the Revised Code, each district or school shall recognize a state diploma seal prescribed under divisions (C)(8) to (10) of this section and earned by a student at another district or a different public or chartered nonpublic school regardless of whether the district or school to which the student transfers has developed guidelines under this section for that state seal.

(3) In guidelines developed for a state diploma seal prescribed under divisions (C)(8) to (10) of this section, each district or school shall include a method to give, to the extent feasible, a student who transfers into the district or school a proportional amount of credit for any progress the student was making toward earning that state seal at the school district or different public or chartered nonpublic school from which the student transfers.

(E) Each district or school shall maintain appropriate records to identify students who have met the requirements prescribed under division (C) of this section for earning the state seals established under that division.

(F) The department shall prepare and deliver to each district or school an appropriate mechanism for assigning a state diploma seal established under division (C) of this section.

(G) A student shall not be charged a fee to be assigned a state seal prescribed under division (C) of this section on the student's diploma and transcript.

Last updated May 24, 2024 at 12:52 PM

Section 3313.62 | School year, week.

• Effective: July 1, 2014
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 59 - 130th General Assembly

The school year shall begin on the first day of July of each calendar year and close on the thirtieth day of June of the succeeding calendar year. A school week shall consist of five days. A chartered nonpublic school may be open for instruction with pupils in attendance on any day of the week, including Saturday or Sunday.

Section 3313.63 | School holidays specified.

• Effective: September 30, 2021
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 110 - 134th General Assembly

Boards of education may dismiss the schools under their control on the first day of January, the third Monday in January, the third Monday in February, the day designated in the "Act of June 28, 1968," 82 Stat. 250, 5 U.S.C. 6103, as amended, for the commemoration of Memorial day, the nineteenth day of June, the fourth day of July, the first Monday in September, the second Monday in October, the eleventh day of November, or the succeeding Monday when that day falls on a Sunday, the fourth Thursday in November, and the twenty-fifth day of December, on any day set apart by proclamation of the president of the United States or the governor of this state as a day of fast, thanksgiving, or mourning, or on the days approved by the board for teachers' attendance at an educational meeting.

Last updated August 11, 2021 at 12:29 PM

Section 3313.64 | Entitlement to attend school; district of attendance.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section and in section 3313.65 of the Revised Code:

(1)(a) Except as provided in division (A)(1)(b) of this section, "parent" means either parent, unless the parents are separated or divorced or their marriage has been dissolved or annulled, in which case "parent" means the parent who is the residential parent and legal custodian of the child. When a child is in the legal custody of a government agency or a person other than the child's natural or adoptive parent, "parent" means the parent with residual parental rights, privileges, and responsibilities. When a child is in the permanent custody of a government agency or a person other than the child's natural or adoptive parent, "parent" means the parent who was divested of parental rights and responsibilities for the care of the child and the right to have the child live with the parent and be the legal custodian of the child and all residual parental rights, privileges, and responsibilities.

(b) When a child is the subject of a power of attorney executed under sections 3109.51 to 3109.62 of the Revised Code, "parent" means the grandparent designated as attorney in fact under the power of attorney. When a child is the subject of a caretaker authorization affidavit executed under sections 3109.64 to 3109.73 of the Revised Code, "parent" means the grandparent that executed the affidavit.

(2) "Legal custody," "permanent custody," and "residual parental rights, privileges, and responsibilities" have the same meanings as in section 2151.011 of the Revised Code.

(3) "School district" or "district" means a city, local, or exempted village school district and excludes any school operated in an institution maintained by the department of youth services.

(4) Except as used in division (C)(2) of this section, "home" means a home, institution, foster home, group home, or other residential facility in this state that receives and cares for children, to which any of the following applies:

(a) The home is licensed, certified, or approved for such purpose by the state or is maintained by the department of youth services.

(b) The home is operated by a person who is licensed, certified, or approved by the state to operate the home for such purpose.

(c) The home accepted the child through a placement by a person licensed, certified, or approved to place a child in such a home by the state.

(d) The home is a children's home created under section 5153.21 or 5153.36 of the Revised Code.

(5) "Agency" means all of the following:

(a) A public children services agency;

(b) An organization that holds a certificate issued by the Ohio department of job and family services in accordance with the requirements of section 5103.03 of the Revised Code and assumes temporary or permanent custody of children through commitment, agreement, or surrender, and places children in family homes for the purpose of adoption;

(c) Comparable agencies of other states or countries that have complied with applicable requirements of section 2151.39 of the Revised Code or as applicable, sections 5103.20 to 5103.22 or 5103.23 to 5103.237 of the Revised Code.

(6) A child is placed for adoption if either of the following occurs:

(a) An agency to which the child has been permanently committed or surrendered enters into an agreement with a person pursuant to section 5103.16 of the Revised Code for the care and adoption of the child.

(b) The child's natural parent places the child pursuant to section 5103.16 of the Revised Code with a person who will care for and adopt the child.

(7) "Preschool child with a disability" has the same meaning as in section 3323.01 of the Revised Code.

(8) "Child," unless otherwise indicated, includes preschool children with disabilities.

(9) "Active duty" means active duty pursuant to an executive order of the president of the United States, an act of the congress of the United States, or section 5919.29 or 5923.21 of the Revised Code.

(B) Except as otherwise provided in section 3321.01 of the Revised Code for admittance to kindergarten and first grade, a child who is at least five but under twenty-two years of age and any preschool child with a disability shall be admitted to school as provided in this division.

(1) A child shall be admitted to the schools of the school district in which the child's parent resides.

(2) Except as provided in division (B) of section 2151.362 and section 3317.30 of the Revised Code, a child who does not reside in the district where the child's parent resides shall be admitted to the schools of the district in which the child resides if any of the following applies:

(a) The child is in the legal or permanent custody of a government agency or a person other than the child's natural or adoptive parent.

(b) The child resides in a home.

(c) The child requires special education.

(3) A child who is not entitled under division (B)(2) of this section to be admitted to the schools of the district where the child resides and who is residing with a resident of this state with whom the child has been placed for adoption shall be admitted to the schools of the district where the child resides unless either of the following applies:

(a) The placement for adoption has been terminated.

(b) Another school district is required to admit the child under division (B)(1) of this section.

Division (B) of this section does not prohibit the board of education of a school district from placing a child with a disability who resides in the district in a special education program outside of the district or its schools in compliance with Chapter 3323. of the Revised Code.

(C) A district shall not charge tuition for children admitted under division (B)(1) or (3) of this section. If the district admits a child under division (B)(2) of this section, tuition shall be paid to the district that admits the child as provided in divisions (C)(1) to (3) of this section, unless division (C)(4) of this section applies to the child:

(1) If the child receives special education in accordance with Chapter 3323. of the Revised Code, the school district of residence, as defined in section 3323.01 of the Revised Code, shall pay tuition for the child in accordance with section 3323.091, 3323.13, 3323.14, or 3323.141 of the Revised Code regardless of who has custody of the child or whether the child resides in a home.

(2) For a child that does not receive special education in accordance with Chapter 3323. of the Revised Code, except as otherwise provided in division (C)(2)(d) of this section, if the child is in the permanent or legal custody of a government agency or person other than the child's parent, tuition shall be paid by:

(a) The district in which the child's parent resided at the time the court removed the child from home or at the time the court vested legal or permanent custody of the child in the person or government agency, whichever occurred first;

(b) If the parent's residence at the time the court removed the child from home or placed the child in the legal or permanent custody of the person or government agency is unknown, tuition shall be paid by the district in which the child resided at the time the child was removed from home or placed in legal or permanent custody, whichever occurred first;

(c) If a school district cannot be established under division (C)(2)(a) or (b) of this section, tuition shall be paid by the district determined as required by section 2151.362 of the Revised Code by the court at the time it vests custody of the child in the person or government agency;

(d) If at the time the court removed the child from home or vested legal or permanent custody of the child in the person or government agency, whichever occurred first, one parent was in a residential or correctional facility or a juvenile residential placement and the other parent, if living and not in such a facility or placement, was not known to reside in this state, tuition shall be paid by the district determined under division (D) of section 3313.65 of the Revised Code as the district required to pay any tuition while the parent was in such facility or placement;

(e) If the department of education and workforce has determined, pursuant to division (A)(2) of section 2151.362 of the Revised Code, that a school district other than the one named in the court's initial order, or in a prior determination of the department, is responsible to bear the cost of educating the child, the district so determined shall be responsible for that cost.

(3) If the child is not in the permanent or legal custody of a government agency or person other than the child's parent and the child resides in a home, tuition shall be paid by one of the following:

(a) The school district in which the child's parent resides;

(b) If the child's parent is not a resident of this state, the home in which the child resides.

(4) Division (C)(4) of this section applies to any child who is admitted to a school district under division (B)(2) of this section, resides in a home that is not a foster home, a home maintained by the department of youth services, a detention facility established under section 2152.41 of the Revised Code, or a juvenile facility established under section 2151.65 of the Revised Code, and receives educational services at the home or facility in which the child resides pursuant to a contract between the home or facility and the school district providing those services.

If a child to whom division (C)(4) of this section applies is a special education student, a district may choose whether to receive a tuition payment for that child under division (C)(4) of this section or to receive a payment for that child under section 3323.14 of the Revised Code. If a district chooses to receive a payment for that child under section 3323.14 of the Revised Code, it shall not receive a tuition payment for that child under division (C)(4) of this section.

If a child to whom division (C)(4) of this section applies is not a special education student, a district shall receive a tuition payment for that child under division (C)(4) of this section.

In the case of a child to which division (C)(4) of this section applies, the total educational cost to be paid for the child shall be determined by a formula approved by the department of education and workforce, which formula shall be designed to calculate a per diem cost for the educational services provided to the child for each day the child is served and shall reflect the total actual cost incurred in providing those services. The department shall certify the total educational cost to be paid for the child to both the school district providing the educational services and, if different, the school district that is responsible to pay tuition for the child. The department shall deduct the certified amount from the state basic aid funds payable under Chapter 3317. of the Revised Code to the district responsible to pay tuition and shall pay that amount to the district providing the educational services to the child.

(D) Tuition required to be paid under divisions (C)(2) and (3)(a) of this section shall be computed in accordance with section 3317.08 of the Revised Code. Tuition required to be paid under division (C)(3)(b) of this section shall be computed in accordance with section 3317.081 of the Revised Code. If a home fails to pay the tuition required by division (C)(3)(b) of this section, the board of education providing the education may recover in a civil action the tuition and the expenses incurred in prosecuting the action, including court costs and reasonable attorney's fees. If the prosecuting attorney or city director of law represents the board in such action, costs and reasonable attorney's fees awarded by the court, based upon the prosecuting attorney's, director's, or one of their designee's time spent preparing and presenting the case, shall be deposited in the county or city general fund.

(E) A board of education may enroll a child free of any tuition obligation for a period not to exceed sixty days, on the sworn statement of an adult resident of the district that the resident has initiated legal proceedings for custody of the child.

(F) In the case of any individual entitled to attend school under this division, no tuition shall be charged by the school district of attendance and no other school district shall be required to pay tuition for the individual's attendance. Notwithstanding division (B), (C), or (E) of this section:

(1) All persons at least eighteen but under twenty-two years of age who live apart from their parents, support themselves by their own labor, and have not successfully completed the high school curriculum or the individualized education program developed for the person by the high school pursuant to section 3323.08 of the Revised Code, are entitled to attend school in the district in which they reside.

(2) Any child under eighteen years of age who is married is entitled to attend school in the child's district of residence.

(3) A child is entitled to attend school in the district in which either of the child's parents is employed if the child has a medical condition that may require emergency medical attention. The parent of a child entitled to attend school under division (F)(3) of this section shall submit to the board of education of the district in which the parent is employed a statement from the child's physician certifying that the child's medical condition may require emergency medical attention. The statement shall be supported by such other evidence as the board may require.

(4) Any child residing with a person other than the child's parent is entitled, for a period not to exceed twelve months, to attend school in the district in which that person resides if the child's parent files an affidavit with the superintendent of the district in which the person with whom the child is living resides stating all of the following:

(a) That the parent is serving outside of the state in the armed services of the United States;

(b) That the parent intends to reside in the district upon returning to this state;

(c) The name and address of the person with whom the child is living while the parent is outside the state.

(5) Any child under the age of twenty-two years who, after the death of a parent, resides in a school district other than the district in which the child attended school at the time of the parent's death is entitled to continue to attend school in the district in which the child attended school at the time of the parent's death for the remainder of the school year, subject to approval of that district board.

(6) A child under the age of twenty-two years who resides with a parent who is having a new house built in a school district outside the district where the parent is residing is entitled to attend school for a period of time in the district where the new house is being built. In order to be entitled to such attendance, the parent shall provide the district superintendent with the following:

(a) A sworn statement explaining the situation, revealing the location of the house being built, and stating the parent's intention to reside there upon its completion;

(b) A statement from the builder confirming that a new house is being built for the parent and that the house is at the location indicated in the parent's statement.

(7) A child under the age of twenty-two years residing with a parent who has a contract to purchase a house in a school district outside the district where the parent is residing and who is waiting upon the date of closing of the mortgage loan for the purchase of such house is entitled to attend school for a period of time in the district where the house is being purchased. In order to be entitled to such attendance, the parent shall provide the district superintendent with the following:

(a) A sworn statement explaining the situation, revealing the location of the house being purchased, and stating the parent's intent to reside there;

(b) A statement from a real estate broker or bank officer confirming that the parent has a contract to purchase the house, that the parent is waiting upon the date of closing of the mortgage loan, and that the house is at the location indicated in the parent's statement.

The district superintendent shall establish a period of time not to exceed ninety days during which the child entitled to attend school under division (F)(6) or (7) of this section may attend without tuition obligation. A student attending a school under division (F)(6) or (7) of this section shall be eligible to participate in interscholastic athletics under the auspices of that school, provided the board of education of the school district where the student's parent resides, by a formal action, releases the student to participate in interscholastic athletics at the school where the student is attending, and provided the student receives any authorization required by a public agency or private organization of which the school district is a member exercising authority over interscholastic sports.

(8) A child whose parent is a full-time employee of a city, local, or exempted village school district, or of an educational service center, may be admitted to the schools of the district where the child's parent is employed, or in the case of a child whose parent is employed by an educational service center, in the district that serves the location where the parent's job is primarily located, provided the district board of education establishes such an admission policy by resolution adopted by a majority of its members. Any such policy shall take effect on the first day of the school year and the effective date of any amendment or repeal may not be prior to the first day of the subsequent school year. The policy shall be uniformly applied to all such children and shall provide for the admission of any such child upon request of the parent. No child may be admitted under this policy after the first day of classes of any school year.

(9) A child who is with the child's parent under the care of a shelter for victims of domestic violence, as defined in section 3113.33 of the Revised Code, is entitled to attend school free in the district in which the child is with the child's parent, and no other school district shall be required to pay tuition for the child's attendance in that school district.

The enrollment of a child in a school district under this division shall not be denied due to a delay in the school district's receipt of any records required under section 3313.672 of the Revised Code or any other records required for enrollment. Any days of attendance and any credits earned by a child while enrolled in a school district under this division shall be transferred to and accepted by any school district in which the child subsequently enrolls. The department of education and workforce shall adopt rules to ensure compliance with this division.

(10) Any child under the age of twenty-two years whose parent has moved out of the school district after the commencement of classes in the child's senior year of high school is entitled, subject to the approval of that district board, to attend school in the district in which the child attended school at the time of the parental move for the remainder of the school year and for one additional semester or equivalent term. A district board may also adopt a policy specifying extenuating circumstances under which a student may continue to attend school under division (F)(10) of this section for an additional period of time in order to successfully complete the high school curriculum for the individualized education program developed for the student by the high school pursuant to section 3323.08 of the Revised Code.

(11) As used in this division, "grandparent" means a parent of a parent of a child. A child under the age of twenty-two years who is in the custody of the child's parent, resides with a grandparent, and does not require special education is entitled to attend the schools of the district in which the child's grandparent resides, provided that, prior to such attendance in any school year, the board of education of the school district in which the child's grandparent resides and the board of education of the school district in which the child's parent resides enter into a written agreement specifying that good cause exists for such attendance, describing the nature of this good cause, and consenting to such attendance.

In lieu of a consent form signed by a parent, a board of education may request the grandparent of a child attending school in the district in which the grandparent resides pursuant to division (F)(11) of this section to complete any consent form required by the district, including any authorization required by sections 3313.712, 3313.713, 3313.716, and 3313.718 of the Revised Code. Upon request, the grandparent shall complete any consent form required by the district. A school district shall not incur any liability solely because of its receipt of a consent form from a grandparent in lieu of a parent.

Division (F)(11) of this section does not create, and shall not be construed as creating, a new cause of action or substantive legal right against a school district, a member of a board of education, or an employee of a school district. This section does not affect, and shall not be construed as affecting, any immunities from defenses to tort liability created or recognized by Chapter 2744. of the Revised Code for a school district, member, or employee.

(12) A child under the age of twenty-two years is entitled to attend school in a school district other than the district in which the child is entitled to attend school under division (B), (C), or (E) of this section provided that, prior to such attendance in any school year, both of the following occur:

(a) The superintendent of the district in which the child is entitled to attend school under division (B), (C), or (E) of this section contacts the superintendent of another district for purposes of this division;

(b) The superintendents of both districts enter into a written agreement that consents to the attendance and specifies that the purpose of such attendance is to protect the student's physical or mental well-being or to deal with other extenuating circumstances deemed appropriate by the superintendents.

While an agreement is in effect under this division for a student who is not receiving special education under Chapter 3323. of the Revised Code and notwithstanding Chapter 3327. of the Revised Code, the board of education of neither school district involved in the agreement is required to provide transportation for the student to and from the school where the student attends.

A student attending a school of a district pursuant to this division shall be allowed to participate in all student activities, including interscholastic athletics, at the school where the student is attending on the same basis as any student who has always attended the schools of that district while of compulsory school age.

(13) All school districts shall comply with the "McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act," 42 U.S.C.A. 11431 et seq., for the education of homeless children. Each city, local, and exempted village school district shall comply with the requirements of that act governing the provision of a free, appropriate public education, including public preschool, to each homeless child.

When a child loses permanent housing and becomes a homeless person, as defined in 42 U.S.C.A. 11481(5), or when a child who is such a homeless person changes temporary living arrangements, the child's parent or guardian shall have the option of enrolling the child in either of the following:

(a) The child's school of origin, as defined in 42 U.S.C.A. 11432(g)(3)(C);

(b) The school that is operated by the school district in which the shelter where the child currently resides is located and that serves the geographic area in which the shelter is located.

(14) A child under the age of twenty-two years who resides with a person other than the child's parent is entitled to attend school in the school district in which that person resides if both of the following apply:

(a) That person has been appointed, through a military power of attorney executed under section 574(a) of the "National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 1994," 107 Stat. 1674 (1993), 10 U.S.C. 1044b, or through a comparable document necessary to complete a family care plan, as the parent's agent for the care, custody, and control of the child while the parent is on active duty as a member of the national guard or a reserve unit of the armed forces of the United States or because the parent is a member of the armed forces of the United States and is on a duty assignment away from the parent's residence.

(b) The military power of attorney or comparable document includes at least the authority to enroll the child in school.

The entitlement to attend school in the district in which the parent's agent under the military power of attorney or comparable document resides applies until the end of the school year in which the military power of attorney or comparable document expires.

(G) A board of education, after approving admission, may waive tuition for students who will temporarily reside in the district and who are either of the following:

(1) Residents or domiciliaries of a foreign nation who request admission as foreign exchange students;

(2) Residents or domiciliaries of the United States but not of Ohio who request admission as participants in an exchange program operated by a student exchange organization.

(H) Pursuant to sections 3311.211, 3313.90, 3319.01, 3323.04, 3327.04, and 3327.06 of the Revised Code, a child may attend school or participate in a special education program in a school district other than in the district where the child is entitled to attend school under division (B) of this section.

(I)(1) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this section or section 3313.65 of the Revised Code, a child under twenty-two years of age may attend school in the school district in which the child, at the end of the first full week of October of the school year, was entitled to attend school as otherwise provided under this section or section 3313.65 of the Revised Code, if at that time the child was enrolled in the schools of the district but since that time the child or the child's parent has relocated to a new address located outside of that school district and within the same county as the child's or parent's address immediately prior to the relocation. The child may continue to attend school in the district, and at the school to which the child was assigned at the end of the first full week of October of the current school year, for the balance of the school year. Division (I)(1) of this section applies only if both of the following conditions are satisfied:

(a) The board of education of the school district in which the child was entitled to attend school at the end of the first full week in October and of the district to which the child or child's parent has relocated each has adopted a policy to enroll children described in division (I)(1) of this section.

(b) The child's parent provides written notification of the relocation outside of the school district to the superintendent of each of the two school districts.

(2) At the beginning of the school year following the school year in which the child or the child's parent relocated outside of the school district as described in division (I)(1) of this section, the child is not entitled to attend school in the school district under that division.

(3) Any person or entity owing tuition to the school district on behalf of the child at the end of the first full week in October, as provided in division (C) of this section, shall continue to owe such tuition to the district for the child's attendance under division (I)(1) of this section for the lesser of the balance of the school year or the balance of the time that the child attends school in the district under division (I)(1) of this section.

(4) A pupil who may attend school in the district under division (I)(1) of this section shall be entitled to transportation services pursuant to an agreement between the district and the district in which the child or child's parent has relocated unless the districts have not entered into such agreement, in which case the child shall be entitled to transportation services in the same manner as a pupil attending school in the district under interdistrict open enrollment as described in division (E) of section 3313.981 of the Revised Code, regardless of whether the district has adopted an open enrollment policy as described in division (B)(1)(b) or (c) of section 3313.98 of the Revised Code.

(J) This division does not apply to a child receiving special education.

A school district required to pay tuition pursuant to division (C)(2) or (3) of this section or section 3313.65 of the Revised Code shall have an amount deducted under division (C) of section 3317.023 of the Revised Code equal to its own tuition rate for the same period of attendance. A school district entitled to receive tuition pursuant to division (C)(2) or (3) of this section or section 3313.65 of the Revised Code shall have an amount credited under division (C) of section 3317.023 of the Revised Code equal to its own tuition rate for the same period of attendance. If the tuition rate credited to the district of attendance exceeds the rate deducted from the district required to pay tuition, the department of education and workforce shall pay the district of attendance the difference from amounts deducted from all districts' payments under division (C) of section 3317.023 of the Revised Code but not credited to other school districts under such division and from appropriations made for such purpose. The treasurer of each school district shall, by the fifteenth day of January and July, furnish the director of education and workforce a report of the names of each child who attended the district's schools under divisions (C)(2) and (3) of this section or section 3313.65 of the Revised Code during the preceding six calendar months, the duration of the attendance of those children, the school district responsible for tuition on behalf of the child, and any other information that the director requires.

Upon receipt of the report the director, pursuant to division (C) of section 3317.023 of the Revised Code, shall deduct each district's tuition obligations under divisions (C)(2) and (3) of this section or section 3313.65 of the Revised Code and pay to the district of attendance that amount plus any amount required to be paid by the state.

(K) In the event of a disagreement, the director of education and workforce shall determine the school district in which the parent resides.

(L) Nothing in this section requires or authorizes, or shall be construed to require or authorize, the admission to a public school in this state of a pupil who has been permanently excluded from public school attendance by the director pursuant to sections 3301.121 and 3313.662 of the Revised Code.

(M) In accordance with division (B)(1) of this section, a child whose parent is a member of the national guard or a reserve unit of the armed forces of the United States and is called to active duty, or a child whose parent is a member of the armed forces of the United States and is ordered to a temporary duty assignment outside of the district, may continue to attend school in the district in which the child's parent lived before being called to active duty or ordered to a temporary duty assignment outside of the district, as long as the child's parent continues to be a resident of that district, and regardless of where the child lives as a result of the parent's active duty status or temporary duty assignment. However, the district is not responsible for providing transportation for the child if the child lives outside of the district as a result of the parent's active duty status or temporary duty assignment.

Last updated August 29, 2023 at 1:28 PM

Section 3313.641 | Summer schools, adult classes, postgraduate instruction and other classes.

• Effective: October 11, 2002
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 407 - 124th General Assembly

(A) Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 3313.48 and 3313.64 of the Revised Code, the board of education of a city, exempted village, or local school district may organize and operate a summer school, an evening or day school for adults and out-of-school youth, or technical school or institute for instruction beyond the high school, offer driver education courses in conformity with Chapter 4508. of the Revised Code, or offer postgraduate work in any course of instruction to pupils who have completed the twelfth grade, which may be open to any pupil irrespective of age upon such terms and upon payment of such tuition as the board prescribes. Courses of instruction in basic literacy may be offered with or without tuition, as the board determines.

(B) A board of education that operates an education program pursuant to this section, other than a summer school, that includes courses for which credit may be granted toward the issuance of a high school diploma under section 3313.61 of the Revised Code may, by resolution, authorize the superintendent of the district to assign to the program in accordance with this section, any student who has not successfully completed the curriculum of any high school or the individualized education program developed for the student by any high school pursuant to section 3323.08 of the Revised Code, who is at least eighteen years old, and who is being readmitted to school following expulsion or commitment to the department of youth services. Before making any such assignment, the superintendent or the superintendent's designee shall meet with the pupil to determine whether the pupil should be so assigned, and shall prepare a report on the superintendent's or designee's findings and determination. If based on the meeting or the designee's report the superintendent finds that the pupil should be placed in a program under this section, the superintendent shall make the assignment. Once assigned to a program, the student shall remain in it until the student is reassigned by the superintendent or leaves school. At least once in each academic term, the superintendent or the superintendent's designee shall review the program of each student assigned under this section and the superintendent shall, based on the review, make a determination of whether the student should remain in the program or be reassigned. Tuition shall not be charged for the attendance of any student assigned to a program pursuant to this division who is entitled under section 3313.64 of the Revised Code to attend the schools of the district without payment of tuition.

Section 3313.642 | Materials for course of instruction.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) Except as provided in division (B) of this section and notwithstanding the provisions of sections 3313.48 and 3313.64 of the Revised Code, the board of education of a city, exempted village, or local school district shall not be required to furnish, free of charge, to the pupils attending the public schools any materials used in a course of instruction with the exception of the necessary textbooks or electronic textbooks required to be furnished without charge pursuant to section 3329.06 of the Revised Code. The board may, however, make provision by appropriations transferred from the general fund of the district or otherwise for furnishing free of charge any materials used in a course of instruction to such pupils as it determines are in serious financial need of such materials.

(B) No board of education of a school district shall charge a fee to a pupil who is eligible for a free lunch under the "National School Lunch Act," 60 Stat. 230 (1946), 42 U.S.C. 1751, as amended, and the "Child Nutrition Act of 1966," 80 Stat. 885, 42 U.S.C. 1771, as amended, for any materials needed to enable the pupil to participate fully in a course of instruction. The prohibition in this division against charging a fee does not apply to any fee charged for any of the following:

(1) Any materials needed to enable a pupil to participate fully in extracurricular activities or in any pupil enrichment program that is not a course of instruction;

(2) Any tools, equipment, and materials that are necessary for workforce-readiness training within a career-technical education program that, to the extent the tools, equipment, and materials are not consumed, may be retained by the student upon course completion.

(C) Boards of education may adopt rules and regulations prescribing each of the following:

(1) A schedule of fees for materials used in a course of instruction;

(2) A schedule of charges which may be imposed upon pupils for the loss, damage, or destruction of school apparatus, equipment, musical instruments, library material, textbooks, or electronic textbooks required to be furnished without charge, and for damage to school buildings.

Except as provided in division (D) of this section, boards of education may enforce the payment of such fees and charges by withholding the grades and credits of the pupils concerned.

(D) No board of education shall withhold the grades, credits, official transcripts, diploma, IEPs, or 504 plans of a pupil for nonpayment of fees for materials used in a course of instruction imposed under division (C)(1) of this section, if a complaint has been filed at any time in a juvenile court alleging that the pupil is an abused, neglected, or dependent child or if the pupil has been adjudicated an abused, neglected, or dependent child.

A board shall require that the grades, credits, official transcripts, IEPs, or 504 plan of a pupil described in this division be transferred immediately upon the receipt of either another district's or school's request for those records under section 3313.672 of the Revised Code or a juvenile judge's order under section 2151.272 of the Revised Code.

A board that is required to transfer records under division (D) of this section may request a copy of any order regarding the child's custody or placement issued pursuant to a complaint filed under section 2151.27 of the Revised Code. However, a board shall not withhold records required to be transferred under that division pending receipt of a copy of the order.

(E) Each board of education annually shall report to the department of education and workforce the number of pupils for whom the board sends transcripts under division (D) of this section and the total amount of unpaid fees lost due to compliance with that division.

(F) As used in this section:

(1) "IEP" has the same meaning as in section 3323.01 of the Revised Code.

(2) "504 plan" means a plan based on an evaluation conducted in accordance with section 504 of the "Rehabilitation Act of 1973," 29 U.S.C. 794, as amended.

Last updated August 29, 2023 at 12:36 PM

Section 3313.643 | Eye protective devices.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

Every student and teacher of a school, college, or other educational institution shall wear industrial quality eye protective devices at all times while participating in or observing any of the following courses:

(A) Vocational, technical, industrial arts, fine arts, chemical, physical, or combined chemical-physical educational activities, involving exposure to:

(1) Hot molten metals or other molten materials;

(2) Milling, sawing, drilling, turning, shaping, cutting, grinding, buffing, or stamping of any solid materials;

(3) Heat treatment, tempering, or kiln firing of any metal or other materials;

(4) Gas or electric arc welding or other forms of welding processes;

(5) Repair or servicing of any vehicle;

(6) Caustic or explosive materials.

(B) Chemical, physical, or combined chemical-physical laboratories involving caustic or explosive materials, hot liquids or solids, injurious radiations, or other hazards.

Such devices may be furnished for all students and teachers, purchased and sold at cost to students and teachers, or made available for a moderate rental fee, and shall be furnished for all visitors to such shops and laboratories.

The director of education and workforce or any other appropriate educational authority designated by the director, shall prepare and circulate to each public and private educational institution in this state instructions and recommendations for implementing the eye safety provisions of this section. The bureau of workers' compensation shall ensure compliance with this section.

"Industrial quality eye protective devices" as used in this section, means devices meeting the standards of the American national standard practice for occupational and educational eye and face protection, Z87.1-1968, approved by the American national standards institute, inc., and subsequent revisions thereof, provided such revisions are approved and adopted by the industrial commission.

Last updated August 29, 2023 at 12:37 PM

Section 3313.644 | Contracts for training of out-of-school youth or adults.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

The board of education of any school district may contract with the state department of education and workforce or other state agency or with any agency of the federal government for the education or training of out-of-school youth or adults regardless of their place of residence. The board of education may permit the attendance, under such contract, of such students or trainees who are not residents of the school district only if the contract provides for the reimbursement to the school district of the entire actual cost of educating or training such nonresident students or trainees and regardless of the ratio of nonresident students or trainees to resident students or trainees.

Last updated August 29, 2023 at 12:37 PM

Section 3313.645 | Admission without tuition.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

A board of education may admit to the schools of its district, free of any tuition obligation, any resident of the district not otherwise eligible to be admitted who meets criteria established by the department of education and workforce. The department shall adopt rules establishing criteria for the admission of persons to schools under this division. The rules may authorize restrictions or limitations on the classes or programs in which such persons may participate.

For participation in vocational education programs the district operates or participates in pursuant to sections 3313.90 and 3313.91 of the Revised Code, a board of education may admit the following individuals to the schools of its district free of any tuition obligation and without regard to age:

(A) Any resident to the district who has successfully completed the individualized education program developed for the person by any high school pursuant to section 3323.08 of the Revised Code;

(B) Any person employed by the district in a position for which a license issued by the state board of education under section 3319.22 to 3319.31 of the Revised Code is not required who seeks admission to a class or program related to the person's position and is authorized by the district's superintendent to be admitted to the class or program. The superintendent shall determine whether the class or program is related to the employee's position.

Last updated August 29, 2023 at 12:38 PM

Section 3313.646 | Preschool programs.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) The board of education of a school district, except a cooperative education district established pursuant to section 3311.521 of the Revised Code, may establish and operate a program to provide services to preschool-age children, provided the board has demonstrated a need for the program. A board may use school funds in support of preschool programs. The board shall maintain, operate, and admit children to any such program pursuant to rules adopted by such board and the rules of the department of education and workforce adopted under sections 3301.52 to 3301.57 of the Revised Code.

A board of education may establish fees or tuition, which may be graduated in proportion to family income, for participation in a preschool program. In cases where payment of fees or tuition would create a hardship for the child's parent or guardian, the board may waive any such fees or tuition.

(B) No board of education that is not receiving funds under the "Head Start Act," 95 Stat. 489 (1981), 42 U.S.C.A. 9831, on March 17, 1989, shall compete for funds under the "Head Start Act" with any grantee receiving funds under that act.

(C) A board of education may contract with any of the following preschool providers to provide services to preschool-age children, other than those services for which the district is eligible to receive funding under section 3317.0213 of the Revised Code:

(1) Any organization receiving funds under the "Head Start Act";

(2) Any nonsectarian eligible nonpublic school as defined in division (H) of section 3301.52 of the Revised Code;

(3) Any child care provider licensed under Chapter 5104. of the Revised Code.

Boards may contract to provide services to preschool-age children only with such organizations whose staff meet the requirements of rules adopted under section 3301.53 of the Revised Code or those of the child development associate credential established by the national association for the education of young children.

(D) A contract entered into under division (C) of this section may provide for the board of education to lease school facilities to the preschool provider or to furnish transportation, utilities, or staff for the preschool program.

(E) The treasurer of any board of education operating a preschool program pursuant to this section shall keep an account of all funds used to operate the program in the same manner as the treasurer would any other funds of the district pursuant to this chapter.

Last updated August 29, 2023 at 1:17 PM

Section 3313.647 | Policy guaranteeing specific level of competency of certain graduates of district.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

As used in this division, "graduate" means a person who has received a diploma from a district pursuant to section 3313.61 of the Revised Code.

Pursuant to rules adopted by the department of education and workforce, a city, local, exempted village, or joint vocational school district may establish a policy guaranteeing a specific level of competency of certain graduates of the district. The guarantee policy shall specify that any graduate meeting specified criteria established by the board is capable of performing specified functions at a level established in the policy. Any employer or potential employer of a graduate who is guaranteed under such a policy may submit a written statement to the board of education stating the guaranteed graduate of its district does not meet the level of competency specified in the district's guarantee policy. Upon receipt of such statement the board of education shall provide an opportunity for additional education to the graduate, regardless of the graduate's age or place of residence, until such individual attains the competency level specified in the policy. No fee shall be charged to any person or government entity for such additional education. A school board may expend school funds for a guarantee program; however, no student participating in the program shall be included in the formula ADM of the district as determined under section 3317.03 of the Revised Code or included as a participant in any other program, if such inclusion would result in additional state funds to the school district.

The department shall adopt rules for the adoption of a policy under this section and for the additional education program described under this section.

Last updated August 29, 2023 at 12:39 PM

Section 3313.648 | Prohibiting incentives to enroll in district.

• Effective: April 8, 2003
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 364 - 124th General Assembly

No board of education of a city, exempted village, or local school district shall offer a monetary payment or other in-kind gift to any student or such student's parent or guardian as an incentive for that student to enroll in a school operated by the district. The prohibition in this section shall not apply to any books, supplies, equipment, or other goods that are necessary to enable a student to participate fully in the course of instruction provided by the district.

Section 3313.649 | Enrolling child subject of power of attorney or caretaker authorization affidavit.

• Effective: July 20, 2004
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 130 - 125th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Power of attorney" means a power of attorney created under section 3109.52 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Caretaker authorization affidavit" means an affidavit executed under section 3109.67 of the Revised Code.

(B) The grandparent who is attorney in fact under a power of attorney or the grandparent that executed a caretaker authorization affidavit may enroll the child who is the subject of the power of attorney or affidavit in a school in the school district in which the grandparent resides. Unless another reason exists under the Revised Code to exclude the child, the child may attend the schools of the school district in which the grandparent resides.

Section 3313.6410 | Withdrawal of computer-based school student failing to take tests.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

This section applies to any school that is operated by a school district and in which the enrolled students work primarily on assignments in nonclassroom-based learning opportunities provided via an internet- or other computer-based instructional method.

(A) Any school to which this section applies shall withdraw from the school any student who, for two consecutive school years of enrollment in the school, has failed to participate in the spring administration of any assessment prescribed under section 3301.0710 or 3301.0712 of the Revised Code for the student's grade level and was not excused from the assessment pursuant to division (C)(1) or (3) of section 3301.0711 of the Revised Code, regardless of whether a waiver was granted for the student under division (E) of section 3317.03 of the Revised Code. The school shall report any such student's data verification code, as assigned pursuant to section 3301.0714 of the Revised Code, to the department of education and workforce to be added to the list maintained by the department under section 3314.26 of the Revised Code.

(B) No school to which this section applies shall receive any state funds under Chapter 3317. of the Revised Code for any enrolled student whose data verification code appears on the list maintained by the department under section 3314.26 of the Revised Code. Notwithstanding any provision of the Revised Code to the contrary, the parent of any such student shall pay tuition to the school district that operates the school in an amount equal to the state funds the district otherwise would receive for that student, as determined by the department. A school to which this section applies may withdraw any student for whom the parent does not pay tuition as required by this division.

Last updated August 29, 2023 at 12:41 PM

Section 3313.6411 | Providing report card to parent.

• Effective: September 24, 2012
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 316 - 129th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section, "parent" has the same meaning as in section 3313.98 of the Revised Code.

(B) When a student enrolls in a school operated by a city, exempted village, or local school district, a school official with responsibility for admissions shall provide the student's parent, during the admissions process, with a copy of the most recent report card issued under section 3302.03 of the Revised Code.

Section 3313.6412 | Internet- or computer-based school student automatic withdrawal.

• Effective: December 14, 2021
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 229 - 134th General Assembly

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in section 3313.6410 of the Revised Code, no student enrolled in an internet- or computer-based school shall be subject to automatic withdrawal who, in any school year prior to the 2021-2022 school year, failed to participate in the spring administration of any assessment prescribed under section 3301.0710 or 3301.0712 of the Revised Code for the student's grade level and was not excused from the assessment pursuant to division (C)(1) or (3) of section 3301.0711 of the Revised Code, regardless of whether a waiver was granted for the student under division (E) of section 3317.03 of the Revised Code.

Last updated January 18, 2022 at 1:31 PM

Section 3313.6413 | Free feminine hygiene products in schools.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Feminine hygiene products" has the same meaning as in section 5739.01 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Other public school" has the same meaning as in section 3301.0711 of the Revised Code.

(3) "School building" means any facility that is owned, leased, or under the care, custody, and control of a school district board of education or other public school.

(4) "Chartered nonpublic school" has the same meaning as in section 3310.01 of the Revised Code.

(B)(1) Each school district, other public school, and chartered nonpublic school that enrolls girls in any of grades six through twelve shall provide free feminine hygiene products to those students. All such products shall be for use on school premises.

(2) Each school district, other public school, and chartered nonpublic school shall determine where feminine hygiene products are to be kept in the school.

(3) Each school district, other public school, and chartered nonpublic school may choose to provide free feminine hygiene products to students below grade six.

Last updated August 31, 2023 at 3:23 PM

Section 3313.65 | Children of institutionalized or incarcerated parents.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section and section 3313.64 of the Revised Code:

(1) A person is "in a residential facility" if the person is a resident or a resident patient of an institution, home, or other residential facility that is:

(a) Licensed as a nursing home, residential care facility, or home for the aging by the director of health under section 3721.02 of the Revised Code;

(b) Maintained as a county home or district home by the board of county commissioners or a joint board of county commissioners under Chapter 5155. of the Revised Code;

(c) Operated or administered by a board of alcohol, drug addiction, and mental health services under section 340.037 of the Revised Code, or provides residential care pursuant to contracts made under section 340.036 of the Revised Code;

(d) Maintained as a state institution for persons with mental illnesses under Chapter 5119. of the Revised Code;

(e) Licensed by the department of mental health and addiction services under section 5119.33 or 5119.34 of the Revised Code;

(f) Licensed as a residential facility by the department of developmental disabilities under section 5123.19 of the Revised Code;

(g) Operated by the veteran's administration or another agency of the United States government;

(h) Operated by the Ohio veterans' home.

(2) A person is "in a correctional facility" if any of the following apply:

(a) The person is an Ohio resident and is:

(i) Imprisoned, as defined in section 1.05 of the Revised Code;

(ii) Serving a term in a community-based correctional facility or a district community-based correctional facility;

(iii) Required, as a condition of parole, a post-release control sanction, a community control sanction, transitional control, or early release from imprisonment, as a condition of shock parole or shock probation granted under the law in effect prior to July 1, 1996, or as a condition of a furlough granted under the version of section 2967.26 of the Revised Code in effect prior to March 17, 1998, to reside in a halfway house or other community residential center licensed under section 2967.14 of the Revised Code or a similar facility designated by the court of common pleas that established the condition or by the adult parole authority.

(b) The person is imprisoned in a state correctional institution of another state or a federal correctional institution but was an Ohio resident at the time the sentence was imposed for the crime for which the person is imprisoned.

(3) A person is "in a juvenile residential placement" if the person is an Ohio resident who is under twenty-one years of age and has been removed, by the order of a juvenile court, from the place the person resided at the time the person became subject to the court's jurisdiction in the matter that resulted in the person's removal.

(4) "Community control sanction" has the same meaning as in section 2929.01 of the Revised Code.

(5) "Post-release control sanction" has the same meaning as in section 2967.01 of the Revised Code.

(B) If the circumstances described in division (C) of this section apply, the determination of what school district must admit a child to its schools and what district, if any, is liable for tuition shall be made in accordance with this section, rather than section 3313.64 of the Revised Code.

(C) A child who does not reside in the school district in which the child's parent resides and for whom a tuition obligation previously has not been established under division (C)(2) of section 3313.64 of the Revised Code shall be admitted to the schools of the district in which the child resides if at least one of the child's parents is in a residential or correctional facility or a juvenile residential placement and the other parent, if living and not in such a facility or placement, is not known to reside in this state.

(D) Regardless of who has custody or care of the child, whether the child resides in a home, or whether the child receives special education, if a district admits a child under division (C) of this section, tuition shall be paid to that district as follows:

(1) If the child's parent is in a juvenile residential placement, by the district in which the child's parent resided at the time the parent became subject to the jurisdiction of the juvenile court;

(2) If the child's parent is in a correctional facility, by the district in which the child's parent resided at the time the sentence was imposed;

(3) If the child's parent is in a residential facility, by the district in which the parent resided at the time the parent was admitted to the residential facility, except that if the parent was transferred from another residential facility, tuition shall be paid by the district in which the parent resided at the time the parent was admitted to the facility from which the parent first was transferred;

(4) In the event of a disagreement as to which school district is liable for tuition under division (C)(1), (2), or (3) of this section, the director of education and workforce shall determine which district shall pay tuition.

(E) If a child covered by division (D) of this section receives special education in accordance with Chapter 3323. of the Revised Code, the tuition shall be paid in accordance with section 3323.13 or 3323.14 of the Revised Code. Tuition for children who do not receive special education shall be paid in accordance with division (J) of section 3313.64 of the Revised Code.

Last updated August 29, 2023 at 12:42 PM

Section 3313.66 | Suspension, expulsion or permanent exclusion - removal from curricular or extracurricular activities.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A)(1) Except as provided under division (B)(2) of this section, and subject to section 3313.668 of the Revised Code, the superintendent of schools of a city, exempted village, or local school district, or the principal of a public school may suspend a pupil from school for not more than ten school days. The board of education of a city, exempted village, or local school district may adopt a policy granting assistant principals and other administrators the authority to suspend a pupil from school for a period of time as specified in the policy of the board of education, not to exceed ten school days. If at the time an out-of-school suspension is imposed there are fewer than ten school days remaining in the school year in which the incident that gives rise to the suspension takes place, the superintendent shall not apply any remaining part of the period of the suspension to the following school year. The superintendent may instead require the pupil to participate in a community service program or another alternative consequence for a number of hours equal to the remaining part of the period of the suspension. The pupil shall be required to begin the pupil's community service or alternative consequence during the first full week day of summer break. Each school district, in its discretion, may develop an appropriate list of alternative consequences. In the event that a pupil fails to complete community service or the assigned alternative consequence, the school district may determine the next course of action, which shall not include requiring the pupil to serve the remaining time of the out-of-school suspension at the beginning of the following school year.

No pupil shall be issued an out-of-school suspension unless prior to the suspension the superintendent or principal does both of the following:

(a) Gives the pupil written notice of the intention to suspend the pupil and the reasons for the intended suspension and, if the proposed suspension is based on a violation listed in division (A) of section 3313.662 of the Revised Code and if the pupil is sixteen years of age or older, includes in the notice a statement that the superintendent may seek to permanently exclude the pupil if the pupil is convicted of or adjudicated a delinquent child for that violation;

(b) Provides the pupil an opportunity to appear at an informal hearing before the principal, assistant principal, superintendent, or superintendent's designee and challenge the reason for the intended suspension or otherwise to explain the pupil's actions.

(2) If a pupil is issued an in-school suspension, the superintendent or principal shall ensure the pupil is serving the suspension in a supervised learning environment.

(3) Each school district board shall adopt a policy establishing parameters for completing and grading assignments missed because of a pupil's suspension.

(a) The policy shall provide the pupil an opportunity to do both of the following:

(i) Complete any classroom assignments missed because of the suspension;

(ii) Receive at least partial credit for a completed assignment.

(b) The policy may permit grade reductions on account of the pupil's suspension.

(c) The policy shall prohibit the receipt of a failing grade on a completed assignment solely on account of the pupil's suspension.

(B)(1) Except as provided under division (B)(2), (3), or (4) of this section, and subject to section 3313.668 of the Revised Code, the superintendent of schools of a city, exempted village, or local school district may expel a pupil from school for a period not to exceed the greater of eighty school days or the number of school days remaining in the semester or term in which the incident that gives rise to the expulsion takes place, unless the expulsion is extended pursuant to division (F) of this section. If at the time an expulsion is imposed there are fewer than eighty school days remaining in the school year in which the incident that gives rise to the expulsion takes place, the superintendent may apply any remaining part or all of the period of the expulsion to the following school year.

(2)(a) Unless a pupil is permanently excluded pursuant to section 3313.662 of the Revised Code, the superintendent of schools of a city, exempted village, or local school district shall expel a pupil from school for a period of one year for bringing a firearm to a school operated by the board of education of the district or onto any other property owned or controlled by the board, except that the superintendent may reduce this requirement on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the policy adopted by the board under section 3313.661 of the Revised Code.

(b) The superintendent of schools of a city, exempted village, or local school district may expel a pupil from school for a period of one year for bringing a firearm to an interscholastic competition, an extracurricular event, or any other school program or activity that is not located in a school or on property that is owned or controlled by the district. The superintendent may reduce this disciplinary action on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the policy adopted by the board under section 3313.661 of the Revised Code.

(c) Any expulsion pursuant to division (B)(2) of this section shall extend, as necessary, into the school year following the school year in which the incident that gives rise to the expulsion takes place. As used in this division, "firearm" has the same meaning as provided pursuant to the "Gun-Free Schools Act," 115 Stat. 1762, 20 U.S.C. 7151.

(3) The board of education of a city, exempted village, or local school district may adopt a resolution authorizing the superintendent of schools to expel a pupil from school for a period not to exceed one year for bringing a knife capable of causing serious bodily injury to a school operated by the board, onto any other property owned or controlled by the board, or to an interscholastic competition, an extracurricular event, or any other program or activity sponsored by the school district or in which the district is a participant, or for possessing a firearm or knife capable of serious bodily injury, at a school, on any other property owned or controlled by the board, or at an interscholastic competition, an extracurricular event, or any other school program or activity, which firearm or knife was initially brought onto school board property by another person. The resolution may authorize the superintendent to extend such an expulsion, as necessary, into the school year following the school year in which the incident that gives rise to the expulsion takes place.

(4) The board of education of a city, exempted village, or local school district may adopt a resolution establishing a policy under section 3313.661 of the Revised Code that authorizes the superintendent of schools to expel a pupil from school for a period not to exceed one year for committing an act that is a criminal offense when committed by an adult and that results in serious physical harm to persons as defined in division (A)(5) of section 2901.01 of the Revised Code or serious physical harm to property as defined in division (A)(6) of section 2901.01 of the Revised Code while the pupil is at school, on any other property owned or controlled by the board, or at an interscholastic competition, an extracurricular event, or any other school program or activity. Any expulsion under this division shall extend, as necessary, into the school year following the school year in which the incident that gives rise to the expulsion takes place.

(5) The board of education of any city, exempted village, or local school district may adopt a resolution establishing a policy under section 3313.661 of the Revised Code that authorizes the superintendent of schools to expel a pupil from school for a period not to exceed one year for making a bomb threat to a school building or to any premises at which a school activity is occurring at the time of the threat. Any expulsion under this division shall extend, as necessary, into the school year following the school year in which the incident that gives rise to the expulsion takes place.

(6) No pupil shall be expelled under division (B)(1), (2), (3), (4), or (5) of this section unless, prior to the pupil's expulsion, the superintendent does both of the following:

(a) Gives the pupil and the pupil's parent, guardian, or custodian written notice of the intention to expel the pupil;

(b) Provides the pupil and the pupil's parent, guardian, custodian, or representative an opportunity to appear in person before the superintendent or the superintendent's designee to challenge the reasons for the intended expulsion or otherwise to explain the pupil's actions.

The notice required in this division shall include the reasons for the intended expulsion, notification of the opportunity of the pupil and the pupil's parent, guardian, custodian, or representative to appear before the superintendent or the superintendent's designee to challenge the reasons for the intended expulsion or otherwise to explain the pupil's action, and notification of the time and place to appear. The time to appear shall not be earlier than three nor later than five school days after the notice is given, unless the superintendent grants an extension of time at the request of the pupil or the pupil's parent, guardian, custodian, or representative. If an extension is granted after giving the original notice, the superintendent shall notify the pupil and the pupil's parent, guardian, custodian, or representative of the new time and place to appear. If the proposed expulsion is based on a violation listed in division (A) of section 3313.662 of the Revised Code and if the pupil is sixteen years of age or older, the notice shall include a statement that the superintendent may seek to permanently exclude the pupil if the pupil is convicted of or adjudicated a delinquent child for that violation.

(7) A superintendent of schools of a city, exempted village, or local school district shall initiate expulsion proceedings pursuant to this section with respect to any pupil who has committed an act warranting expulsion under the district's policy regarding expulsion even if the pupil has withdrawn from school for any reason after the incident that gives rise to the hearing but prior to the hearing or decision to impose the expulsion. If, following the hearing, the pupil would have been expelled for a period of time had the pupil still been enrolled in the school, the expulsion shall be imposed for the same length of time as on a pupil who has not withdrawn from the school.

(C)(1) Subject to division (C)(2) of this section, if a pupil's presence poses a continuing danger to persons or property or an ongoing threat of disrupting the academic process taking place either within a classroom or elsewhere on the school premises, the superintendent or a principal or assistant principal may remove a pupil from curricular activities or from the school premises, and a teacher may remove a pupil from curricular activities under the teacher's supervision, without the notice and hearing requirements of division (A) or (B) of this section. As soon as practicable after making such a removal, the teacher shall submit in writing to the principal the reasons for such removal.

(2) A pupil in any of grades pre-kindergarten through three may be removed pursuant to division (C)(1) of this section only for the remainder of the school day and shall be permitted to return to curricular and extracurricular activities on the school day following the day in which the student was removed.

(a) A school district or school that returns a student in any of grades pre-kindergarten through three to curricular and extracurricular activities on the next school day shall not be required to follow division (C)(3) of this section with regard to that student.

(b) A school district shall not initiate a suspension or expulsion proceeding against a student in any of grades pre-kindergarten through three who was removed from a curricular or extracurricular activity under division (C) of this section unless the student has committed an act described in division (B)(1)(a) or (b) of section 3313.668 of the Revised Code.

(3) If a pupil is removed under division (C)(1) or (2) of this section from a curricular activity or from the school premises, written notice of the hearing and of the reason for the removal shall be given to the pupil as soon as practicable prior to the hearing, which shall be held on the next school day after the initial removal is ordered. The hearing shall be held in accordance with division (A) of this section unless it is probable that the pupil may be subject to expulsion, in which case a hearing in accordance with division (B) of this section shall be held, except that the hearing shall be held on the next school day after the date of the initial removal. The individual who ordered, caused, or requested the removal to be made shall be present at the hearing.

(4) If the superintendent or the principal reinstates a pupil in a curricular activity under the teacher's supervision prior to the hearing following a removal under this division, the teacher, upon request, shall be given in writing the reasons for such reinstatement.

(D) The superintendent or principal, within one school day after the time of a pupil's expulsion or suspension, shall notify in writing the parent, guardian, or custodian of the pupil of the expulsion or suspension. In the case of an expulsion, the superintendent or principal, within one school day after the time of a pupil's expulsion, also shall notify in writing the treasurer of the board of education. Each notice shall include the reasons for the expulsion or suspension, notification of the right of the pupil or the pupil's parent, guardian, or custodian to appeal the expulsion or suspension to the board of education or to its designee, to be represented in all appeal proceedings, to be granted a hearing before the board or its designee in order to be heard against the suspension or expulsion, and to request that the hearing be held in executive session, notification that the expulsion may be subject to extension pursuant to division (F) of this section if the pupil is sixteen years of age or older, and notification that the superintendent may seek the pupil's permanent exclusion if the suspension or expulsion was based on a violation listed in division (A) of section 3313.662 of the Revised Code that was committed when the child was sixteen years of age or older and if the pupil is convicted of or adjudicated a delinquent child for that violation.

In accordance with the policy adopted by the board of education under section 3313.661 of the Revised Code, the notice provided under this division shall specify the manner and date by which the pupil or the pupil's parent, guardian, or custodian shall notify the board of the pupil's, parent's, guardian's, or custodian's intent to appeal the expulsion or suspension to the board or its designee.

Any superintendent expelling a pupil under this section for more than twenty school days or for any period of time if the expulsion will extend into the following semester or school year shall, in the notice required under this division, provide the pupil and the pupil's parent, guardian, or custodian with information about services or programs offered by public and private agencies that work toward improving those aspects of the pupil's attitudes and behavior that contributed to the incident that gave rise to the pupil's expulsion. The information shall include the names, addresses, and phone numbers of the appropriate public and private agencies.

(E) A pupil or the pupil's parent, guardian, or custodian may appeal the pupil's expulsion by a superintendent or suspension by a superintendent, principal, assistant principal, or other administrator to the board of education or to its designee. If the pupil or the pupil's parent, guardian, or custodian intends to appeal the expulsion or suspension to the board or its designee, the pupil or the pupil's parent, guardian, or custodian shall notify the board in the manner and by the date specified in the notice provided under division (D) of this section. The pupil or the pupil's parent, guardian, or custodian may be represented in all appeal proceedings and shall be granted a hearing before the board or its designee in order to be heard against the suspension or expulsion. At the request of the pupil or of the pupil's parent, guardian, custodian, or attorney, the board or its designee may hold the hearing in executive session but shall act upon the suspension or expulsion only at a public meeting. The board, by a majority vote of its full membership or by the action of its designee, may affirm the order of suspension or expulsion, reinstate the pupil, or otherwise reverse, vacate, or modify the order of suspension or expulsion.

The board or its designee shall make a verbatim record of hearings held under this division. The decisions of the board or its designee may be appealed under Chapter 2506. of the Revised Code.

This section shall not be construed to require notice and hearing in accordance with division (A), (B), or (C) of this section in the case of normal disciplinary procedures in which a pupil is removed from a curricular activity for a period of less than one school day and is not subject to suspension or expulsion.

(F)(1) If a pupil is expelled pursuant to division (B) of this section for committing any violation listed in division (A) of section 3313.662 of the Revised Code and the pupil was sixteen years of age or older at the time of committing the violation, if a complaint, indictment, or information is filed alleging that the pupil is a delinquent child based upon the commission of the violation or the pupil is prosecuted as an adult for the commission of the violation, and if the resultant juvenile court or criminal proceeding is pending at the time that the expulsion terminates, the superintendent of schools that expelled the pupil may file a motion with the court in which the proceeding is pending requesting an order extending the expulsion for the lesser of an additional eighty days or the number of school days remaining in the school year. Upon the filing of the motion, the court immediately shall schedule a hearing and give written notice of the time, date, and location of the hearing to the superintendent and to the pupil and the pupil's parent, guardian, or custodian. At the hearing, the court shall determine whether there is reasonable cause to believe that the pupil committed the alleged violation that is the basis of the expulsion and, upon determining that reasonable cause to believe the pupil committed the violation does exist, shall grant the requested extension.

(2) If a pupil has been convicted of or adjudicated a delinquent child for a violation listed in division (A) of section 3313.662 of the Revised Code for an act that was committed when the child was sixteen years of age or older, if the pupil has been expelled pursuant to division (B) of this section for that violation, and if the board of education of the school district of the school from which the pupil was expelled has adopted a resolution seeking the pupil's permanent exclusion, the superintendent may file a motion with the court that convicted the pupil or adjudicated the pupil a delinquent child requesting an order to extend the expulsion until an adjudication order or other determination regarding permanent exclusion is issued by the director of education and workforce pursuant to section 3301.121 and division (D) of section 3313.662 of the Revised Code. Upon the filing of the motion, the court immediately shall schedule a hearing and give written notice of the time, date, and location of the hearing to the superintendent of the school district, the pupil, and the pupil's parent, guardian, or custodian. At the hearing, the court shall determine whether there is reasonable cause to believe the pupil's continued attendance in the public school system may endanger the health and safety of other pupils or school employees and, upon making that determination, shall grant the requested extension.

(G) The failure of the superintendent or the board of education to provide the information regarding the possibility of permanent exclusion in the notice required by divisions (A), (B), and (D) of this section is not jurisdictional, and the failure shall not affect the validity of any suspension or expulsion procedure that is conducted in accordance with this section or the validity of a permanent exclusion procedure that is conducted in accordance with sections 3301.121 and 3313.662 of the Revised Code.

(H) With regard to suspensions and expulsions pursuant to divisions (A) and (B) of this section by the board of education of any city, exempted village, or local school district, this section shall apply to any student, whether or not the student is enrolled in the district, attending or otherwise participating in any curricular program provided in a school operated by the board or provided on any other property owned or controlled by the board.

(I) Whenever a student is expelled under this section, the expulsion shall result in removal of the student from the student's regular school setting. However, during the period of the expulsion, the board of education of the school district that expelled the student or any board of education admitting the student during that expulsion period may provide educational services to the student in an alternative setting.

(J)(1) Notwithstanding sections 3109.51 to 3109.80, 3313.64, and 3313.65 of the Revised Code, any school district, after offering an opportunity for a hearing, may temporarily deny admittance to any pupil if one of the following applies:

(a) The pupil has been suspended from the schools of another district under division (A) of this section and the period of suspension, as established under that division, has not expired;

(b) The pupil has been expelled from the schools of another district under division (B) of this section and the period of the expulsion, as established under that division or as extended under division (F) of this section, has not expired.

If a pupil is temporarily denied admission under this division, the pupil shall be admitted to school in accordance with sections 3109.51 to 3109.80, 3313.64, or 3313.65 of the Revised Code no later than upon expiration of the suspension or expulsion period, as applicable.

(2) Notwithstanding sections 3109.51 to 3109.80, 3313.64, and 3313.65 of the Revised Code, any school district, after offering an opportunity for a hearing, may temporarily deny admittance to any pupil if the pupil has been expelled or otherwise removed for disciplinary purposes from a public school in another state and the period of expulsion or removal has not expired. If a pupil is temporarily denied admission under this division, the pupil shall be admitted to school in accordance with sections 3109.51 to 3109.80, 3313.64, or 3313.65 of the Revised Code no later than the earlier of the following:

(a) Upon expiration of the expulsion or removal period imposed by the out-of-state school;

(b) Upon expiration of a period established by the district, beginning with the date of expulsion or removal from the out-of-state school, that is no greater than the period of expulsion that the pupil would have received under the policy adopted by the district under section 3313.661 of the Revised Code had the offense that gave rise to the expulsion or removal by the out-of-state school been committed while the pupil was enrolled in the district.

(K) As used in this section:

(1) "Permanently exclude" and "permanent exclusion" have the same meanings as in section 3313.662 of the Revised Code.

(2) "In-school suspension" means the pupil will serve all of the suspension in a supervised learning environment within a school setting.

Last updated August 29, 2023 at 12:45 PM

Section 3313.661 | Policy regarding suspension, expulsion, removal, and permanent exclusion.

• Effective: November 2, 2018
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 318 - 132nd General Assembly

(A) Subject to the limitations set forth in section 3313.668 of the Revised Code, the board of education of each city, exempted village, and local school district shall adopt a policy regarding suspension, expulsion, removal, and permanent exclusion that specifies the types of misconduct for which a pupil may be suspended, expelled, or removed. The types of misconduct may include misconduct by a pupil that occurs off of property owned or controlled by the district but that is connected to activities or incidents that have occurred on property owned or controlled by that district and misconduct by a pupil that, regardless of where it occurs, is directed at a district official or employee, or the property of such official or employee. The policy shall specify the reasons for which the superintendent of the district may reduce the expulsion requirement in division (B)(2) of section 3313.66 of the Revised Code. If a board of education adopts a resolution pursuant to division (B)(3) of section 3313.66 of the Revised Code, the policy shall define the term "knife capable of causing serious bodily injury" or "firearm," as applicable, for purposes of expulsion under that resolution and shall specify any reasons for which the superintendent of the district may reduce any required expulsion period on a case-by-case basis. If a board of education adopts a resolution pursuant to division (B)(4) or (5) of section 3313.66 of the Revised Code, the policy shall specify any reasons for which the superintendent of the district may reduce any required expulsion period on a case-by-case basis. The policy also shall set forth the acts listed in section 3313.662 of the Revised Code for which a pupil may be permanently excluded.

The policy adopted under this division shall specify the date and manner by which a pupil or a pupil's parent, guardian, or custodian may notify the board of the pupil's, parent's, guardian's, or custodian's intent to appeal an expulsion or suspension to the board or its designee pursuant to division (E) of section 3313.66 of the Revised Code. In the case of any expulsion, the policy shall not specify a date that is less than fourteen days after the date of the notice provided to the pupil or the pupil's parent, guardian, or custodian under division (D) of that section.

A copy of the policy shall be posted in a central location in the school and made available to pupils upon request. No pupil shall be suspended, expelled, or removed except in accordance with the policy adopted by the board of education of the school district in which the pupil attends school, and no pupil shall be permanently excluded except in accordance with sections 3301.121 and 3313.662 of the Revised Code.

(B) A board of education may establish a program and adopt guidelines under which a superintendent may require a pupil to perform community service in conjunction with a suspension or expulsion imposed under section 3313.66 of the Revised Code or in place of a suspension or expulsion imposed under section 3313.66 of the Revised Code except for an expulsion imposed pursuant to division (B)(2) of that section. If a board adopts guidelines under this division, they shall permit, except with regard to an expulsion pursuant to division (B)(2) of section 3313.66 of the Revised Code, a superintendent to impose a community service requirement beyond the end of the school year in lieu of applying an expulsion into the following school year. Any guidelines adopted shall be included in the policy adopted under this section.

(C) The written policy of each board of education that is adopted pursuant to section 3313.20 of the Revised Code shall be posted in a central location in each school that is subject to the policy and shall be made available to pupils upon request.

(D) Except as described in division (B) of section 3313.668 of the Revised Code, any policy, program, or guideline adopted by a board of education under this section with regard to suspensions or expulsions pursuant to division (A) or (B) of section 3313.66 of the Revised Code shall apply to any student, whether or not the student is enrolled in the district, attending or otherwise participating in any curricular program provided in a school operated by the board or provided on any other property owned or controlled by the board.

(E) As used in this section, "permanently exclude" and "permanent exclusion" have the same meanings as in section 3313.662 of the Revised Code.

Section 3313.662 | Adjudication order permanently excluding pupil from public schools.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) The director of education and workforce, pursuant to this section and the adjudication procedures of section 3301.121 of the Revised Code, may issue an adjudication order that permanently excludes a pupil from attending any of the public schools of this state if the pupil is convicted of, or adjudicated a delinquent child for, committing, when the pupil was sixteen years of age or older, an act that would be a criminal offense if committed by an adult and if the act is any of the following:

(1) A violation of section 2923.122 of the Revised Code;

(2) A violation of section 2923.12 of the Revised Code, of a substantially similar municipal ordinance, or of section 2925.03 of the Revised Code that was committed on property owned or controlled by, or at an activity held under the auspices of, a board of education of a city, local, exempted village, or joint vocational school district;

(3) A violation of section 2925.11 of the Revised Code, other than a violation of that section that would be a minor drug possession offense, that was committed on property owned or controlled by, or at an activity held under the auspices of, the board of education of a city, local, exempted village, or joint vocational school district;

(4) A violation of section 2903.01, 2903.02, 2903.03, 2903.04, 2903.11, 2903.12, 2907.02, or 2907.05 or of former section 2907.12 of the Revised Code that was committed on property owned or controlled by, or at an activity held under the auspices of, a board of education of a city, local, exempted village, or joint vocational school district, if the victim at the time of the commission of the act was an employee of that board of education;

(5) Complicity in any violation described in division (A)(1), (2), (3), or (4) of this section that was alleged to have been committed in the manner described in division (A)(1), (2), (3), or (4) of this section, regardless of whether the act of complicity was committed on property owned or controlled by, or at an activity held under the auspices of, a board of education of a city, local, exempted village, or joint vocational school district.

(B) A pupil may be suspended or expelled in accordance with section 3313.66 of the Revised Code prior to being permanently excluded from public school attendance under this section and section 3301.121 of the Revised Code.

(C)(1) If the superintendent of a city, local, exempted village, or joint vocational school district in which a pupil attends school obtains or receives proof that the pupil has been convicted of committing when the pupil was sixteen years of age or older a violation listed in division (A) of this section or adjudicated a delinquent child for the commission when the pupil was sixteen years of age or older of a violation listed in division (A) of this section, the superintendent may issue to the board of education of the school district a request that the pupil be permanently excluded from public school attendance, if both of the following apply:

(a) After obtaining or receiving proof of the conviction or adjudication, the superintendent or the superintendent's designee determines that the pupil's continued attendance in school may endanger the health and safety of other pupils or school employees and gives the pupil and the pupil's parent, guardian, or custodian written notice that the superintendent intends to recommend to the board of education that the board adopt a resolution requesting the director of education and workforce to permanently exclude the pupil from public school attendance.

(b) The superintendent or the superintendent's designee forwards to the board of education the superintendent's written recommendation that includes the determinations the superintendent or designee made pursuant to division (C)(1)(a) of this section and a copy of the proof the superintendent received showing that the pupil has been convicted of or adjudicated a delinquent child for a violation listed in division (A) of this section that was committed when the pupil was sixteen years of age or older.

(2) Within fourteen days after receipt of a recommendation from the superintendent pursuant to division (C)(1)(b) of this section that a pupil be permanently excluded from public school attendance, the board of education of a city, local, exempted village, or joint vocational school district, after review and consideration of all of the following available information, may adopt a resolution requesting the director of education and workforce to permanently exclude the pupil who is the subject of the recommendation from public school attendance:

(a) The academic record of the pupil and a record of any extracurricular activities in which the pupil previously was involved;

(b) The disciplinary record of the pupil and any available records of the pupil's prior behavioral problems other than the behavioral problems contained in the disciplinary record;

(c) The social history of the pupil;

(d) The pupil's response to the imposition of prior discipline and sanctions imposed for behavioral problems;

(e) Evidence regarding the seriousness of and any aggravating factors related to the offense that is the basis of the resolution seeking permanent exclusion;

(f) Any mitigating circumstances surrounding the offense that gave rise to the request for permanent exclusion;

(g) Evidence regarding the probable danger posed to the health and safety of other pupils or of school employees by the continued presence of the pupil in a public school setting;

(h) Evidence regarding the probable disruption of the teaching of any school district's graded course of study by the continued presence of the pupil in a public school setting;

(i) Evidence regarding the availability of alternative sanctions of a less serious nature than permanent exclusion that would enable the pupil to remain in a public school setting without posing a significant danger to the health and safety of other pupils or of school employees and without posing a threat of the disruption of the teaching of any district's graded course of study.

(3) If the board does not adopt a resolution requesting the director to permanently exclude the pupil, it immediately shall send written notice of that fact to the district superintendent who sought the resolution, to the pupil who was the subject of the proposed resolution, and to that pupil's parent, guardian, or custodian.

(D)(1) Upon adoption of a resolution under division (C) of this section, the board of education immediately shall forward to the director of education and workforce the written resolution, proof of the conviction or adjudication that is the basis of the resolution, a copy of the pupil's entire school record, and any other relevant information and shall forward a copy of the resolution to the pupil who is the subject of the recommendation and to that pupil's parent, guardian, or custodian.

(2) The board of education that adopted and forwarded the resolution requesting the permanent exclusion of the pupil to the director promptly shall designate a representative of the school district to present the case for permanent exclusion to the superintendent or the referee appointed by the superintendent. The representative of the school district may be an attorney admitted to the practice of law in this state. At the adjudication hearing held pursuant to section 3301.121 of the Revised Code, the representative of the school district shall present evidence in support of the requested permanent exclusion.

(3) Upon receipt of a board of education's resolution requesting the permanent exclusion of a pupil from public school attendance, the director, in accordance with the adjudication procedures of section 3301.121 of the Revised Code, promptly shall issue an adjudication order that either permanently excludes the pupil from attending any of the public schools of this state or that rejects the resolution of the board of education.

(E) Notwithstanding any provision of section 3313.64 of the Revised Code or an order of any court of this state that otherwise requires the admission of the pupil to a school, no school official in a city, local, exempted village, or joint vocational school district knowingly shall admit to any school in the school district a pupil who has been permanently excluded from public school attendance by the director of education and workforce.

(F)(1)(a) Upon determining that the school attendance of a pupil who has been permanently excluded from public school attendance no longer will endanger the health and safety of other students or school employees, the superintendent of any city, local, exempted village, or joint vocational school district in which the pupil desires to attend school may issue to the board of education of the school district a recommendation, including the reasons for the recommendation, that the permanent exclusion of a pupil be revoked and the pupil be allowed to return to the public schools of the state.

If any violation which in whole or in part gave rise to the permanent exclusion of any pupil involved the pupil's bringing a firearm to a school operated by the board of education of a school district or onto any other property owned or operated by such a board, no superintendent shall recommend under this division an effective date for the revocation of the pupil's permanent exclusion that is less than one year after the date on which the last such firearm incident occurred. However, on a case-by-case basis, a superintendent may recommend an earlier effective date for such a revocation for any of the reasons for which the superintendent may reduce the one-year expulsion requirement in division (B)(2) of section 3313.66 of the Revised Code.

(b) Upon receipt of the recommendation of the superintendent that a permanent exclusion of a pupil be revoked, the board of education of a city, local, exempted village, or joint vocational school district may adopt a resolution by a majority vote of its members requesting the director of education and workforce to revoke the permanent exclusion of the pupil. Upon adoption of the resolution, the board of education shall forward a copy of the resolution, the reasons for the resolution, and any other relevant information to the director.

(c) Upon receipt of a resolution of a board of education requesting the revocation of a permanent exclusion of a pupil, the director, in accordance with the adjudication procedures of Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, shall issue an adjudication order that revokes the permanent exclusion of the pupil from public school attendance or that rejects the resolution of the board of education.

(2)(a) A pupil who has been permanently excluded pursuant to this section and section 3301.121 of the Revised Code may request the superintendent of any city, local, exempted village, or joint vocational school district in which the pupil desires to attend school to admit the pupil on a probationary basis for a period not to exceed ninety school days. Upon receiving the request, the superintendent may enter into discussions with the pupil and with the pupil's parent, guardian, or custodian or a person designated by the pupil's parent, guardian, or custodian to develop a probationary admission plan designed to assist the pupil's probationary admission to the school. The plan may include a treatment program, a behavioral modification program, or any other program reasonably designed to meet the educational needs of the child and the disciplinary requirements of the school.

If any violation which in whole or in part gave rise to the permanent exclusion of the pupil involved the pupil's bringing a firearm to a school operated by the board of education of any school district or onto any other property owned or operated by such a board, no plan developed under this division for the pupil shall include an effective date for the probationary admission of the pupil that is less than one year after the date on which the last such firearm incident occurred except that on a case-by-case basis, a plan may include an earlier effective date for such an admission for any of the reasons for which the superintendent of the district may reduce the one-year expulsion requirement in division (B)(2) of section 3313.66 of the Revised Code.

(b) If the superintendent of a school district, a pupil, and the pupil's parent, guardian, or custodian or a person designated by the pupil's parent, guardian, or custodian agree upon a probationary admission plan prepared pursuant to division (F)(2)(a) of this section, the superintendent of the school district shall issue to the board of education of the school district a recommendation that the pupil be allowed to attend school within the school district under probationary admission, the reasons for the recommendation, and a copy of the agreed upon probationary admission plan. Within fourteen days after the board of education receives the recommendation, reasons, and plan, the board may adopt the recommendation by a majority vote of its members. If the board adopts the recommendation, the pupil may attend school under probationary admission within that school district for a period not to exceed ninety days or any additional probationary period permitted under divisions (F)(2)(d) and (e) of this section in accordance with the probationary admission plan prepared pursuant to division (F)(2)(a) of this section.

(c) If a pupil who is permitted to attend school under probationary admission pursuant to division (F)(2)(b) of this section fails to comply with the probationary admission plan prepared pursuant to division (F)(2)(a) of this section, the superintendent of the school district immediately may remove the pupil from the school and issue to the board of education of the school district a recommendation that the probationary admission be revoked. Within five days after the board of education receives the recommendation, the board may adopt the recommendation to revoke the pupil's probationary admission by a majority vote of its members. If a majority of the board does not adopt the recommendation to revoke the pupil's probationary admission, the pupil shall continue to attend school in compliance with the pupil's probationary admission plan.

(d) If a pupil who is permitted to attend school under probationary admission pursuant to division (F)(2)(b) of this section complies with the probationary admission plan prepared pursuant to division (F)(2)(a) of this section, the pupil or the pupil's parent, guardian, or custodian, at any time before the expiration of the ninety-day probationary admission period, may request the superintendent of the school district to extend the terms and period of the pupil's probationary admission for a period not to exceed ninety days or to issue a recommendation pursuant to division (F)(1) of this section that the pupil's permanent exclusion be revoked and the pupil be allowed to return to the public schools of this state.

(e) If a pupil is granted an extension of the pupil's probationary admission pursuant to division (F)(2)(d) of this section, the pupil or the pupil's parent, guardian, or custodian, in the manner described in that division, may request, and the superintendent and board, in the manner described in that division, may recommend and grant, subsequent probationary admission periods not to exceed ninety days each. If a pupil who is permitted to attend school under an extension of a probationary admission plan complies with the probationary admission plan prepared pursuant to the extension, the pupil or the pupil's parent, guardian, or custodian may request a revocation of the pupil's permanent exclusion in the manner described in division (F)(2)(d) of this section.

(f) Any extension of a probationary admission requested by a pupil or a pupil's parent, guardian, or custodian pursuant to divisions (F)(2)(d) or (e) of this section shall be subject to the adoption and approval of a probationary admission plan in the manner described in divisions (F)(2)(a) and (b) of this section and may be terminated as provided in division (F)(2)(c) of this section.

(g) If the pupil has complied with any probationary admission plan and the superintendent issues a recommendation that seeks revocation of the pupil's permanent exclusion pursuant to division (F)(1) of this section, the pupil's compliance with any probationary admission plan may be considered along with other relevant factors in any determination or adjudication conducted pursuant to division (F)(1) of this section.

(G)(1) Except as provided in division (G)(2) of this section, any information regarding the permanent exclusion of a pupil shall be included in the pupil's official records and shall be included in any records sent to any school district that requests the pupil's records.

(2) When a pupil who has been permanently excluded from public school attendance reaches the age of twenty-two or when the permanent exclusion of a pupil has been revoked, all school districts that maintain records regarding the pupil's permanent exclusion shall remove all references to the exclusion from the pupil's file and shall destroy them.

A pupil who has reached the age of twenty-two or whose permanent exclusion has been revoked may send a written notice to the superintendent of any school district maintaining records of the pupil's permanent exclusion requesting the superintendent to ensure that the records are removed from the pupil's file and destroyed. Upon receipt of the request and a determination that the pupil is twenty-two years of age or older or that the pupil's permanent exclusion has been revoked, the superintendent shall ensure that the records are removed from the pupil's file and destroyed.

(H)(1) This section does not apply to any of the following:

(a) An institution that is a residential facility, that receives and cares for children, that is maintained by the department of youth services, and that operates a school chartered by the director of education and workforce under section 3301.16 of the Revised Code;

(b) Any on-premises school operated by an out-of-home care entity, other than a school district, that is chartered by the director of education and workforce under section 3301.16 of the Revised Code;

(c) Any school operated in connection with an out-of-home care entity or a nonresidential youth treatment program that enters into a contract or agreement with a school district for the provision of educational services in a setting other than a setting that is a building or structure owned or controlled by the board of education of the school district during normal school hours.

(2) This section does not prohibit any person who has been permanently excluded pursuant to this section and section 3301.121 of the Revised Code from seeking a certificate of high school equivalence. A person who has been permanently excluded may be permitted to participate in a course of study in preparation for a high school equivalency test approved by the department of education and workforce pursuant to division (B) of section 3301.80 of the Revised Code, except that the person shall not participate during normal school hours in that course of study in any building or structure owned or controlled by the board of education of a school district.

(3) This section does not relieve any school district from any requirement under section 2151.362 or 3313.64 of the Revised Code to pay for the cost of educating any child who has been permanently excluded pursuant to this section and section 3301.121 of the Revised Code.

(I) As used in this section:

(1) "Permanently exclude" means to forever prohibit an individual from attending any public school in this state that is operated by a city, local, exempted village, or joint vocational school district.

(2) "Permanent exclusion" means the prohibition of a pupil forever from attending any public school in this state that is operated by a city, local, exempted village, or joint vocational school district.

(3) "Out-of-home care" has the same meaning as in section 2151.011 of the Revised Code.

(4) "Certificate of high school equivalence" has the same meaning as in section 4109.06 of the Revised Code.

(5) "Nonresidential youth treatment program" means a program designed to provide services to persons under the age of eighteen in a setting that does not regularly provide long-term overnight care, including settlement houses, diversion and prevention programs, run-away centers, and alternative education programs.

(6) "Firearm" has the same meaning as provided pursuant to the "Gun-Free Schools Act of 1994," 108 Stat. 270, 20 U.S.C. 8001(a)(2).

(7) "Minor drug possession offense" has the same meaning as in section 2925.01 of the Revised Code.

Last updated August 29, 2023 at 12:51 PM

Section 3313.663 | Parental education or training program.

• Effective: October 29, 1996
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 601 - 121st General Assembly

(A) The board of education of a city, exempted village, local, joint vocational, or cooperative education school district may adopt a policy requiring the parent or guardian of any student who is suspended or expelled by the district under section 3313.66 of the Revised Code to attend a parental education or training program provided by the district.

(B) The board of education of a city, exempted village, local, joint vocational, or cooperative education school district may adopt a policy requiring the parent or guardian of any student of the district who is truant or habitually absent from school to attend a parental education or training program provided by the district. The policy shall specify what constitutes truancy and habitual absence for purposes of the policy.

(C) If a board of education adopts a policy under this section, the board shall post the policy in a central location in each school building of the district and make it available to students and their parents or guardians upon request.

Section 3313.664 | Policy prohibiting student from participating in extracurricular activities.

• Effective: August 6, 1999
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 1 - 123rd General Assembly

The board of education of a city, exempted village, local, joint vocational, or cooperative education school district may adopt a policy authorizing the district superintendent, other district administrative personnel, or personnel employed by the district to direct, supervise, or coach a pupil activity program as provided in the policy to prohibit a student from participating in any particular or all extracurricular activities of the district or a school of the district for a period of time as provided in the policy. If a board of education adopts a policy under this section, the board shall post the policy in a central location in each school building of the district and make it available to students upon request.

Section 3313.665 | Conditions for adopting dress code or school uniform policy.

• Effective: October 29, 1996
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 601 - 121st General Assembly

In order to promote a safe and healthy school setting and enhance the educational environment, a code of conduct or discipline policy adopted by a board of education may include a reasonable dress code, or may establish a school uniform to be worn by the students attending one or more district schools. Any such dress code or uniform policy shall be included in the code of conduct or discipline policy only if all of the following conditions are met:

(A) Any specific uniform selected for a school shall be determined by the district board after affording ample opportunity for principal, staff, and parents to offer suggestions and comments.

(B) No specific uniform shall be required in any school until the parents of the students in the school have been given six months notice.

(C) No specific uniform shall be required in any school unless the board includes in the policy adopted under this section a procedure to assist parents of economically disadvantaged students to obtain uniforms. This procedure may include using school district funds or funds from other sources to provide this assistance.

(D) Any policy requiring uniforms shall provide exceptions for students participating in a nationally recognized youth organization that establishes its own uniforms, on those days that such organization has a scheduled function.

Section 3313.666 | District policy prohibiting harassment, intimidation, or bullying required.

• Effective: November 4, 2012
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 116 - 129th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Electronic act" means an act committed through the use of a cellular telephone, computer, pager, personal communication device, or other electronic communication device.

(2) "Harassment, intimidation, or bullying" means either of the following:

(a) Any intentional written, verbal, electronic, or physical act that a student has exhibited toward another particular student more than once and the behavior both:

(i) Causes mental or physical harm to the other student;

(ii) Is sufficiently severe, persistent, or pervasive that it creates an intimidating, threatening, or abusive educational environment for the other student.

(b) Violence within a dating relationship.

(B) The board of education of each city, local, exempted village, and joint vocational school district shall establish a policy prohibiting harassment, intimidation, or bullying. The policy shall be developed in consultation with parents, school employees, school volunteers, students, and community members. The policy shall include the following:

(1) A statement prohibiting harassment, intimidation, or bullying of any student on school property, on a school bus, or at school-sponsored events and expressly providing for the possibility of suspension of a student found responsible for harassment, intimidation, or bullying by an electronic act;

(2) A definition of harassment, intimidation, or bullying that includes the definition in division (A) of this section;

(3) A procedure for reporting prohibited incidents;

(4) A requirement that school personnel report prohibited incidents of which they are aware to the school principal or other administrator designated by the principal;

(5) A requirement that the custodial parent or guardian of any student involved in a prohibited incident be notified and, to the extent permitted by section 3319.321 of the Revised Code and the "Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974," 88 Stat. 571, 20 U.S.C. 1232g, as amended, have access to any written reports pertaining to the prohibited incident;

(6) A procedure for documenting any prohibited incident that is reported;

(7) A procedure for responding to and investigating any reported incident;

(8) A strategy for protecting a victim or other person from new or additional harassment, intimidation, or bullying, and from retaliation following a report, including a means by which a person may report an incident anonymously;

(9) A disciplinary procedure for any student guilty of harassment, intimidation, or bullying, which shall not infringe on any student's rights under the first amendment to the Constitution of the United States;

(10) A statement prohibiting students from deliberately making false reports of harassment, intimidation, or bullying and a disciplinary procedure for any student responsible for deliberately making a false report of that nature;

(11) A requirement that the district administration semiannually provide the president of the district board a written summary of all reported incidents and post the summary on its web site, if the district has a web site, to the extent permitted by section 3319.321 of the Revised Code and the "Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974," 88 Stat. 571, 20 U.S.C. 1232g, as amended.

(C) Each board's policy shall appear in any student handbooks, and in any of the publications that set forth the comprehensive rules, procedures, and standards of conduct for schools and students in the district. The policy and an explanation of the seriousness of bullying by electronic means shall be made available to students in the district and to their custodial parents or guardians. Information regarding the policy shall be incorporated into employee training materials.

(D)(1) To the extent that state or federal funds are appropriated for this purpose, each board shall require that all students enrolled in the district annually be provided with age-appropriate instruction, as determined by the board, on the board's policy, including a written or verbal discussion of the consequences for violations of the policy.

(2) Each board shall require that once each school year a written statement describing the policy and the consequences for violations of the policy be sent to each student's custodial parent or guardian. The statement may be sent with regular student report cards or may be delivered electronically.

(E) A school district employee, student, or volunteer shall be individually immune from liability in a civil action for damages arising from reporting an incident in accordance with a policy adopted pursuant to this section if that person reports an incident of harassment, intimidation, or bullying promptly in good faith and in compliance with the procedures as specified in the policy.

(F) Except as provided in division (E) of this section, nothing in this section prohibits a victim from seeking redress under any other provision of the Revised Code or common law that may apply.

(G) This section does not create a new cause of action or a substantive legal right for any person.

(H) Each board shall update the policy adopted under this section to include violence within a dating relationship and harassment, intimidation, or bullying by electronic means.

Section 3313.667 | District bullying prevention initiatives.

• Effective: November 4, 2012
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 116 - 129th General Assembly

(A) Any school district may form bullying prevention task forces, programs, and other initiatives involving volunteers, parents, law enforcement, and community members.

(B) To the extent that state or federal funds are appropriated for these purposes, each school district shall provide training, workshops, or courses on the district's harassment, intimidation, or bullying policy adopted pursuant to section 3313.666 of the Revised Code to school employees and volunteers who have direct contact with students and are not subject to section 3319.073 of the Revised Code. Time spent by school employees in the training, workshops, or courses shall apply towards any state- or district-mandated continuing education requirements.

(C) This section does not create a new cause of action or a substantive legal right for any person.

Section 3313.668 | Removal based on absences; removal from grades pre-k through three; civil immunity, decisions not to provide mental health services.

• Effective: April 8, 2019
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 477 - 132nd General Assembly

(A) On and after July 1, 2017, no school district or school shall suspend, expel, or remove a student from school under section 3313.66 of the Revised Code solely on the basis of the student's absences from school without legitimate excuse.

(B)(1) Except as described in division (B) of this section, no school district or school shall issue an out-of-school suspension or expulsion to a student in grades pre-kindergarten through three.

(a) A school district or school may issue an out-of-school suspension or expulsion, in accordance with section 3313.66 of the Revised Code, to a student in any of grades pre-kindergarten through three who has engaged in any of the behaviors described in divisions (B)(2) to (5) of section 3313.66 of the Revised Code.

(b) A school district or school may issue an out-of-school suspension not to exceed ten days or an expulsion to a student in any of grades pre-kindergarten through three who has not engaged in any of the behaviors described in divisions (B)(2) to (5) of section 3313.66 of the Revised Code only as necessary to protect the immediate health and safety of the student, the student's fellow classmates, the classroom staff and teachers, or other school employees.

(2) 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-kindergarten through three. 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. Nothing in this division shall be construed to limit the responsibilities of a school district or school with respect to the provision of special education and related services under Chapter 3323. of the Revised Code.

(3) A student in any of grades pre-kindergarten through three who is suspended or expelled shall be afforded the same notice and hearing, procedural, and educational opportunities as prescribed for a suspension or expulsion pursuant to section 3313.66 of the Revised Code.

(4) Nothing in division (B) of this section shall be construed to limit the authority of a school district or school to issue an in-school suspension to a student in any of grades pre-kindergarten through three, provided that the in-school suspension is served in a supervised learning environment in accordance with divisions (A)(2) and (K)(2) of section 3313.66 of the Revised Code.

(C) A school district, member of a school district board of education, or school district employee is not liable in damages in a civil action for injury, death, or loss to person or property allegedly arising from a district employee's decision not to provide or procure mental health services for a suspended or expelled student under division (B)(2) of this section, unless the decision is made with malicious purpose, in bad faith, or in a wanton or reckless manner.

This division does not eliminate, limit, or reduce any other immunity or defense to which a school district, member of a school district board of education, or school district employee may be entitled to under Chapter 2744. or any other provision of the Revised Code or under the common law of this state.

Last updated November 7, 2023 at 3:35 PM

Section 3313.669 | Threat assessment teams.

• Effective: March 24, 2021
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 123 - 133rd General Assembly

(A) Beginning not later than two years after the effective date of this section, each local, city, exempted village, and joint vocational school district shall create a threat assessment team for each school building in the district serving grades six through twelve. Upon appointment and once every three years thereafter, each team member shall complete an approved threat assessment training program from the list maintained by the department of public safety pursuant to section 5502.263 of the Revised Code.

(B)(1) If a school building has a similarly constituted safety team as of the effective date of this section, that team also may serve as the threat assessment team, provided that the team and each member comply with the requirements of this section.

(2) If members of a team described in division (B)(1) of this section that have completed a training program in the year immediately preceding the implementation date specified in division (A) of this section that later is approved by the department, the team members shall not be required to complete the training program for two years after the implementation date. A new member that joins a team described in division (B)(2) of this section shall complete an approved training program upon appointment.

(C) Each district building shall include proof of completion of an approved training program by each team member in the building's emergency management plan submission to the director of public safety in accordance with rules adopted under division (F) of section 5502.262 of the Revised Code. Each team shall be multidisciplinary, when possible, and may include school administrators, mental health professionals, school resource officers, and other necessary personnel.

(D) A school or school district, member of a district board of education or governing authority, or a district or school employee, including a school threat assessment team member, is not liable in damages in a civil action for injury, death, or loss to person or property allegedly arising from a team member's execution of duties related to school safety unless the team member's act or omission constitutes willful or wanton misconduct.

This section does not eliminate, limit, or reduce any other immunity or defense that a school or school district, member of a district board or governing authority, or district or school employee, including a threat assessment team member, may be entitled to under Chapter 2744. or any other provision of the Revised Code or under the common law of this state.

Section 3313.6610 | Anonymous reporting programs.

• Effective: March 24, 2021
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 123 - 133rd General Assembly

(A) Beginning with the first full school year that begins after the effective date of this section, each local, city, exempted village, and joint vocational school district shall register with the SaferOH tip line operated by the department of public safety or enter into an agreement with an anonymous reporting program of the district's choosing. The reporting program shall meet the following requirements:

(1) Operate twenty-four hours per day, seven days per week;

(2) Forward reported information to and coordinate with the appropriate school threat assessment teams and law enforcement and public safety agencies required under the school's emergency management plan developed under section 5502.262 of the Revised Code;

(3) Be promoted in each district school to inform students about the reporting program and its reporting methods;

(4) Comply with sections 149.433 and 3319.321 of the Revised Code and the "Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974," 20 U.S.C. 1232g.

Each district that enters into an agreement with an anonymous report program provider shall specify in the agreement that the provider shall annually submit a report to the department of public safety and the department of education of the number of anonymous reports made through the reporting program and the method by which they were received, disaggregated by school.

(B) Each district shall submit data to the department of education, in a manner prescribed by the department, and the department of public safety at the end of the first full school year of the district's participation in the SaferOH tip line or an alternative anonymous reporting program, and at the end of each school year thereafter, disaggregated by school. The data shall include the following:

(1) The number and type of disciplinary actions taken in the previous school year as a result of anonymous reports;

(2) The number and type of mental wellness referrals as a result of anonymous reports;

(3) The race and gender of the students subject to the disciplinary actions and mental wellness referrals as a result of anonymous reports;

(4) Any other information the department of education or the department of public safety determines necessary.

(C) Any data collected by the SaferOH tip line or an anonymous reporting program or reported to the department of education or department of public safety pursuant to this section are security records and are not public records pursuant to section 149.433 of the Revised Code.

Section 3313.6611 | Student-led violence prevention clubs.

• Effective: March 24, 2021
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 123 - 133rd General Assembly

Each local, city, exempted village, joint vocational school district, community school established under Chapter 3314., STEM school established under Chapter 3326., and college-preparatory boarding school established under Chapter 3328. of the Revised Code may designate a student-led violence prevention club for each school building in the district or school serving grades six through twelve. If created, each club shall do the following:

(A) Be open to all members of the student body;

(B) Have at least one identified adult advisor;

(C) Implement and sustain suicide and violence prevention and social inclusion training and awareness activities in a manner consistent with section 3301.221 of the Revised Code;

(D) Foster opportunities for student leadership development.

Section 3313.67 | Immunization of pupils - immunization record - annual summary.

• Effective: May 6, 2005
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 463 - 125th General Assembly

(A)(1) Except as provided in division (A)(2) of this section, the board of education of each city, exempted village, or local school district may make and enforce such rules to secure the immunization of, and to prevent the spread of communicable diseases among the pupils attending or eligible to attend the schools of the district, as in its opinion the safety and interest of the public require.

(2) A board of education shall not adopt rules under division (A)(1) of this section that are inconsistent with divisions (B) and (C) of section 3313.671 of the Revised Code.

(B) Boards of health, legislative authorities of municipal corporations, and boards of township trustees, on application of the board of education of the district, at the public expense, without delay, shall provide the means of immunization to pupils who are not so provided by their parents or guardians.

(C) The board of education shall keep an immunization record for each pupil, available in writing to the pupil's parent or guardian upon request, which shall include:

(1) Immunizations against the diseases mentioned in division (A) of section 3313.671 of the Revised Code;

(2) Any tuberculin tests given pursuant to section 3313.71 of the Revised Code;

(3) Any other immunizations required by the board pursuant to division (A) of this section.

(D) Annually by the fifteenth day of October, the board shall report a summary, by school, of the immunization records of all initial entry pupils in the district to the director of health, on forms prescribed by the director.

Section 3313.671 | Proof of required immunizations - exceptions.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A)(1) Except as otherwise provided in division (B) of this section, no pupil, at the time of initial entry or at the beginning of each school year, to an elementary or high school for which the director of education and workforce prescribes minimum standards pursuant to division (D) of section 3301.07 of the Revised Code, shall be permitted to remain in school for more than fourteen days unless the pupil presents written evidence satisfactory to the person in charge of admission, that the pupil has been immunized by a method of immunization approved by the department of health pursuant to section 3701.13 of the Revised Code against mumps, poliomyelitis, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, rubeola, and rubella or is in the process of being immunized.

(2) Except as provided in division (B) of this section, no pupil who begins kindergarten at an elementary school subject to the director's minimum standards shall be permitted to remain in school for more than fourteen days unless the pupil presents written evidence satisfactory to the person in charge of admission that the pupil has been immunized by a department of health-approved method of immunization or is in the process of being immunized against both of the following:

(a) During or after the school year beginning in 1999, hepatitis B;

(b) During or after the school year beginning in 2006, chicken pox.

(3) Except as provided in division (B) of this section, during and after the school year beginning in 2016, no pupil who is the age or older than the age at which immunization against meningococcal disease is recommended by the state department of health shall be permitted to remain in a school subject to the director's minimum standards for more than fourteen days unless the pupil presents written evidence satisfactory to the person in charge of admission that the pupil has been immunized by a department of health-approved method of immunization, or is in the process of being immunized, against meningococcal disease.

(4) As used in divisions (A)(1), (2), and (3) of this section, "in the process of being immunized" means the pupil has been immunized against mumps, rubeola, rubella, and chicken pox, and if the pupil has not been immunized against poliomyelitis, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, hepatitis B, and meningococcal disease, the pupil has received at least the first dose of the immunization sequence, and presents written evidence to the pupil's building principal or chief administrative officer of each subsequent dose required to obtain immunization at the intervals prescribed by the director of health. Any student previously admitted under the "in process of being immunized" provision and who has not complied with the immunization intervals prescribed by the director of health shall be excluded from school on the fifteenth day of the following school year. Any student so excluded shall be readmitted upon showing evidence to the student's building principal or chief administrative officer of progress on the director of health's interval schedule.

(B)(1) A pupil who has had natural rubeola, and presents a signed statement from the pupil's parent, guardian, or physician to that effect, is not required to be immunized against rubeola.

(2) A pupil who has had natural mumps, and presents a signed statement from the pupil's parent, guardian, or physician to that effect, is not required to be immunized against mumps.

(3) A pupil who has had natural chicken pox, and presents a signed statement from the pupil's parent, guardian, or physician to that effect, is not required to be immunized against chicken pox.

(4) A pupil who presents a written statement of the pupil's parent or guardian in which the parent or guardian declines to have the pupil immunized for reasons of conscience, including religious convictions, is not required to be immunized.

(5) A child whose physician certifies in writing that such immunization against any disease is medically contraindicated is not required to be immunized against that disease.

(C) As used in this division, "chicken pox epidemic" means the occurrence of cases of chicken pox in numbers greater than expected in the school's population or for a particular period of time.

Notwithstanding division (B) of this section, a school may deny admission to a pupil otherwise exempted from the chicken pox immunization requirement if the director of the state department of health notifies the school's principal or chief administrative officer that a chicken pox epidemic exists in the school's population. The denial of admission shall cease when the director notifies the principal or officer that the epidemic no longer exists.

The board of education or governing body of each school subject to this section shall adopt a policy that prescribes methods whereby the academic standing of a pupil who is denied admission during a chicken pox epidemic may be preserved.

(D) Boards of health, legislative authorities of municipal corporations, and boards of township trustees on application of the board of education of the district or proper authority of any school affected by this section, shall provide at the public expense, without delay, the means of immunization against mumps, poliomyelitis, rubeola, rubella, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, and hepatitis B to pupils who are not so provided by their parents or guardians.

(E) The department of health shall specify the age at which immunization against meningococcal disease, as required by division (A)(3) of this section, is recommended, and approve a method of immunization against meningococcal disease.

Last updated August 29, 2023 at 12:53 PM

Section 3313.672 | Presenting school records, custody order if applicable and certification of birth by new pupil.

• Effective: March 23, 2015
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 367 - 130th General Assembly

(A)(1) At the time of initial entry to a public or nonpublic school, a pupil shall present to the person in charge of admission any records given the pupil by the public or nonpublic elementary or secondary school the pupil most recently attended; a certified copy of an order or decree, or modification of such an order or decree allocating parental rights and responsibilities for the care of a child and designating a residential parent and legal custodian of the child, as provided in division (B) of this section, if that type of order or decree has been issued; a copy of a power of attorney or caretaker authorization affidavit, if either has been executed with respect to the child pursuant to sections 3109.51 to 3109.80 of the Revised Code; and a certification of birth issued pursuant to Chapter 3705. of the Revised Code, a comparable certificate or certification issued pursuant to the statutes of another state, territory, possession, or nation, or a document in lieu of a certificate or certification as described in divisions (A)(1)(a) to (e) of this section. Any of the following shall be accepted in lieu of a certificate or certification of birth by the person in charge of admission:

(a) A passport or attested transcript of a passport filed with a registrar of passports at a point of entry of the United States showing the date and place of birth of the child;

(b) An attested transcript of the certificate of birth;

(c) An attested transcript of the certificate of baptism or other religious record showing the date and place of birth of the child;

(d) An attested transcript of a hospital record showing the date and place of birth of the child;

(e) A birth affidavit.

(2) If a pupil requesting admission to a school of the school district in which the pupil is entitled to attend school under section 3313.64 or 3313.65 of the Revised Code has been discharged or released from the custody of the department of youth services under section 5139.51 of the Revised Code just prior to requesting admission to the school, no school official shall admit that pupil until the records described in divisions (D)(4)(a) to (d) of section 2152.18 of the Revised Code have been received by the superintendent of the school district.

(3) No public or nonpublic school official shall deny a protected child admission to the school solely because the child does not present a birth certificate described in division (A)(1) of this section, a comparable certificate or certification from another state, territory, possession, or nation, or another document specified in divisions (A)(1)(a) to (e) of this section upon registration for entry into the school. However, the protected child, or the parent, custodian, or guardian of that child, shall present a birth certificate or other document specified in divisions (A)(1)(a) to (e) of this section to the person in charge of admission of the school within ninety days after the child's initial entry into the school.

(4) Except as otherwise provided in division (A)(2) or (3) of this section, within twenty-four hours of the entry into the school of a pupil described in division (A)(1) of this section, a school official shall request the pupil's official records from the public or nonpublic elementary or secondary school the pupil most recently attended. If the public or nonpublic school the pupil claims to have most recently attended indicates that it has no record of the pupil's attendance or the records are not received within fourteen days of the date of request, or if the pupil does not present a certification of birth described in division (A)(1) of this section, a comparable certificate or certification from another state, territory, possession, or nation, or another document specified in divisions (A)(1)(a) to (e) of this section, the principal or chief administrative officer of the school shall notify the law enforcement agency having jurisdiction in the area where the pupil resides of this fact and of the possibility that the pupil may be a missing child, as defined in section 2901.30 of the Revised Code.

(B)(1) Whenever an order or decree allocating parental rights and responsibilities for the care of a child and designating a residential parent and legal custodian of the child, including a temporary order, is issued resulting from an action of divorce, alimony, annulment, or dissolution of marriage, and the order or decree pertains to a child who is a pupil in a public or nonpublic school, the residential parent of the child shall notify the school of those allocations and designations by providing the person in charge of admission at the pupil's school with a certified copy of the order or decree that made the allocation and designation. Whenever there is a modification of any order or decree allocating parental rights and responsibilities for the care of a child and designating a residential parent and legal custodian of the child that has been submitted to a school, the residential parent shall provide the person in charge of admission at the pupil's school with a certified copy of the order or decree that makes the modification.

(2) Whenever a power of attorney is executed under sections 3109.51 to 3109.62 of the Revised Code that pertains to a child who is a pupil in a public or nonpublic school, the attorney in fact shall notify the school of the power of attorney by providing the person in charge of admission with a copy of the power of attorney. Whenever a caretaker authorization affidavit is executed under sections 3109.64 to 3109.73 of the Revised Code that pertains to a child who is in a public or nonpublic school, the grandparent who executed the affidavit shall notify the school of the affidavit by providing the person in charge of admission with a copy of the affidavit.

(C) If, at the time of a pupil's initial entry to a public or nonpublic school, the pupil is under the care of a shelter for victims of domestic violence, as defined in section 3113.33 of the Revised Code, the pupil or the pupil's parent shall notify the school of that fact. Upon being so informed, the school shall inform the elementary or secondary school from which it requests the pupil's records of that fact.

(D) Whenever a public or nonpublic school is notified by a law enforcement agency pursuant to division (D) of section 2901.30 of the Revised Code that a missing child report has been filed regarding a pupil who is currently or was previously enrolled in the school, the person in charge of admission at the school shall mark that pupil's records in such a manner that whenever a copy of or information regarding the records is requested, any school official responding to the request is alerted to the fact that the records are those of a missing child. Upon any request for a copy of or information regarding a pupil's records that have been so marked, the person in charge of admission immediately shall report the request to the law enforcement agency that notified the school that the pupil is a missing child. When forwarding a copy of or information from the pupil's records in response to a request, the person in charge of admission shall do so in such a way that the receiving district or school would be unable to discern that the pupil's records are marked pursuant to this division but shall retain the mark in the pupil's records until notified that the pupil is no longer a missing child. Upon notification by a law enforcement agency that a pupil is no longer a missing child, the person in charge of admission shall remove the mark from the pupil's records in such a way that if the records were forwarded to another district or school, the receiving district or school would be unable to discern that the records were ever marked.

(E) As used in this section:

(1) "Protected child" means a child placed in a foster home, as that term is defined in section 5103.02 of the Revised Code, or in a residential facility.

(2) "Residential facility" means a group home for children, children's crisis care facility, children's residential center, residential parenting facility that provides twenty-four-hour child care, county children's home, or district children's home.

Section 3313.673 | Screening of beginning pupils for special learning needs.

• Effective: April 26, 1990
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 777 - 118th General Assembly

(A) Except as provided in division (B) of this section, prior to the first day of November of the school year in which a pupil is enrolled for the first time in either kindergarten or first grade, the pupil shall be screened for hearing, vision, speech and communications, and health or medical problems and for any developmental disorders. If the results of any screening reveal the possibility of special learning needs, the board of education of the school district shall conduct further assessment in accordance with Chapter 3323. of the Revised Code. The board may provide any of the elements of the screening program itself, contract with any person or governmental entity to provide any such elements, or request the parent to obtain any such elements from a provider selected by the parent. If the board conducts hearing and vision screening itself or contracts for hearing and vision screening, such screening shall be conducted pursuant to sections 3313.50, 3313.69, and 3313.73 of the Revised Code.

(B) Prior to the first day of August of the school year in which a pupil is required to be screened under this section, the board shall provide parents with information about the district's screening program. If the board chooses to request parents to obtain any screening services, it shall provide lists of providers to parents together with information about such screening services available in the community to parents who cannot afford them. Any parent requested to obtain any screening services under this division may sign a written statement to the effect that he does not wish to have his child receive such screening.

Section 3313.674 | Body mass index and weight screening.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) Except as provided in division (D) of this section, the board of education of each city, exempted village, or local school district and the governing authority of each chartered nonpublic school may require each student enrolled in kindergarten, third grade, fifth grade, and ninth grade to undergo a screening for body mass index and weight status category.

(B) The board or governing authority may provide any screenings authorized by this section itself, contract with another entity for provision of the screenings, or request the parent or guardian of each student subject to the screening to obtain the screening from a provider selected by the parent or guardian and to submit the results to the board or governing authority. If the board or governing authority provides the screenings itself or contracts with another entity for provision of the screenings, the board or governing authority shall protect student privacy by ensuring that each student is screened alone and not in the presence of other students or staff.

(C) Each school year, each board or governing authority electing to require the screening shall provide the parent or guardian of each student subject to the screening with information about the screening program. If the board or governing authority requests parents and guardians to obtain a screening from a provider of their choosing, the board or governing authority shall provide them with a list of providers and information about screening services available in the community to parents and guardians who cannot afford a private provider.

(D) If the parent or guardian of a student subject to the screening signs and submits to the board or governing authority a written statement indicating that the parent or guardian does not wish to have the student undergo the screening, the board or governing authority shall not require the student to be screened.

(E) The board or governing authority shall notify the parent or guardian of each student screened under this section of any health risks associated with the student's results and shall provide the parent or guardian with information about appropriately addressing the risks. For this purpose, the department of health, in consultation with the department of education and workforce, shall develop a list of documents, pamphlets, or other resources that may be distributed to parents and guardians under this division.

(F) The board or governing authority shall maintain the confidentiality of each student's individual screening results at all times. No board or governing authority shall report a student's individual screening results to any person other than the student's parent or guardian.

(G) In a manner prescribed by rule of the director of health, each board or governing authority electing to require the screening shall report aggregated body mass index and weight status category data collected under this section, and any other demographic data required by the director, to the department of health. In the case of a school district, data shall be aggregated for the district as a whole and not for individual schools within the district, unless the district operates only one school. In the case of a chartered nonpublic school, data shall be aggregated for the school as a whole. The department annually may publish the data reported under this division, aggregated by county. For each county in which a district, community school, STEM school, or chartered nonpublic school has elected not to require the screening for a school year for which data is published, the department shall note that the data for the county in which the district or school is located is incomplete. The department may share data reported under this division with other governmental entities for the purpose of monitoring population health, making reports, or public health promotional activities.

Last updated August 29, 2023 at 2:25 PM

Section 3313.68 | Employment of physicians, dentists and nurses - delegation of duties and powers to board of health.

• Effective: April 12, 2021
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 442 - 133rd General Assembly

(A) The board of education of each city, exempted village, or local school district may appoint one or more school physicians and one or more school dentists. Two or more school districts may unite and employ one such physician and at least one such dentist whose duties shall be such as are prescribed by law. Said school physician shall hold a license to practice medicine in Ohio, and each school dentist shall be licensed to practice in this state. School physicians and dentists may be discharged at any time by the board of education. School physicians and dentists shall serve one year and until their successors are appointed and shall receive such compensation as the board of education determines. The board of education may also employ registered nurses, as defined by section 4723.01 of the Revised Code, to aid in such inspection in such ways as are prescribed by it, and to aid in the conduct and coordination of the school health service program. The school dentists shall make such examinations and diagnoses and render such remedial or corrective treatment for the school children as is prescribed by the board of education; provided that all such remedial or corrective treatment shall be limited to the children whose parents cannot otherwise provide for same, and then only with the written consent of the parents or guardians of such children. School dentists may also conduct such oral hygiene educational work as is authorized by the board of education.

The board of education may delegate the duties and powers provided for in this section to the board of health or officer performing the functions of a board of health within the school district, if such board or officer is willing to assume the same. Boards of education shall co-operate with boards of health in the prevention and control of epidemics.

(B) Notwithstanding any provision of the Revised Code to the contrary, the board of education of each city, exempted village, or local school district may contract with an educational service center for the services of a school nurse or of a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse, licensed under Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code, to provide services to students in the district pursuant to section 3313.7112 of the Revised Code.

(C) In lieu of appointing or employing a school physician or dentist pursuant to division (A) of this section or entering into a contract for the services of a school nurse pursuant to division (B) of this section, the board of education of each city, exempted village, or local school district may enter into a contract under section 3313.721 of the Revised Code for the purpose of providing health care services to students.

Section 3313.69 | Hearing and visual tests of school children - exemptions.

• Effective: October 1, 1953
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly

The board of education or board of health providing a system of medical and dental inspection of school children, as authorized by section 3313.68 of the Revised Code, shall include in such inspection tests to determine the existence of hearing and visual defects in school children. The methods of making such tests and the testing devices to be used shall be such as are approved by the department of health.

Any child shall be exempted from a dental inspection if he has been examined for dental defects by a regularly licensed dentist, from a hearing test if he has been examined by a regularly licensed physician, and from a visual test if he has been examined by a regularly licensed physician or optometrist upon presentation to the school authorities of a certificate to the effect that he has been so examined during the twelve months immediately preceding the date of such inspections.

Section 3313.70 | Member of board cannot be school physician, dentist, or nurse.

• Effective: November 21, 1997
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 269 - 122nd General Assembly

No member of the board of education in any district shall be eligible to the appointment of school physician, school dentist, or school nurse during the period for which the member is elected or appointed.

Section 3313.71 | Examinations and diagnoses by school physician.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

School physicians may make examinations, which shall include tests to determine the existence of hearing defects, and diagnoses of all children referred to them. They may make such examination of teachers and other school employees and inspection of school buildings as in their opinion the protection of health of the pupils, teachers, and other school employees requires.

Boards of education shall require and provide, in accordance with section 3313.67 of the Revised Code, such tests and examinations for tuberculosis of pupils in selected grades and of school employees as may be required by the director of health.

Boards may require annual tuberculin tests of any grades. All pupils with positive reactions to the test shall have chest x-rays and all positive reactions and x-ray findings shall be reported promptly to the county record bureau of tuberculosis cases provided for in section 339.74 of the Revised Code. Boards shall waive the required test where a pupil presents a written statement from the pupil's family physician certifying that such test has been given and that such pupil is free from tuberculosis in a communicable stage, or that such test is inadvisable for medical reasons, or from the pupil's parent or guardian objecting to such test because of religious convictions.

Whenever a pupil, teacher, or other school employee is found to be ill or have tuberculosis in a communicable stage or other communicable disease, the school physician shall promptly send such pupil, teacher, or other school employee home, with a statement, in the case of a pupil, to the pupil's parents or guardian, briefly setting forth the discovered facts, and advising that the family physician be consulted. School physicians shall keep accurate card-index records of all examinations, and said records, that they may be uniform throughout the state, shall be according to the form prescribed by the department of education and workforce, and the reports shall be made according to the method of that form. If the parent or guardian of any pupil or any teacher or other school employee, after notice from the board of education, furnishes within two weeks thereafter the written certificate of any reputable physician that the pupil, teacher, or other school employee has been examined, in such cases the service of the school physician shall be dispensed with, and such certificate shall be furnished by such parent or guardian, as required by the board of education. Such individual records shall not be open to the public and shall be solely for the use of the boards of education and boards of health officer. If any teacher or other school employee is found to have tuberculosis in a communicable stage or other communicable disease, the teacher's or employee's employment shall be discontinued or suspended upon such terms as to salary as the board deems just until the school physician has certified to a recovery from such disease. The methods of making the tuberculin tests and chest x-rays required by this section shall be such as are approved by the director of health.

This section shall apply to all elementary and high schools for which the director of education and workforce sets minimum standards pursuant to section 3301.07 of the Revised Code.

Last updated August 29, 2023 at 1:15 PM

Section 3313.712 | Emergency medical authorization.

• Effective: June 30, 1992
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 639 - 119th General Assembly

As used in this section, "parent" means parent as defined in section 3321.01 of the Revised Code.

(A) Annually the board of education of each city, exempted village, local, and joint vocational school district shall, before the first day of October, provide to the parent of every pupil enrolled in schools under the board's jurisdiction, an emergency medical authorization form that is an identical copy of the form contained in division (B) of this section. Thereafter, the board shall, within thirty days after the entry of any pupil into a public school in this state for the first time, provide his parent, either as part of any registration form which is in use in the district, or as a separate form, an identical copy of the form contained in division (B) of this section. When the form is returned to the school with Part I or Part II completed, the school shall keep the form on file, and shall send the form to any school of a city, exempted village, local, or joint vocational school district to which the pupil is transferred. Upon request of his parent, authorities of the school in which the pupil is enrolled may permit the parent to make changes in a previously filed form, or to file a new form.

If a parent does not wish to give such written permission, he shall indicate in the proper place on the form the procedure he wishes school authorities to follow in the event of a medical emergency involving his child.

Even if a parent gives written consent for emergency medical treatment, when a pupil becomes ill or is injured and requires emergency medical treatment while under school authority, or while engaged in an extra-curricular activity authorized by the appropriate school authorities, the authorities of his school shall make reasonable attempts to contact the parent before treatment is given. The school shall present the pupil's emergency medical authorization form or copy thereof to the hospital or practitioner rendering treatment.

Nothing in this section shall be construed to impose liability on any school official or school employee who, in good faith, attempts to comply with this section.

(B) The emergency medical authorization form provided for in division (A) of this section is as follows:

"EMERGENCY MEDICAL AUTHORIZATION

School ____________________ Student Name __________________

___________________________ Address _______________________

___________________________ _______________________________

___________________________ Telephone _____________________

Purpose - To enable parents and guardians to authorize the provision of emergency treatment for children who become ill or injured while under school authority, when parents or guardians cannot be reached.

Residential Parent or Guardian

Mother's Name _____________ Daytime Phone _________________

Father's Name _____________ Daytime Phone _________________

Other's Name ______________ Daytime Phone _________________

Name of Relative or Childcare Provider

____________________________ Relationship __________________

Address ____________________ Phone _________________________

PART I OR II MUST BE COMPLETED

PART I - TO GRANT CONSENT

I hereby give consent for the following medical care providers and local hospital to be called:

Doctor _____________________ Phone _________________________

Dentist ____________________ Phone _________________________

Medical Specialist _________ Phone _________________________

Local Hospital _____________ Emergency Room Phone __________

In the event reasonable attempts to contact me have been unsuccessful, I hereby give my consent for (1) the administration of any treatment deemed necessary by above-named doctor, or, in the event the designated preferred practitioner is not available, by another licensed physician or dentist; and (2) the transfer of the child to any hospital reasonably accessible.

This authorization does not cover major surgery unless the medical opinions of two other licensed physicians or dentists, concurring in the necessity for such surgery, are obtained prior to the performance of such surgery.

Facts concerning the child's medical history including allergies, medications being taken, and any physical impairments to which a physician should be alerted:

Date ______________________ Signature of

Parent/Guardian

_________________________________

Address _____________________

_________________________________

PART II - REFUSAL TO CONSENT

I do NOT give my consent for emergency medical treatment of my child. In the event of illness or injury requiring emergency treatment, I wish the school authorities to take the following action:

Date ___________________ Signature of

Parent/Guardian

__________________________________

Address

_________________________________

__________________________________"

Section 3313.713 | District prescription drug distribution policy.

• Effective: September 30, 2021
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 110 - 134th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Drug" means a drug, as defined in section 4729.01 of the Revised Code, that is to be administered pursuant to the instructions of the prescriber, whether or not required by law to be sold only upon a prescription.

(2) "Federal law" means the "Individuals with Disabilities Education Act of 1997," 111 Stat. 37, 20 U.S.C. 1400, as amended.

(3) "Prescriber" has the same meaning as in section 4729.01 of the Revised Code.

(B) The board of education of each city, local, exempted village, and joint vocational school district and the governing authority of each chartered nonpublic school shall adopt a policy on the authority of its employees, when acting in situations other than those governed by sections 2305.23, 2305.231, 3313.712, 3313.7110, 3313.7112, 3313.7113, and 3313.7115 of the Revised Code, to administer drugs prescribed to students enrolled in the schools of the district or the chartered nonpublic school. The policy shall provide either that:

(1) Except as otherwise required by federal law, no person employed by the board or governing authority shall, in the course of such employment, administer any drug prescribed to any student enrolled in the schools of the district or the chartered nonpublic school.

(2) Designated persons employed by the board or governing authority are authorized to administer to a student a drug prescribed for the student. Effective July 1, 2011, only employees of the board or governing authority who are licensed health professionals, or who have completed a drug administration training program conducted by a licensed health professional and considered appropriate by the board or governing authority, may administer to a student a drug prescribed for the student. Except as otherwise provided by federal law, the board's or governing authority's policy may provide that certain drugs or types of drugs shall not be administered or that no employee shall use certain procedures, such as injection, to administer a drug to a student.

(C) No drug prescribed for a student shall be administered pursuant to federal law or a policy adopted under division (B) of this section until the following occur:

(1) The board or governing authority, or a person designated by the board or governing authority, receives a written request, signed by the parent, guardian, or other person having care or charge of the student, that the drug be administered to the student.

(2) The board or governing authority, or a person designated by the board or governing authority, receives a statement, signed by the prescriber, that includes all of the following information:

(a) The name and address of the student;

(b) The school and class in which the student is enrolled;

(c) The name of the drug and the dosage to be administered;

(d) The times or intervals at which each dosage of the drug is to be administered;

(e) The date the administration of the drug is to begin;

(f) The date the administration of the drug is to cease;

(g) Any severe adverse reactions that should be reported to the prescriber and one or more phone numbers at which the prescriber can be reached in an emergency;

(h) Special instructions for administration of the drug, including sterile conditions and storage.

(3) The parent, guardian, or other person having care or charge of the student agrees to submit a revised statement signed by the prescriber to the board or governing authority or a person designated by the board or governing authority if any of the information provided by the prescriber pursuant to division (C)(2) of this section changes.

(4) The person authorized by the board or governing authority to administer the drug receives a copy of the statement required by division (C)(2) or (3) of this section.

(5) The drug is received by the person authorized to administer the drug to the student for whom the drug is prescribed in the container in which it was dispensed by the prescriber or a licensed pharmacist.

(6) Any other procedures required by the board or governing authority are followed.

(D) If a drug is administered to a student, the board of education or governing authority of the chartered nonpublic school shall acquire and retain copies of the written requests required by division (C)(1) and the statements required by divisions (C)(2) and (3) of this section and shall ensure that by the next school day following the receipt of any such statement a copy is given to the person authorized to administer drugs to the student for whom the statement has been received. The board or governing authority, or a person designated by the board or governing authority, shall establish a location in each school building for the storage of drugs to be administered under this section and federal law. All such drugs shall be stored in that location in a locked storage place, except that drugs that require refrigeration may be kept in a refrigerator in a place not commonly used by students.

(E) No person who has been authorized by a board of education or governing authority of a chartered nonpublic school to administer a drug and has a copy of the most recent statement required by division (C)(2) or (3) of this section given to the person in accordance with division (D) of this section prior to administering the drug is liable in civil damages for administering or failing to administer the drug, unless such person acts in a manner that constitutes gross negligence or wanton or reckless misconduct.

(F) A board of education or governing authority of a chartered nonpublic school may designate a person or persons to perform any function or functions in connection with a drug policy adopted under this section either by name or by position, training, qualifications, or similar distinguishing factors.

(G) A policy adopted by a board of education or governing authority of a chartered nonpublic school pursuant to this section may be changed, modified, or revised by action of the board or the governing authority.

(H) Nothing in this section shall be construed to require a person employed by a board of education or governing authority of a chartered nonpublic school to administer a drug to a student unless the board's or governing authority's policy adopted in compliance with this section establishes such a requirement. A board or governing authority shall not require an employee to administer a drug to a student if the employee objects, on the basis of religious convictions, to administering the drug.

Nothing in this section affects the application of section 2305.23, 2305.231, 3313.712, 3313.7110, 3313.7112, 3313.7113, or 3313.7115 of the Revised Code to the administration of emergency care or treatment to a student.

Nothing in this section affects the ability of a public or nonpublic school to participate in a school-based fluoride mouth rinse program established by the director of health pursuant to section 3701.136 of the Revised Code. Nothing in this section affects the ability of a person who is employed by, or who volunteers for, a school that participates in such a program to administer fluoride mouth rinse to a student in accordance with section 3701.136 of the Revised Code and any rules adopted by the director under that section.

(I) Nothing in this section shall be construed to require a school district or chartered nonpublic school to obtain written authorization or instructions from a health care provider to apply nonprescription topical ointments designed to prevent sunburn. Furthermore, nothing in this section shall be construed to prohibit a student to possess and self-apply nonprescription topical ointment designed to prevent sunburn while on school property or at a school-sponsored event without written authorization or instructions from a healthcare provider. The policy adopted by a school district or chartered nonpublic school pursuant to this section shall not require written authorization from a health care provider, but may require parental authorization, for the possession or application of such sunscreen. A designated person employed by the board of education of a school district or governing authority of a chartered nonpublic school shall apply sunscreen to a student in accordance with the school district's or governing authority's policy upon request.

Last updated October 1, 2021 at 5:06 PM

Section 3313.714 | Healthcheck program for recipients of medical assistance.

• Effective: September 29, 2013
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 59 - 130th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Board of education" means the board of education of a city, local, exempted village, or joint vocational school district.

(2) "Healthcheck" means the early and periodic screening, diagnosis, and treatment program, a component of the medicaid program.

(3) "Pupil" means a person under age twenty-two enrolled in the schools of a city, local, exempted village, or joint vocational school district.

(4) "Parent" means either parent with the following exceptions:

(a) If one parent has custody by court order, "parent" means the parent with custody.

(b) If neither parent has legal custody, "parent" means the person or government entity with legal custody.

(c) The child's legal guardian or a person who has accepted responsibility for the health, safety, and welfare of the child.

(B) At the request of the department of medicaid, a board of education shall establish and conduct a healthcheck program for pupils enrolled in the schools of the district who are medicaid recipients. At the request of a board of education, the department may authorize the board to establish a healthcheck program. A board that establishes a healthcheck program shall enter into a medicaid provider agreement with the department.

A healthcheck program established by a board of education shall be conducted in accordance with rules adopted by the medicaid director under division (F) of this section. The healthcheck program shall include all of the following components:

(1) A comprehensive health and development history;

(2) A comprehensive physical examination;

(3) A developmental assessment;

(4) A nutritional assessment;

(5) A vision assessment;

(6) A hearing assessment;

(7) An immunization assessment;

(8) Lead screening and laboratory tests ordered by a doctor of medicine or osteopathic medicine as part of one of the other components;

(9) Such other assessment as may be required by the department of medicaid in accordance with the requirements of the healthcheck program.

All services included in a board of education's healthcheck program that the board provided under sections 3313.67, 3313.673, 3313.68, 3313.69, and 3313.71 of the Revised Code during the 1990-1991 school year shall continue to be provided to medicaid recipients by the board pursuant to those sections. The services shall be considered part of the healthcheck program for medicaid recipients, and the board shall be eligible for payment from the department in accordance with this division for providing the services.

The department shall pay boards of education for healthcheck program services provided under this division at the rates paid under the medicaid program to physicians, dentists, nurses, and other providers of healthcheck services.

(C) Each board of education that conducts a healthcheck program shall determine for each pupil enrolled in the schools of the district whether the pupil is a medicaid recipient. The department of medicaid and county departments of job and family services shall assist the board in making these determinations. Except as necessary to carry out the purposes of this section, all information received by a board under this division shall be confidential.

Before the first day of October of each year, each board that conducts a healthcheck program shall send the parent of each pupil who is under age eighteen and a medicaid recipient notice that the pupil will be examined under the district's healthcheck program unless the parent notifies the board that the parent denies consent for the examination. The notice shall include a form to be used by the parent to indicate that the parent denies consent. The denial shall be effective only if the form is signed by the parent and returned to the board or the school in which the pupil is enrolled. If the parent does not return a signed form indicating denial of consent within two weeks after the date the notice is sent, the school district and the department of medicaid shall deem the parent to have consented to examination of the parent's child under the healthcheck program. In the case of a pupil age eighteen or older, the notice shall be given to the pupil, and the school district and the department of medicaid shall deem the pupil to have consented to examination unless the pupil returns the signed form indicating the pupil's denial of consent.

(D)(1) As used in this division:

(a) "Nonfederal share" means the portion of expenditures for services that is required under the medicaid program to be paid for with state or local government funds.

(b) "Federal financial participation" means the portion of expenditures for services that is payable under the medicaid program with federal funds.

(2) At the request of a board of education, the state department may enter into an agreement with the board under which the board provides medical services to a medicaid recipient that are payable under the medicaid program but not under the healthcheck program. The agreement may be for a term specified in the agreement and renewable by mutual consent of the board and the department, or may continue in force as long as agreeable to the board and the department.

The board shall use state or local funds of the district to pay the nonfederal share of expenditures for services provided under this division. Prior to entering into or renewing an agreement and at any other time requested by the department while the agreement is in force, the board shall certify to the department in accordance with the rules adopted under division (F) of this section that it will have sufficient state or local funds to pay the nonfederal share of expenditures under this division. If the board fails to make the certification, the department shall not enter into or renew the agreement. If an agreement has been entered into, it shall be void unless the board makes the certification not later than fifteen days after receiving notice from the department that the certification is due. The board shall report to the department, in accordance with the rules, the amount of state or local funds it spends to provide services under this division.

The department shall pay the board the federal financial participation allowed for the board's expenditures for services under this division. The total of the nonfederal share spent by the board and the federal financial participation paid by the department for a service rendered under this division shall be an amount agreed to by the board and the department, but shall not exceed the maximum payable amount for that service under rules adopted under section 5164.02 of the Revised Code. The rules adopted under division (F) of this section shall include procedures under which the department will recover from a board overpayments and subsequent federal audit disallowances of federal financial participation paid by the department.

(E) A board of education shall provide services under division (D) of this section and under its healthcheck program as provided in division (E)(1), (2), or (3) of this section:

(1) By having the services performed by physicians, dentists, and nurses employed by the board;

(2) By contracting with physicians, dentists, nurses, and other providers of services who have medicaid provider agreements with the department of medicaid;

(3) By having some of the services performed by persons described in division (E)(1) of this section and others performed by persons described in division (E)(2) of this section.

(F) The medicaid director shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code governing healthcheck programs conducted under this section and services provided under division (D) of this section.

Section 3313.715 | District board may request identification numbers of students who are medicaid recipients.

• Effective: September 29, 2013
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 59 - 130th General Assembly

The board of education of a school district may request from the director of developmental disabilities the appropriate identification numbers for all students residing in the district who are medicaid recipients. The director shall furnish such numbers upon receipt of lists of student names furnished by the district board, in such form as the director may require.

The medicaid director shall provide the director of developmental disabilities with the data necessary for compliance with this section.

Section 3319.321 of the Revised Code does not apply to the release of student names or other data to the director of developmental disabilities for the purposes of this section. Chapter 1347. of the Revised Code does not apply to information required to be kept by a school board or the departments of medicaid or developmental disabilities to the extent necessary to comply with this section and section 3313.714 of the Revised Code. However, any such information or data shall be used only for the specific legal purposes of such boards and departments and shall not be released to any unauthorized person.

Section 3313.716 | Possession and use metered dose inhaler or dry powder inhaler to alleviate asthmatic symptoms.

• Effective: November 3, 1999
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 121 - 123rd General Assembly

(A) Notwithstanding section 3313.713 of the Revised Code or any policy adopted under that section, a student of a school operated by a city, local, exempted village, or joint vocational school district or a student of a chartered nonpublic school may possess and use a metered dose inhaler or a dry powder inhaler to alleviate asthmatic symptoms, or before exercise to prevent the onset of asthmatic symptoms, if both of the following conditions are satisfied:

(1) The student has the written approval of the student's physician and, if the student is a minor, the written approval of the parent, guardian, or other person having care or charge of the student. The physician's written approval shall include at least all of the following information:

(a) The student's name and address;

(b) The names and dose of the medication contained in the inhaler;

(c) The date the administration of the medication is to begin;

(d) The date, if known, that the administration of the medication is to cease;

(e) Written instructions that outline procedures school personnel should follow in the event that the asthma medication does not produce the expected relief from the student's asthma attack;

(f) Any severe adverse reactions that may occur to the child using the inhaler and that should be reported to the physician;

(g) Any severe adverse reactions that may occur to another child, for whom the inhaler is not prescribed, should such a child receive a dose of the medication;

(h) At least one emergency telephone number for contacting the physician in an emergency;

(i) At least one emergency telephone number for contacting the parent, guardian, or other person having care or charge of the student in an emergency;

(j) Any other special instructions from the physician.

(2) The school principal and, if a school nurse is assigned to the student's school building, the school nurse has received copies of the written approvals required by division (A)(1) of this section.

If these conditions are satisfied, the student may possess and use the inhaler at school or at any activity, event, or program sponsored by or in which the student's school is a participant.

(B)(1) A school district, member of a school district board of education, or school district employee is not liable in damages in a civil action for injury, death, or loss to person or property allegedly arising from a district employee's prohibiting a student from using an inhaler because of the employee's good faith belief that the conditions of divisions (A)(1) and (2) of this section had not been satisfied. A school district, member of a school district board of education, or school district employee is not liable in damages in a civil action for injury, death, or loss to person or property allegedly arising from a district employee's permitting a student to use an inhaler because of the employee's good faith belief that the conditions of divisions (A)(1) and (2) of this section had been satisfied. Furthermore, when a school district is required by this section to permit a student to possess and use an inhaler because the conditions of divisions (A)(1) and (2) of this section have been satisfied, the school district, any member of the school district board of education, or any school district employee is not liable in damages in a civil action for injury, death, or loss to person or property allegedly arising from the use of the inhaler by a student for whom it was not prescribed.

This section does not eliminate, limit, or reduce any other immunity or defense that a school district, member of a school district board of education, or school district employee may be entitled to under Chapter 2744. or any other provision of the Revised Code or under the common law of this state.

(2) A chartered nonpublic school or any officer, director, or employee of the school is not liable in damages in a civil action for injury, death, or loss to person or property allegedly arising from a school employee's prohibiting a student from using an inhaler because of the employee's good faith belief that the conditions of divisions (A)(1) and (2) of this section had not been satisfied. A chartered nonpublic school or any officer, director, or employee of the school is not liable in damages in a civil action for injury, death, or loss to person or property allegedly arising from a school employee's permitting a student to use an inhaler because of the employee's good faith belief that the conditions of divisions (A)(1) and (2) of this section had been satisfied. Furthermore, when a chartered nonpublic school is required by this section to permit a student to possess and use an inhaler because the conditions of divisions (A)(1) and (2) of this section have been satisfied, the chartered nonpublic school or any officer, director, or employee of the school is not liable in damages in a civil action for injury, death, or loss to person or property allegedly arising from the use of the inhaler by a student for whom it was not prescribed.

Section 3313.717 | Placement of automated external defibrillator in schools; staff training; qualified immunity.

• Effective: October 24, 2024
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 47 - 135th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section, "automated external defibrillator" means a specialized defibrillator that is approved for use as a medical device by the United States food and drug administration for performing automated external defibrillation, as defined in section 2305.235 of the Revised Code.

(B)(1) The board of education of each school district shall require the placement of an automated external defibrillator in each school under the control of the board. Not later than July 1, 2018, persons employed by a school district shall receive training pursuant to section 3313.6023 of the Revised Code in the use of an automated external defibrillator in accordance with that section.

(2) The administrative authority of each chartered nonpublic school shall require the placement of an automated external defibrillator in each school under the control of the authority. The authority also shall require that persons assigned to each school under the control of the authority, as set forth in division (A) of section 3313.6023 of the Revised Code, successfully complete an appropriate training course in the use of an automated external defibrillator as described in section 3701.85 of the Revised Code.

(3) Each district board and administrative authority shall adopt an emergency action plan for the use of automated external defibrillators and may use the model plan developed by the department of health under section 3701.851 of the Revised Code.

(C) In regard to the use of an automated external defibrillator that is placed in a school as specified in this section, and except in the case of willful or wanton misconduct or when there is no good faith attempt to activate an emergency medical services system in accordance with section 3701.85 of the Revised Code, no person shall be held liable in civil damages for injury, death, or loss to person or property, or held criminally liable, for performing automated external defibrillation in good faith, regardless of whether the person has obtained appropriate training on how to perform automated external defibrillation or successfully completed a course in cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

(D) The department of education and workforce shall develop a procedure whereby persons may report violations of this section.

Last updated August 13, 2024 at 9:19 AM

Section 3313.718 | Possession and use of epinephrine autoinjector to treat anaphylaxis.

• Effective: April 21, 2014
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 296 - 130th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section, "prescriber" has the same meaning as in section 4729.01 of the Revised Code.

(B) Notwithstanding section 3313.713 of the Revised Code or any policy adopted under that section, a student of a school operated by a city, local, exempted village, or joint vocational school district or a student of a chartered nonpublic school may possess and use an epinephrine autoinjector to treat anaphylaxis, if all of the following conditions are satisfied:

(1) The student has the written approval of the prescriber of the autoinjector and, if the student is a minor, the written approval of the parent, guardian, or other person having care or charge of the student. The prescriber's written approval shall include at least all of the following information:

(a) The student's name and address;

(b) The names and dose of the medication contained in the autoinjector;

(c) The date the administration of the medication is to begin;

(d) The date, if known, that the administration of the medication is to cease;

(e) Acknowledgment that the prescriber has determined that the student is capable of possessing and using the autoinjector appropriately and has provided the student with training in the proper use of the autoinjector;

(f) Circumstances in which the autoinjector should be used;

(g) Written instructions that outline procedures school employees should follow in the event that the student is unable to administer the anaphylaxis medication or the medication does not produce the expected relief from the student's anaphylaxis;

(h) Any severe adverse reactions that may occur to the child using the autoinjector that should be reported to the prescriber;

(i) Any severe adverse reactions that may occur to another child, for whom the autoinjector is not prescribed, should such a child receive a dose of the medication;

(j) At least one emergency telephone number for contacting the prescriber in an emergency;

(k) At least one emergency telephone number for contacting the parent, guardian, or other person having care or charge of the student in an emergency;

(l) Any other special instructions from the prescriber.

(2) The school principal and, if a school nurse is assigned to the student's school building, the school nurse has received copies of the written approvals required by division (B)(1) of this section.

(3) The school principal or, if a school nurse is assigned to the student's school building, the school nurse has received a backup dose of the anaphylaxis medication from the parent, guardian, or other person having care or charge of the student or, if the student is not a minor, from the student.

If these conditions are satisfied, the student may possess and use the autoinjector at school or at any activity, event, or program sponsored by or in which the student's school is a participant.

(C) Whenever a student uses an autoinjector at school or at any activity, event, or program sponsored by or in which the student's school is a participant or whenever a school employee administers anaphylaxis medication to a student that was possessed by the student pursuant to the written approvals described in division (B)(1) of this section, a school employee shall immediately request assistance from an emergency medical service provider.

(D)(1) A school district, member of a school district board of education, or school district employee is not liable in damages in a civil action for injury, death, or loss to person or property allegedly arising from a district employee's prohibiting a student from using an autoinjector because of the employee's good faith belief that the conditions of division (B) of this section had not been satisfied. A school district, member of a school district board of education, or school district employee is not liable in damages in a civil action for injury, death, or loss to person or property allegedly arising from a district employee's permitting a student to use an autoinjector because of the employee's good faith belief that the conditions of division (B) of this section had been satisfied. Furthermore, when a school district is required by this section to permit a student to possess and use an autoinjector because the conditions of division (B) of this section have been satisfied, the school district, any member of the school district board of education, or any school district employee is not liable in damages in a civil action for injury, death, or loss to person or property allegedly arising from the use of the autoinjector by a student for whom it was not prescribed.

This section does not eliminate, limit, or reduce any other immunity or defense that a school district, member of a school district board of education, or school district employee may be entitled to under Chapter 2744. or any other provision of the Revised Code or under the common law of this state.

(2) A chartered nonpublic school or any officer, director, or employee of the school is not liable in damages in a civil action for injury, death, or loss to person or property allegedly arising from a school employee's prohibiting a student from using an autoinjector because of the employee's good faith belief that the conditions of division (B) of this section had not been satisfied. A chartered nonpublic school or any officer, director, or employee of the school is not liable in damages in a civil action for injury, death, or loss to person or property allegedly arising from a school employee's permitting a student to use an autoinjector because of the employee's good faith belief that the conditions of division (B) of this section had been satisfied. Furthermore, when a chartered nonpublic school is required by this section to permit a student to possess and use an autoinjector because the conditions of division (B) of this section have been satisfied, the chartered nonpublic school or any officer, director, or employee of the school is not liable in damages in a civil action for injury, death, or loss to person or property allegedly arising from the use of the autoinjector by a student for whom it was not prescribed.

Section 3313.719 | Food allergy protection policy.

• Effective: April 12, 2021
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 231 - 133rd General Assembly

(A) The board of education of each city, local, exempted village, and joint vocational school district and the governing authority of each chartered nonpublic school shall establish a written policy with respect to protecting students with food allergies. The policy shall be developed in consultation with parents, school nurses and other school employees, school volunteers, students, and community members.

(B) Each school district board may create training for all staff members and age-appropriate instruction for students in grades kindergarten through twelve on food allergies and ways in which to assist an individual experiencing an allergic reaction.

(C) Training completed under division (B) of this section may include instruction in food allergies, signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, prevention of allergic reactions, management and administration of epinephrine, and follow-up and reporting procedures.

(D) Training completed under division (B) of this section shall qualify as a professional development activity for the renewal of educator licenses, in addition to activities approved by local professional development committees under division (F) of section 3319.22 of the Revised Code.

(E)(1) The following are not liable in damages in a civil action for injury, death, or loss to person or property that allegedly arise from an act or omission associated with any training under divisions (B) and (C) of this section, unless the act or omission constitutes willful or wanton misconduct:

(a) A school or school district;

(b) A member of a district board of education;

(c) A district or school employee or contractor;

(d) A licensed health professional authorized to prescribe drugs who personally furnishes or prescribes epinephrine autoinjectors, consults with a superintendent, or issues a protocol pursuant to section 3313.7110 of the Revised Code;

(e) An anaphylaxis training organization and its personnel where leadership includes a physician authorized under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery who is board-certified in allergy and immunology as that designation is issued by a medical specialty certifying board recognized by the American board of medical specialties or American osteopathic association.

(2) This section does not eliminate, limit, or reduce any other immunity or defense that a school or school district, member of a district board of education, district or school employee or contractor, or licensed health professional may be entitled to under Chapter 2744. or any other provision of the Revised Code or under the common law of this state.

Section 3313.7110 | Procurement of epinephrine autoinjectors for public schools.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) The board of education of each city, local, exempted village, or joint vocational school district may procure epinephrine autoinjectors for each school operated by the district to have on the school premises for use in emergency situations identified under division (C)(5) of this section by doing one of the following:

(1) Having a licensed health professional authorized to prescribe drugs, acting in accordance with section 4723.483, 4730.433, or 4731.96 of the Revised Code, personally furnish the epinephrine autoinjectors to the school or school district or issue a prescription for them in the name of the school or district;

(2) Having the district's superintendent obtain a prescriber-issued protocol that includes definitive orders for epinephrine autoinjectors and the dosages of epinephrine to be administered through them.

A district board that elects to procure epinephrine autoinjectors under this section is encouraged to maintain, at all times, at least two epinephrine autoinjectors at each school operated by the district.

(B) A district board that elects to procure epinephrine autoinjectors under this section shall require the district's superintendent to adopt a policy governing their maintenance and use. Before adopting the policy, the superintendent shall consult with a licensed health professional authorized to prescribe drugs.

(C) The policy adopted under division (B) of this section shall do all of the following:

(1) Identify the one or more locations in each school operated by the district in which an epinephrine autoinjector must be stored;

(2) Specify the conditions under which an epinephrine autoinjector must be stored, replaced, and disposed;

(3) Specify the individuals employed by or under contract with the district board, in addition to a school nurse or an athletic trainer, licensed under Chapter 4755. of the Revised Code, who may access and use an epinephrine autoinjector to provide a dosage of epinephrine to an individual in an emergency situation identified under division (C)(5) of this section;

(4) Specify any training that employees or contractors specified under division (C)(3) of this section, other than a school nurse or athletic trainer, must complete before being authorized to access and use an epinephrine autoinjector;

(5) Identify the emergency situations, including when an individual exhibits signs and symptoms of anaphylaxis, in which a school nurse, athletic trainer, or other employees or contractors specified under division (C)(3) of this section may access and use an epinephrine autoinjector;

(6) Specify that assistance from an emergency medical service provider must be requested immediately after an epinephrine autoinjector is used;

(7) Specify the individuals, in addition to students, school employees or contractors, and school visitors, to whom a dosage of epinephrine may be administered through an epinephrine autoinjector in an emergency situation specified under division (C)(5) of this section.

(D)(1) The following are not liable in damages in a civil action for injury, death, or loss to person or property that allegedly arises from an act or omission associated with procuring, maintaining, accessing, or using an epinephrine autoinjector under this section, unless the act or omission constitutes willful or wanton misconduct:

(a) A school or school district;

(b) A member of a district board of education;

(c) A district or school employee or contractor;

(d) A licensed health professional authorized to prescribe drugs who personally furnishes or prescribes epinephrine autoinjectors, consults with a superintendent, or issues a protocol pursuant to this section.

(2) This section does not eliminate, limit, or reduce any other immunity or defense that a school or school district, member of a district board of education, district or school employee or contractor, or licensed health professional may be entitled to under Chapter 2744. or any other provision of the Revised Code or under the common law of this state.

(E) A school district board of education may accept donations of epinephrine autoinjectors from a wholesale distributor of dangerous drugs or a manufacturer of dangerous drugs, as defined in section 4729.01 of the Revised Code, and may accept donations of money from any person to purchase epinephrine autoinjectors.

(F) A district board that elects to procure epinephrine autoinjectors under this section shall report to the department of education and workforce each procurement and occurrence in which an epinephrine autoinjector is used from a school's supply of epinephrine autoinjectors.

(G) As used in this section, "licensed health professional authorized to prescribe drugs" and "prescriber" have the same meanings as in section 4729.01 of the Revised Code.

Last updated August 29, 2023 at 1:16 PM

Section 3313.7111 | Procurement of epinephrine autoinjectors for nonpublic schools.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) With the approval of its governing authority, a chartered or nonchartered nonpublic school may procure epinephrine autoinjectors in the manner prescribed by section 3313.7110 of the Revised Code. A chartered or nonchartered nonpublic school that elects to do so shall comply with all provisions of that section as if it were a school district.

(B)(1) The following are not liable in damages in a civil action for injury, death, or loss to person or property that allegedly arises from an act or omission associated with procuring, maintaining, accessing, or using an epinephrine autoinjector under this section, unless the act or omission constitutes willful or wanton misconduct:

(a) A chartered or nonchartered nonpublic school;

(b) A member of a chartered or nonchartered nonpublic school governing authority;

(c) An employee or contractor of the school;

(d) A licensed health professional authorized to prescribe drugs who personally furnishes or prescribes epinephrine autoinjectors, provides a consultation, or issues a protocol pursuant to this section.

(2) This division does not eliminate, limit, or reduce any other immunity or defense that a chartered or nonchartered nonpublic school or governing authority, member of a chartered or nonchartered nonpublic school governing authority, chartered or nonchartered nonpublic school employee or contractor, or licensed health professional may be entitled to under any other provision of the Revised Code or the common law of this state.

(C) A chartered or nonchartered nonpublic school may accept donations of epinephrine autoinjectors from a wholesale distributor of dangerous drugs or a manufacturer of dangerous drugs, as defined in section 4729.01 of the Revised Code, and may accept donations of money from any person to purchase epinephrine autoinjectors.

(D) A chartered or nonchartered nonpublic school that elects to procure epinephrine autoinjectors under this section shall report to the department of education and workforce each procurement and occurrence in which an epinephrine autoinjector is used from the school's supply of epinephrine autoinjectors.

Last updated August 29, 2023 at 1:16 PM

Section 3313.7112 | Diabetes care.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Board of education" means a board of education of a city, local, exempted village, or joint vocational school district.

(2) "Governing authority" means a governing authority of a chartered nonpublic school.

(3) "Licensed health care professional" means any of the following:

(a) A physician authorized under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery;

(b) A registered nurse, advanced practice registered nurse, or licensed practical nurse licensed under Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code;

(c) A physician assistant licensed under Chapter 4730. of the Revised Code.

(4) "Local health department" means a department operated by a board of health of a city or general health district or the authority having the duties of a board of health as described in section 3709.05 of the Revised Code.

(5) "School employee" or "employee" means either of the following:

(a) A person employed by a board of education or governing authority;

(b) A licensed health care professional employed by or under contract with a local health department who is assigned to a school in a city, local, exempted village, or joint vocational school district or a chartered nonpublic school.

(6) "Treating practitioner" means any of the following who has primary responsibility for treating a student's diabetes and has been identified as such by the student's parent, guardian, or other person having care or charge of the student or, if the student is at least eighteen years of age, by the student:

(a) A physician authorized under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery;

(b) An advanced practice registered nurse who holds a current, valid license to practice nursing as an advanced practice registered nurse issued under Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code and is designated as a clinical nurse specialist or certified nurse practitioner in accordance with section 4723.42 of the Revised Code;

(c) A physician assistant who holds a license issued under Chapter 4730. of the Revised Code, holds a valid prescriber number issued by the state medical board, and has been granted physician-delegated prescriptive authority.

(7) "504 plan" means a plan based on an evaluation conducted in accordance with section 504 of the "Rehabilitation Act of 1973," 29 U.S.C. 794, as amended.

(B)(1) Each board of education or governing authority shall ensure that each student enrolled in the school district or chartered nonpublic school who has diabetes receives appropriate and needed diabetes care in accordance with an order signed by the student's treating practitioner. The diabetes care to be provided includes any of the following:

(a) Checking and recording blood glucose levels and ketone levels or assisting the student with checking and recording these levels;

(b) Responding to blood glucose levels that are outside of the student's target range;

(c) In the case of severe hypoglycemia, administering glucagon and other emergency treatments as prescribed;

(d) Administering insulin or assisting the student in self-administering insulin through the insulin delivery system the student uses;

(e) Providing oral diabetes medications;

(f) Understanding recommended schedules and food intake for meals and snacks in order to calculate medication dosages pursuant to the order of the student's treating practitioner;

(g) Following the treating practitioner's instructions regarding meals, snacks, and physical activity;

(h) Administering diabetes medication, as long as the conditions prescribed in division (C) of this section are satisfied.

(2) Not later than fourteen days after receipt of an order signed by the treating practitioner of a student with diabetes, the board of education or governing authority shall inform the student's parent, guardian, or other person having care or charge of the student that the student may be entitled to a 504 plan regarding the student's diabetes. The department of education and workforce shall develop a 504 plan information sheet for use by a board of education or governing authority when informing a student's parent, guardian, or other person having care or charge of the student that the student may be entitled to a 504 plan regarding the student's diabetes.

(C) Notwithstanding division (B) of section 3313.713 of the Revised Code or any other provision of the Revised Code, diabetes medication may be administered under this section by a school nurse or, in the absence of a school nurse, a school employee who is trained in diabetes care under division (E) of this section. Medication administration may be provided under this section only when the conditions prescribed in division (C) of section 3313.713 of the Revised Code are satisfied.

Notwithstanding division (D) of section 3313.713 of the Revised Code, medication that is to be administered under this section may be kept in an easily accessible location.

(D)(1) The department of education and workforce shall adopt nationally recognized guidelines, as determined by the department, for the training of school employees in diabetes care for students. In doing so, the department shall consult with the department of health, the American diabetes association, and the Ohio school nurses association. The department may consult with any other organizations as determined appropriate by the department.

(2) The guidelines shall address all of the following issues:

(a) Recognizing the symptoms of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia;

(b) The appropriate treatment for a student who exhibits the symptoms of hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia;

(c) Recognizing situations that require the provision of emergency medical assistance to a student;

(d) Understanding the appropriate treatment for a student, based on an order issued by the student's treating practitioner, if the student's blood glucose level is not within the target range indicated by the order;

(e) Understanding the instructions in an order issued by a student's treating practitioner concerning necessary medications;

(f) Performing blood glucose and ketone tests for a student in accordance with an order issued by the student's treating practitioner and recording the results of those tests;

(g) Administering insulin, glucagon, or other medication to a student in accordance with an order issued by the student's treating practitioner and recording the results of the administration;

(h) Understanding the relationship between the diet recommended in an order issued by a student's treating practitioner and actions that may be taken if the recommended diet is not followed.

(E)(1) To ensure that a student with diabetes receives the diabetes care specified in division (B) of this section, a board of education or governing authority may provide training that complies with the guidelines developed under division (D) of this section to a school employee at each school attended by a student with diabetes. With respect to any training provided, all of the following apply:

(a) The training shall be coordinated by a school nurse or, if the school does not employ a school nurse, a licensed health care professional with expertise in diabetes who is approved by the school to provide the training.

(b) The training shall take place prior to the beginning of each school year or, as needed, not later than fourteen days after receipt by the board of education or governing authority of an order signed by the treating practitioner of a student with diabetes.

(c) On completion of the training, the board of education or governing authority, in a manner it determines, shall determine whether each employee trained is competent to provide diabetes care.

(d) The school nurse or approved licensed health care professional with expertise in diabetes care shall promptly provide all necessary follow-up training and supervision to an employee who receives training.

(2) The principal of a school attended by a student with diabetes or another school official authorized to act on behalf of the principal may distribute a written notice to each employee containing all of the following:

(a) A statement that the school is required to provide diabetes care to a student with diabetes and is seeking employees who are willing to be trained to provide that care;

(b) A description of the tasks to be performed;

(c) A statement that participation is voluntary and that the school district or governing authority will not take action against an employee who does not agree to provide diabetes care;

(d) A statement that training will be provided by a licensed health care professional to an employee who agrees to provide care;

(e) A statement that a trained employee is immune from liability under division (J) of this section;

(f) The name of the individual who should be contacted if an employee is interested in providing diabetes care.

(3) No employee of a board of education or governing authority shall be subject to a penalty or disciplinary action under school or district policies for refusing to volunteer to be trained in diabetes care.

(4) No board or governing authority shall discourage employees from agreeing to provide diabetes care under this section.

(F) A board of education or governing authority may provide training in the recognition of hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia and actions to take in response to emergency situations involving these conditions to both of the following:

(1) A school employee who has primary responsibility for supervising a student with diabetes during some portion of the school day;

(2) A bus driver employed by a school district or chartered nonpublic school responsible for the transportation of a student with diabetes.

(G) A student with diabetes shall be permitted to attend the school the student would otherwise attend if the student did not have diabetes and the diabetes care specified in division (B) of this section shall be provided at the school. A board of education or governing authority shall not restrict a student who has diabetes from attending the school on the basis that the student has diabetes, that the school does not have a full-time school nurse, or that the school does not have an employee trained in diabetes care. The school shall not require or pressure a parent, guardian, or other person having care or charge of a student to provide diabetes care for the student with diabetes at school or school-related activities.

(H)(1) Notwithstanding section 3313.713 of the Revised Code or any policy adopted under that section and except as provided in division (H)(2) of this section, on written request of the parent, guardian, or other person having care or charge of a student and authorization by the student's treating practitioner, a student with diabetes shall be permitted during regular school hours and school-sponsored activities to attend to the care and management of the student's diabetes in accordance with the order issued by the student's treating practitioner if the student's treating practitioner determines that the student is capable of performing diabetes care tasks. The student shall be permitted to perform diabetes care tasks in a classroom, in any area of the school or school grounds, and at any school-related activity, and to possess on the student's self at all times all necessary supplies and equipment to perform these tasks. If the student or the parent, guardian, or other person having care or charge of the student so requests, the student shall have access to a private area for performing diabetes care tasks.

(2) If the student performs any diabetes care tasks or uses medical equipment for purposes other than the student's own care, the board of education or governing authority may revoke the student's permission to attend to the care and management of the student's diabetes.

(I)(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of the Revised Code to the contrary, a licensed health care professional shall be permitted to provide training to a school employee under division (E) of this section or to supervise the employee in performing diabetes care tasks.

(2) Nothing in this section diminishes the rights of eligible students or the obligations of school districts or governing authorities under the "Individuals with Disabilities Education Act," 20 U.S.C. 1400 et seq., section 504 of the "Rehabilitation Act," 29 U.S.C. 794, or the "Americans with Disabilities Act," 42 U.S.C. 12101 et seq.

(J)(1) A school or school district, a member of a board or governing authority, or a district or school employee is not liable in damages in a civil action for injury, death, or loss to person or property allegedly arising from providing care or performing duties under this section unless the act or omission constitutes willful or wanton misconduct.

This section does not eliminate, limit, or reduce any other immunity or defense that a school or school district, member of a board of education or governing authority, or district or school employee may be entitled to under Chapter 2744. or any other provision of the Revised Code or under the common law of this state.

(2) A school employee shall not be subject to disciplinary action under school or district policies for providing care or performing duties under this section.

(3) A school nurse or other licensed health care professional shall be immune from disciplinary action by the board of nursing or any other regulatory board for providing care or performing duties under this section if the care provided or duties performed are consistent with applicable professional standards.

(K)(1) Not later than the last day of December of each year, a board of education or governing authority shall report to the department of education and workforce both of the following:

(a) The number of students with diabetes enrolled in the school district or chartered nonpublic school during the previous school year;

(b) The number of errors associated with the administration of diabetes medication to students with diabetes during the previous school year.

(2) Not later than the last day of March of each year, the department shall issue a report summarizing the information received by the department under division (K)(1) of this section for the previous school year. The department shall make the report available on its internet web site.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 4:31 PM

Section 3313.7113 | Procurement of inhalers by board.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section, "inhaler" means a device that delivers medication to alleviate asthmatic symptoms, is manufactured in the form of a metered dose inhaler or dry powdered inhaler, and may include a spacer, holding chamber, or other device that attaches to the inhaler and is used to improve the delivery of the medication.

(B) The board of education of each city, local, exempted village, or joint vocational school district may procure inhalers for each school operated by the district to have on the school premises for use in emergency situations identified under division (D)(5) of this section. A district board that elects to procure inhalers under this section is encouraged to maintain, at all times, at least two inhalers at each school operated by the district.

(C) A district board that elects to procure inhalers under this section shall require the district's superintendent to adopt a policy governing their maintenance and use. Before adopting the policy, the superintendent shall consult with a licensed health professional authorized to prescribe drugs, as defined in section 4729.01 of the Revised Code.

(D) A component of a policy adopted by a superintendent under division (C) of this section shall be a prescriber-issued protocol specifying definitive orders for inhalers, including the dosages of medication to be administered through them, the number of times that each inhaler may be used before disposal, and the methods of disposal. The policy also shall do all of the following:

(1) Identify the one or more locations in each school operated by the district in which an inhaler must be stored;

(2) Specify the conditions under which an inhaler must be stored, replaced, and disposed;

(3) Specify the individuals employed by or under contract with the district board, in addition to a school nurse or an athletic trainer, licensed under Chapter 4755. of the Revised Code, who may access and use an inhaler to provide a dosage of medication to an individual in an emergency situation identified under division (D)(5) of this section;

(4) Specify any training that employees or contractors specified under division (D)(3) of this section, other than a school nurse or athletic trainer, must complete before being authorized to access and use an inhaler;

(5) Identify the emergency situations, including when an individual exhibits signs and symptoms of asthma, in which a school nurse, athletic trainer, or other employees or contractors specified under division (D)(3) of this section may access and use an inhaler;

(6) Specify that assistance from an emergency medical service provider must be requested immediately after an employee or contractor, other than a school nurse, athletic trainer, or another licensed health professional, uses an inhaler;

(7) Specify the individuals, in addition to students, school employees or contractors, and school visitors, to whom a dosage of medication may be administered through an inhaler in an emergency situation specified under division (D)(5) of this section.

(E) A school or school district, a member of a district board of education, or a district or school employee or contractor is not liable in damages in a civil action for injury, death, or loss to person or property that allegedly arises from an act or omission associated with procuring, maintaining, accessing, or using an inhaler under this section, unless the act or omission constitutes willful or wanton misconduct.

This section does not eliminate, limit, or reduce any other immunity or defense that a school or school district, member of a district board of education, or district or school employee or contractor may be entitled to under Chapter 2744. or any other provision of the Revised Code or under the common law of this state.

(F) A school district board of education may accept donations of inhalers from a wholesale distributor of dangerous drugs or a manufacturer of dangerous drugs, as defined in section 4729.01 of the Revised Code, and may accept donations of money from any person to purchase inhalers.

(G) A district board that elects to procure inhalers under this section shall report to the department of education and workforce each procurement and occurrence in which an inhaler is used from a school's supply of inhalers.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 4:32 PM

Section 3313.7114 | Procurement of inhalers by nonpublic school.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section, "inhaler" has the same meaning as in section 3313.7113 of the Revised Code.

(B) With the approval of its governing authority, a chartered or nonchartered nonpublic school may procure inhalers in the manner prescribed by section 3313.7113 of the Revised Code. A chartered or nonchartered nonpublic school that elects to do so shall comply with all provisions of that section as if it were a school district.

(C) A chartered or nonchartered nonpublic school, a member of a chartered or nonchartered nonpublic school governing authority, or an employee or contractor of the school is not liable in damages in a civil action for injury, death, or loss to person or property that allegedly arises from an act or omission associated with procuring, maintaining, accessing, or using an inhaler under this section, unless the act or omission constitutes willful or wanton misconduct.

(D) A chartered or nonchartered nonpublic school may accept donations of inhalers from a wholesale distributor of dangerous drugs or a manufacturer of dangerous drugs, as defined in section 4729.01 of the Revised Code, and may accept donations of money from any person to purchase inhalers.

(E) A chartered or nonchartered nonpublic school that elects to procure inhalers under this section shall report to the department of education and workforce each procurement and occurrence in which an inhaler is used from the school's supply of inhalers.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 4:32 PM

Section 3313.7115 | Procurement of glucagon, qualified immunity - school districts.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section, "licensed health professional authorized to prescribe drugs" and "prescriber" have the same meanings as in section 4729.01 of the Revised Code.

(B) The board of education of each city, local, exempted village, or joint vocational school district may procure injectable or nasally administered glucagon for each school operated by the district to have on the school premises for use in emergency situations identified under division (D)(5) of this section by doing one of the following:

(1) Having a licensed health professional authorized to prescribe drugs, acting in accordance with section 4723.4811, 4730.437, or 4731.92 of the Revised Code, personally furnish the injectable or nasally administered glucagon to the school or school district or issue a prescription for the drug in the name of the school or district;

(2) Having the district's superintendent obtain a prescriber-issued protocol that includes definitive orders for injectable or nasally administered glucagon and the dosages to be administered.

A district board that elects to procure injectable or nasally administered glucagon under this section is encouraged to maintain, at all times, at least two doses of the drug at each school operated by the district.

(C) A district board that elects to procure injectable or nasally administered glucagon under this section shall require the district's superintendent to adopt a policy governing maintenance and use of the drug. Before adopting the policy, the superintendent shall consult with a licensed health professional authorized to prescribe drugs.

(D) The policy adopted under division (C) of this section shall do all of the following:

(1) Identify the one or more locations in each school operated by the district in which injectable or nasally administered glucagon must be stored;

(2) Specify the conditions under which injectable or nasally administered glucagon must be stored, replaced, and disposed;

(3) Specify the individuals employed by or under contract with the district board, in addition to a school nurse licensed under section 3319.221 of the Revised Code or an athletic trainer licensed under Chapter 4755. of the Revised Code, who may access and use injectable or nasally administered glucagon in an emergency situation identified under division (D)(5) of this section;

(4) Specify any training that employees or contractors specified under division (D)(3) of this section, other than a school nurse or athletic trainer, must complete before being authorized to access and use injectable or nasally administered glucagon;

(5) Identify the emergency situations in which a school nurse, athletic trainer, or other employees or contractors specified under division (D)(3) of this section may access and use injectable or nasally administered glucagon;

(6) Specify that assistance from an emergency medical service provider must be requested immediately after a dose of glucagon is administered;

(7) Specify the individuals, if any, in addition to students, to whom a dose of glucagon may be administered in an emergency situation specified under division (D)(5) of this section.

(E)(1) The following are not liable in damages in a civil action for injury, death, or loss to person or property that allegedly arises from an act or omission associated with procuring, maintaining, accessing, or using injectable or nasally administered glucagon under this section, unless the act or omission constitutes willful or wanton misconduct:

(a) A school or school district;

(b) A member of a district board of education;

(c) A district or school employee or contractor;

(d) A licensed health professional authorized to prescribe drugs who personally furnishes or prescribes injectable or nasally administered glucagon, consults with a superintendent, or issues a protocol pursuant to this section.

(2) This section does not eliminate, limit, or reduce any other immunity or defense that a school or school district, member of a district board of education, district or school employee or contractor, or licensed health professional may be entitled to under Chapter 2744. or any other provision of the Revised Code or under the common law of this state.

(F) A school district board of education may accept donations of injectable or nasally administered glucagon from a wholesale distributor of dangerous drugs or manufacturer of dangerous drugs, as defined in section 4729.01 of the Revised Code, and may accept donations of money from any person to purchase the drug.

(G) A district board that elects to procure injectable or nasally administered glucagon under this section shall report to the department of education and workforce each procurement and each occurrence in which a dose of the drug is used from a school's supply.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 4:33 PM

Section 3313.7116 | Procurement of glucagon, qualified immunity - nonpublic schools.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) With the approval of its governing authority, a chartered or nonchartered nonpublic school may procure injectable or nasally administered glucagon in the manner prescribed by section 3313.7115 of the Revised Code. A chartered or nonchartered nonpublic school that elects to do so shall comply with all provisions of that section as if it were a school district.

(B)(1) The following are not liable in damages in a civil action for injury, death, or loss to person or property that allegedly arises from an act or omission associated with procuring, maintaining, accessing, or using injectable or nasally administered glucagon under this section, unless the act or omission constitutes willful or wanton misconduct:

(a) A chartered or nonchartered nonpublic school;

(b) A member of a chartered or nonchartered nonpublic school governing authority;

(c) An employee or contractor of the school;

(d) A licensed health professional authorized to prescribe drugs who personally furnishes or prescribes injectable or nasally administered glucagon, provides a consultation, or issues a protocol pursuant to this section.

(2) This division does not eliminate, limit, or reduce any other immunity or defense that a chartered or nonchartered nonpublic school or governing authority, member of a chartered or nonchartered nonpublic school governing authority, chartered or nonchartered nonpublic school employee or contractor, or licensed health professional may be entitled to under any other provision of the Revised Code or the common law of this state.

(C) A chartered or nonchartered nonpublic school may accept donations of injectable or nasally administered glucagon from a wholesale distributor of dangerous drugs or manufacturer of dangerous drugs, as defined in section 4729.01 of the Revised Code, and may accept donations of money from any person to purchase the drug.

(D) A chartered or nonchartered nonpublic school that elects to procure injectable or nasally administered glucagon under this section shall report to the department of education and workforce each procurement and each occurrence in which a dose of the drug is used from the school's supply.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 4:34 PM

Section 3313.7117 | Individualized seizure action plans.

• Effective: April 30, 2024
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 101 - 135th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Licensed health care professional" means any of the following:

(a) A physician authorized under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery;

(b) A registered nurse, advanced practice registered nurse, or licensed practical nurse licensed under Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code;

(c) A physician assistant licensed under Chapter 4730. of the Revised Code.

(2) "Seizure disorder" means epilepsy or involuntary disturbance of brain function that may manifest as an impairment, loss of consciousness, behavioral abnormalities, sensory disturbance or convulsions.

(3) "Treating practitioner" means any of the following who has primary responsibility for treating a student's seizure disorder and has been identified as such by the student's parent, guardian, or other person having care or charge of the student or, if the student is at least eighteen years of age, by the student:

(a) A physician authorized under Chapter 4731. of the Revised Code to practice medicine and surgery or osteopathic medicine and surgery;

(b) An advanced practice registered nurse who holds a current, valid license to practice nursing as an advanced practice registered nurse issued under Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code and is designated as a clinical nurse specialist or certified nurse practitioner in accordance with section 4723.42 of the Revised Code;

(c) A physician assistant who holds a license issued under Chapter 4730. of the Revised Code, holds a valid prescriber number issued by the state medical board, and has been granted physician-delegated prescriptive authority.

(B) A school nurse, or another district or school employee if a district or school does not have a school nurse, of each city, local, exempted village, and joint vocational school district and the governing authority of a chartered nonpublic school, acting in collaboration with a student's parents or guardian, shall create an individualized seizure action plan for each student enrolled in the school district or chartered nonpublic school who has an active seizure disorder diagnosis. A plan shall include all of the following components:

(1) A written request signed by the parent, guardian, or other person having care or charge of the student, required by division (C)(1) of section 3313.713 of the Revised Code, to have one or more drugs prescribed for a seizure disorder administered to the student;

(2) A written statement from the student's treating practitioner providing the drug information required by division (C)(2) of section 3313.713 of the Revised Code for each drug prescribed to the student for a seizure disorder.

(3) Any other component required by the department of education and workforce.

(C)(1) The school nurse or a school administrator if the district does not employ a school nurse, shall notify a school employee, contractor, and volunteer in writing regarding the existence and content of each seizure action plan in force if the employee, contractor, or volunteer does any of the following:

(a) Regularly interacts with the student;

(b) Has legitimate educational interest in the student or is responsible for the direct supervision of the student;

(c) Is responsible for transportation of the student to and from school.

(2) The school nurse or a school administrator if the district does not employ a school nurse, shall identify each individual who has received training under division (G) of this section in the administration of drugs prescribed for seizure disorders. The school nurse, or another district employee if a district does not employ a school nurse, shall coordinate seizure disorder care at that school and ensure that all staff described in division (C)(1) of this section are trained in the care of students with seizure disorders.

(D) A drug prescribed to a student with a seizure disorder shall be provided to the school nurse or another person at the school who is authorized to administer it to the student if the district does not employ a full-time school nurse. The drug shall be provided in the container in which it was dispensed by the prescriber or a licensed pharmacist.

(E) A seizure action plan is effective only for the school year in which the written request described in division (B)(1) of this section was submitted and must be renewed at the beginning of each school year.

(F) A seizure action plan created under division (B) of this section shall be maintained in the office of the school nurse or school administrator if the district does not employ a full-time school nurse.

(G) A school district or governing authority of a chartered nonpublic school shall designate at least one employee at each school building it operates, aside from a school nurse, to be trained on the implementation of seizure action plans every two years. The district or governing authority shall provide or arrange for the training of the employee. The training must include and be consistent with guidelines and best practices established by a nonprofit organization that supports the welfare of individuals with epilepsy and seizure disorders, such as the Epilepsy Alliance Ohio or Epilepsy Foundation of Ohio or other similar organizations as determined by the department, and address all of the following:

(1) Recognizing the signs and symptoms of a seizure;

(2) The appropriate treatment for a student who exhibits the symptoms of a seizure;

(3) Administering drugs prescribed for seizure disorders, subject to section 3313.713 of the Revised Code.

A seizure training program under division (G) of this section shall not exceed one hour and shall qualify as a professional development activity for the renewal of educator licenses, including activities approved by local professional development committees under division (F) of section 3319.22 of the Revised Code. If the training is provided to a school district on portable media by a nonprofit entity, the training shall be provided free of charge.

(H) A board of education or governing authority shall require each person it employs as an administrator, guidance counselor, teacher, or bus driver to complete a minimum of one hour of self-study training or in-person training on seizure disorders not later than twenty-four months after the effective date of this section. Any such person employed after that date shall complete the training within ninety days of employment. The training shall qualify as a professional development activity for the renewal of educator licenses, including activities approved by local professional development committees under division (F) of section 3319.22 of the Revised Code.

(I)(1) A school or school district, a member of a board or governing authority, or a district or school employee is not liable in damages in a civil action for injury, death, or loss to person or property allegedly arising from providing care or performing duties under this section unless the act or omission constitutes willful or wanton misconduct.

This section does not eliminate, limit, or reduce any other immunity or defense that a school district, member of a school district board of education, or school district employee may be entitled to under Chapter 2744. or any other provision of the Revised Code or under the common law of this state.

(2) A chartered nonpublic school or any officer, director, or employee of the school is not liable in damages in a civil action for injury, death, or loss to person or property allegedly arising from providing care or performing duties under this section unless the act or omission constitutes willful or wanton misconduct.

Last updated February 8, 2024 at 10:21 AM

Section 3313.72 | Contract with health district for services of physician, dentist, or nurse.

• Effective: September 29, 2015
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 64 - 131st General Assembly

The board of education of a city, exempted village, or local school district may enter into a contract with a health district for the purpose of providing the services of a school physician, dentist, or nurse. The board may also enter into a contract under section 3313.721 of the Revised Code for the purpose of providing health care services to students.

Section 3313.721 | Health care for students.

• Effective: April 12, 2021
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 442 - 133rd General Assembly

(A) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Revised Code, the board of education of a school district may enter into a contract with a hospital registered under section 3701.07 of the Revised Code or an appropriately licensed health care provider for the purpose of providing health care services specifically authorized by the Revised Code to students.

(B) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Revised Code, the board of education of a school district may enter into a contract with a federally qualified health center or federally qualified health center look-alike for the purpose of providing health care services specifically authorized by the Revised Code to students.

(C) If the board enters into a contract with a hospital or health care provider under division (A) of this section or with a federally qualified health center or federally qualified health center look-alike under division (B) of this section, each employee of the hospital, health care provider, federally qualified health center, or federally qualified health center look-alike who is providing the services of a nurse under that contract shall hold a credential that is equivalent to being licensed as a registered nurse or licensed practical nurse under Chapter 4723. of the Revised Code.

(D) As used in this section, "federally qualified health center" and "federally qualified health center look-alike" have the same meanings as in section 3701.047 of the Revised Code.

Section 3313.73 | Board of health to make examination - report - recommendations to parents.

• Effective: October 1, 1953
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly

If the board of education of a city, exempted village, or local school district has not employed a school physician, the board of health shall conduct the health examination of all school children in the health district and shall report the findings of such examination and make such recommendations to the parents or guardians as are deemed necessary for the correction of such defects as need correction. This section does not require any school child to receive a medical examination or receive medical treatment whose parent or guardian objects thereto.

Section 3313.74 | Certain institutions and establishments not permitted near schools.

• Effective: April 6, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 281 - 134th General Assembly

No person shall establish any institution to house or care for persons having a communicable disease, as defined by the director of health, within two thousand feet of any public, private, or parochial school operating under the standards set by the school laws or school land used for recreational purposes in connection with school activities.

This section does not apply to members of an established household having such ailments.

Last updated March 10, 2023 at 11:29 AM

Section 3313.75 | Use of school premises generally.

• Effective: March 23, 2015
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 290 - 130th General Assembly

(A) For purposes of this section, "school premises" has the same meaning as in section 3313.77 of the Revised Code.

(B) The board of education of a city, exempted village, or local school district may authorize the opening of school premises for any lawful purposes.

(C) In accordance with this section and section 3313.77 of the Revised Code, a district board may rent or lease school premises under its control to any public or nonpublic institution of higher education for the institution's use in providing evening and summer classes.

(D) This section does not authorize a board to rent or lease school premises when such rental or lease interferes with the public schools in such district, or for any purpose other than is authorized by law.

Section 3313.751 | Prohibition against tobacco possession or use.

• Effective: September 29, 2017
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 49 - 132nd General Assembly

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "School district" means a city, local, exempted village, or joint vocational school district.

(2) "Smoke" means to burn any substance containing tobacco, including a lighted cigarette, cigar, or pipe, or to burn a clove cigarette.

(3) "Use tobacco" means to chew or maintain any substance containing tobacco, including smokeless tobacco, in the mouth to derive the effects of tobacco.

(B) No pupil shall smoke or use tobacco or possess any substance containing tobacco in any area under the control of a school district or an educational service center or at any activity supervised by any school operated by a school district or an educational service center.

(C) No pupil shall use or possess any substance containing betel nut in any area under the control of a school district or an educational service center or at any activity supervised by any school operated by a school district or an educational service center.

(D) The board of education of each school district and the governing board of each educational service center shall adopt a policy providing for the enforcement of division (B) of this section and establishing disciplinary measures for a violation of division (B) of this section.

Section 3313.752 | Posting of warning concerning anabolic steroids to be posted in locker rooms.

• Effective: March 22, 2020
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 229 - 132nd General Assembly

As used in this section, "anabolic steroid" means a controlled substance, as defined in section 3719.01 of the Revised Code, that is designated as an anabolic steroid.

The board of education of each city, local, exempted village, and joint vocational school district shall require the following warning to be conspicuously posted in the locker rooms of each of the district's school buildings that includes any grade higher than sixth grade:

"Warning: improper use of anabolic steroids may cause serious or fatal health problems, such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, growth deformities, infertility, personality changes, severe acne, and baldness. Possession, sale, or use of anabolic steroids without a valid prescription is a crime punishable by a fine and imprisonment."

Section 3313.753 | Prohibition against students carrying electronic communications devices.

• Effective: August 14, 2024
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 250 - 135th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Electronic communications device" means any device that is powered by batteries or electricity and that is capable of receiving, transmitting, or receiving and transmitting communications between two or more persons or a communication from or to a person.

(2) "School" means any school that is operated by a board of education of a city, local, exempted village, or joint vocational school district.

(3) "School building" means any building in which any of the instruction, extracurricular activities, or training provided by a school is conducted.

(4) "School grounds or premises" means either of the following:

(a) The parcel of real property on which any school building is situated;

(b) Any other parcel of real property that is owned or leased by a board of education and on which some of the instruction, extracurricular activities, or training of the school is conducted.

(B) The board of education of any city, exempted village, local, joint vocational, or cooperative education school district may adopt a policy prohibiting students from carrying an electronic communications device in any school building or on any school grounds or premises of the district. The policy may provide for exceptions to this prohibition as specified in the policy. The policy shall specify any disciplinary measures that will be taken for violation of this prohibition.

If a board of education adopts a policy under this division, the board shall post the policy in a central location in each school building and make it available to students and parents upon request.

(C) Not later than the first day of July that immediately follows the effective date of this amendment, each school district board of education shall adopt a policy governing the use of cellular telephones by students during school hours. The policy shall do all of the following:

(1) Emphasize that student cellular telephone use be as limited as possible during school hours;

(2) Reduce cellular telephone-related distractions in classroom settings;

(3) If determined appropriate by the district board, or if included in a student's individualized education program developed under Chapter 3323. of the Revised Code or plan developed under section 504 of the "Rehabilitation Act of 1973," 29 U.S.C. 794, permit students to use cellular telephones or other electronic communications devices for student learning or to monitor or address a health concern.

(D) Division (C) of this section shall not be construed to require a district board to adopt a policy that prohibits all cellular telephone use by students. Nonetheless, any district board that adopts a policy that prohibits all cellular telephone use by students shall be considered to have met the requirements in division (C) of this section.

(E) Any district board that adopts a policy that meets the requirements prescribed in division (C) of this section prior to the effective date of this amendment shall be considered to have met the requirement to adopt a policy under this section.

(F) Each district board that adopts a policy under this section after the effective date of this amendment shall do so at a public meeting of the board.

(G) Each district board shall make any policy it adopts under this section publicly available and post it prominently on its publicly accessible web site, if it has one.

(H) Not later than sixty days after the effective date of this amendment, the department of education and workforce shall develop a model policy that meets the requirements prescribed in division (C) of this section. To the extent possible, the model policy shall take into account available research concerning the effect of the use of cellular telephones by students in school settings. The model policy may be utilized by districts and schools.

Last updated May 28, 2024 at 11:04 AM

Section 3313.76 | School premises available for educational and recreational purposes.

• Effective: March 23, 2015
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 290 - 130th General Assembly

Upon application of any responsible organization, or of a group of at least seven citizens, school premises, as that term is defined in section 3313.77 of the Revised Code, as well as all other buildings under the supervision and control of the state, or buildings maintained by taxation under the laws of this state, shall be available for use as social centers for the entertainment and education of the people, including the adult and youthful population, and for the discussion of all topics tending to the development of personal character and of civil welfare, and for religious exercises. Such occupation should not seriously infringe upon the original and necessary uses of such properties. The public officials in charge of such buildings shall prescribe such rules and regulations for their occupancy and use as will secure a fair, reasonable, and impartial use of the same.

Section 3313.77 | Use of school premises for public meetings and entertainments.

• Effective: March 23, 2015
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 290 - 130th General Assembly

(A) For purposes of this section:

(1) "General public" means members of the community, including both of the following:

(a) Students during nonschool hours;

(b) Employees of a school or school district when not working in the scope of their employment.

(2) "Nonschool hours" means both of the following:

(a) Any time prior to and after regular classroom instruction on a day that school is in session;

(b) Any day that school is not in session, including weekends, holidays, and vacation breaks.

(3) "Recreational meetings and entertainments" means all indoor or outdoor games or physical activities, either organized or unorganized, that are undertaken for exercise, relaxation, diversion, sport, or pleasure.

(4) "School premises" means all indoor and outdoor structures, facilities, and land owned, rented, or leased by a school or school district.

(B) The board of education of any city, exempted village, or local school district shall, upon request and the payment of a reasonable fee, subject to such regulation as is adopted by such board, permit the use of school premises, when not in actual use for school purposes, for any of the following purposes:

(1) Giving instructions in any branch of education, learning, or the arts;

(2) Holding educational, religious, civic, social, or recreational meetings and entertainments, and for such other purposes as promote the welfare of the community; provided such meetings and entertainments shall be nonexclusive and open to the general public;

(3) Public library purposes, as a station for a public library, or as reading rooms;

(4) Polling places, for holding elections and for the registration of voters, or for holding grange or similar meetings.

The board of education of each school district shall adopt a policy for the use of school premises by the general public, including a list of all fees to be paid for the use of such premises and the costs used to determine such fees. Once adopted, the policy shall remain in effect until formally amended by the board. A copy of the policy shall be made available to any resident of the district upon request.

Section 3313.78 | Political meetings on school premises - liability for damage.

• Effective: March 23, 2015
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 290 - 130th General Assembly

Upon application of a committee representing any candidate for public office or any regularly organized or recognized political party, the board of education having control of any school premises mentioned in section 3313.76 of the Revised Code, shall permit the same to be used as a place wherein to hold meetings of electors for the discussion of public questions and issues. No such meeting shall be held during regular school hours. No charge shall be made for such use, but the candidate or committee so holding a meeting shall be responsible for any damage done or expense incurred by reason thereof.

Section 3313.79 | Responsibility for damage - payment of actual expenses.

• Effective: October 1, 1953
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly

Any organization or group of citizens permitted to use the properties specified in section 3313.76 of the Revised Code shall be responsible for any damage done them over and above the ordinary wear, and shall, if required, pay the actual expenses incurred for janitor service, light, and heat.

Section 3313.791 | Liability for damages arising from use of school premises.

• Effective: March 23, 2015
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 290 - 130th General Assembly

(A) For purposes of this section:

(1) "School" means a school in a city, local, or exempted village school district.

(2) "School district" means a city, local, or exempted village school district.

(3) "School premises" has the same meaning as in section 3313.77 of the Revised Code.

(B) Except as otherwise provided in division (C) of this section, a school or school district, a member of a school district board of education, or a school district or school employee is not liable in damages in a civil action for injury, death, or loss to person or property allegedly arising from the use of school premises under section 3313.75, 3313.76, 3313.77, or 3313.78 of the Revised Code, unless the injury, death, or loss to person or property results from willful or wanton misconduct by the school or school district, a member of the school district board of education, or an employee of the school district or of any school in the district.

This section does not eliminate, limit, or reduce any other immunity or defense that a school or school district, member of a school district board of education, or school district or school employee may be entitled to under Chapter 2744. or any other provision of the Revised Code or under the common law of this state.

(C) A school or school district, a member of a school district board of education, or a school district or school employee is not immune from liability in damages in a civil action as provided under division (B) of this section if the board of education of the city, exempted village, or local school district charges a fee for the use of school premises that significantly exceeds the costs incurred for the operation of the school premises.

Section 3313.80 | Display of the national flag.

• Effective: October 1, 1953
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly

All boards of education, all proprietors or principals of private schools, and all authorities in control of parochial schools or other educational institutions shall display the United States flag, not less than five feet in length, over, near, or within all schoolhouses under their control, during each day such schools are in session.

No person, having control of any schoolhouse or other educational institution either as an individual or in connection with any person, shall neglect or refuse to carry out this section. Each day of such refusal or neglect constitutes a separate offense.

Section 3313.801 | Display of national and Ohio mottoes.

• Effective: October 12, 2006
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 184 - 126th General Assembly

(A) Except as provided in division (B) of this section, if a copy of the official motto of the United States of America "In God We Trust" or the official motto of Ohio "With God, All Things Are Possible" is donated to any school district, or if money is donated to the district specifically for the purpose of purchasing such material, the board of education of the school district shall accept the donation and display the motto in an appropriate manner in a classroom, auditorium, or cafeteria of a school building in the district, provided all of the following conditions are satisfied:

(1) The motto is printed on durable, poster-quality paper or displayed in a frame.

(2) The dimensions of the paper or frame are at least eight and one-half inches by eleven inches.

(3) The copy contains no words other than the motto and language identifying the motto as the motto of the United States of America or Ohio.

(4) The copy contains no images other than appropriate representations of the flag of the United States of America or Ohio.

(B) In lieu of complying with division (A) of this section, the board of education of any school district may adopt, by a majority vote of its membership, a resolution describing appropriate design requirements for copies of the official mottoes of the United States of America and Ohio that are different from the design requirements described in divisions (A)(1) to (4) of this section. If a copy of the official motto of the United States of America or Ohio that meets the design requirements described in the board's resolution is donated to the district, or if money is donated to the district specifically for the purpose of purchasing such material, the board shall accept the donation and display the motto in an appropriate manner in a classroom, auditorium, or cafeteria of a school building in the district.

Section 3313.81 | Management and control of food service operation - provision of meals to the elderly.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

The board of education of any city, exempted village, or local school district may establish food service, provide facilities and equipment, and pay operating costs in the schools under its control for the preparation and serving of lunches, and other meals or refreshments to the pupils, employees of the board of education employed therein, and to other persons taking part in or patronizing any activity in connection with the schools. A board of education that operates such a food service may also provide meals at cost to residents of the school district who are sixty years of age or older or may contract with public or private nonprofit organizations providing services to the elderly to provide nutritious meals for persons who are sixty years of age or older. Restrictions or limitations upon the privileges or use of facilities by any pupil, employee, person taking part in or patronizing a school-related activity, or elderly person must be applied equally to all pupils, all employees, all persons taking part in or patronizing a school-related activity, or elderly persons, respectively, except that a board may expend school funds other than funds from federally reimbursed moneys or student payments to provide meals at no charge to senior citizens performing volunteer services in the district's schools in accordance with a volunteer program approved by the board.

Such facilities shall be under the management and control of the board and the operation of such facilities for school food service purposes or to provide meals for the elderly shall not be for profit. In the operation of such facilities for school food service purposes there shall be established a food service fund in the treasurer's cash journal, which shall be separate from all other funds of the board. All receipts and disbursements in connection with the operation of food service for school food service purposes and the maintenance, improvement, and purchase of equipment for school food service purposes shall be paid directly into and disbursed from the food service fund which shall be kept in a legally designated depository of the board. Revenues for the operation, maintenance, improvement, and purchase of equipment shall be provided by the food service fund, appropriations transferred from the general fund, federal funds, and from other proper sources. Records of receipts and disbursements resulting from the provision of meals for the elderly shall be separately maintained, in accordance with section 3313.29 of the Revised Code.

The enforcement of this section shall be under jurisdiction of the department of education and workforce.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 4:35 PM

Section 3313.811 | Sale of uniform school supplies.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

No board, the principal or teacher of any schoolroom, or class organization of any school district shall sell or offer for sale, or supervise the sale of uniform school supplies, foods, candies, or like supplies for profit on the school premises except when the profit derived from such sale is to be used for school purposes or for any activity in connection with the school on whose premises such uniform school supplies, food, candies, or supplies are sold or offered for sale. No individual student or class of students, acting as an agent for any person or group of persons directly connected with the school shall sell or offer for sale for profit outside the school building, any such articles, except when the profit derived from such sale is to be used for school purposes or for any activity in connection with the school.

Uniform school supplies are those adopted by the board for use in the schools of the district.

The enforcement of this section shall be under the jurisdiction of the department of education and workforce.

The school district board of education shall provide revolving accounts for the purchase and sale of uniform school supplies either by appropriations from the general fund or accumulation from sales or receipts. Such accounts shall be kept separate from other transactions of the board.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 4:36 PM

Section 3313.812 | Food service to multiple districts or schools within districts.

• Effective: November 23, 1977
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 221 - 112th General Assembly

A board of education may provide food service to one or more school districts on a contract basis. Two or more boards of education may establish a central kitchen on premises owned by one of the boards to provide food service to multiple schools within the districts.

Boards of education may form cooperatives and establish revolving accounts for the purpose of purchasing food and supplies and equipment used in food service operations.

Section 3313.813 | Food programs - outdoor education centers.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Outdoor education center" means a public or nonprofit private entity that provides to pupils enrolled in any public or chartered nonpublic elementary or secondary school an outdoor educational curriculum that the school considers to be part of its educational program.

(2) "Outside-school-hours care center" has the meaning established in 7 C.F.R. 226.2.

(B) The department of education and workforce shall establish standards for a school lunch program, school breakfast program, child and adult care food program, special food service program for children, summer food service program for children, special milk program for children, food service equipment assistance program, and commodity distribution program established under the "National School Lunch Act," 60 Stat. 230 (1946), 42 U.S.C. 1751, as amended, and the "Child Nutrition Act of 1966," 80 Stat. 885, 42 U.S.C. 1771, as amended. Any board of education of a school district, nonprofit private school, outdoor education center, child care institution, outside-school-hours care center, or summer camp desiring to participate in such a program or required to participate under this section shall, if eligible to participate under the "National School Lunch Act," as amended, or the "Child Nutrition Act of 1966," as amended, make application to the department for assistance. The board shall administer the allocation and distribution of all state and federal funds for these programs.

(C) The department shall require the board of education of each school district to establish and maintain a school breakfast, lunch, and summer food service program pursuant to the "National School Lunch Act" and the "Child Nutrition Act of 1966," as described in divisions (C)(1) to (4) of this section.

(1) The department shall require the board of education in each school district to establish a breakfast program in every school where at least one-fifth of the pupils in the school are eligible under federal requirements for free breakfasts and to establish a lunch program in every school where at least one-fifth of the pupils are eligible for free lunches. The board of education required to establish a breakfast program under this division may make a charge in accordance with federal requirements for each reduced price breakfast or paid breakfast to cover the cost incurred in providing that meal.

(2) The department shall require the board of education in each school district to establish a breakfast program in every school in which the parents of at least one-half of the children enrolled in the school have requested that the breakfast program be established. The board of education required to establish a program under this division may make a charge in accordance with federal requirements for each meal to cover all or part of the costs incurred in establishing such a program.

A breakfast program established under division (C)(1) or (2) of this section shall be operated in accordance with section 3313.818 of the Revised Code in any school meeting the conditions prescribed by that section.

(3) The department shall require the board of education in each school district to establish one of the following for summer intervention services described in division (D) of section 3301.0711 or provided under section 3313.608 of the Revised Code, and any other summer intervention program required by law:

(a) An extension of the school breakfast program pursuant to the "National School Lunch Act" and the "Child Nutrition Act of 1966";

(b) An extension of the school lunch program pursuant to those acts;

(c) A summer food service program pursuant to those acts.

(4)(a) If the board of education of a school district determines that, for financial reasons, it cannot comply with division (C)(1) or (3) of this section, the district board may choose not to comply with either or both divisions, except as provided in divisions (C)(4)(b) and (c) of this section. The district board publicly shall communicate to the residents of the district, in the manner it determines appropriate, its decision not to comply.

(b) If a district board chooses not to comply with division (C)(1) of this section, the department nevertheless shall require the district board to establish a breakfast program in every school where at least one-third of the pupils in the school are eligible under federal requirements for free breakfasts and to establish a lunch program in every school where at least one-third of the pupils are eligible for free lunches. The district board may make a charge in accordance with federal requirements for each reduced price breakfast or paid breakfast to cover the cost incurred in providing that meal.

(c) If the board of education of a school district chooses not to comply with division (C)(3) of this section, the department nevertheless shall require the district board to permit an approved summer food service program sponsor to use school facilities located in a school building attendance area where at least one-half of the pupils are eligible for free lunches.

The department shall post in a prominent location on the department's web site a list of approved summer food service program sponsors that may use school facilities under this division.

Subject to the provisions of sections 3313.75 and 3313.77 of the Revised Code, a school district may charge the summer food service program sponsor a reasonable fee for the use of school facilities that may include the actual cost of custodial services, charges for the use of school equipment, and a prorated share of the utility costs as determined by the district board. A school district shall require the summer food service program sponsor to indemnify and hold harmless the district from any potential liability resulting from the operation of the summer food service program under this division. For this purpose, the district shall either add the summer food service program sponsor, as an additional insured party, to the district's existing liability insurance policy or require the summer food service program sponsor to submit evidence of a separate liability insurance policy, for an amount approved by the district board. The summer food service program sponsor shall be responsible for any costs incurred in obtaining coverage under either option.

(d) If a school district cannot for good cause comply with the requirements of division (C)(2) or (4)(b) or (c) of this section at the time the department determines that a district is subject to these requirements, the department shall grant a reasonable extension of time. Good cause for an extension of time shall include, but need not be limited to, economic impossibility of compliance with the requirements at the time the department determines that a district is subject to them.

(D)(1) The department shall accept the application of any outdoor education center in the state making application for participation in a program pursuant to division (B) of this section.

(2) For purposes of participation in any program pursuant to this section, the board shall certify any outdoor education center making application as an educational unit that is part of the educational system of the state, if the center:

(a) Meets the definition of an outdoor education center;

(b) Provides its outdoor education curriculum to pupils on an overnight basis so that pupils are in residence at the center for more than twenty-four consecutive hours;

(c) Operates under public or nonprofit private ownership in a single building or complex of buildings.

(3) The board shall approve any outdoor education center certified under this division for participation in the program for which the center is making application on the same basis as any other applicant for that program.

(E) Any school district board of education or chartered nonpublic school that participates in a breakfast program pursuant to this section may offer breakfast to pupils in their classrooms during the school day. However, any school that is subject to section 3313.818 of the Revised Code shall offer breakfast to pupils in accordance with that section.

(F) Notwithstanding anything in this section to the contrary, in each fiscal year in which the general assembly appropriates funds for purposes of this division, the board of education of each school district and each chartered nonpublic school that participates in a breakfast program pursuant to this section shall provide a breakfast free of charge to each pupil who is eligible under federal requirements for a reduced price breakfast.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 4:38 PM

Section 3313.814 | Standards governing types of foods and beverages sold on school premises.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section and sections 3313.816 and 3313.817 of the Revised Code:

(1) "A la carte item" means an individually priced food or beverage item that is available for sale to students through any of the following:

(a) A school food service program;

(b) A vending machine located on school property;

(c) A store operated by the school, a student association, or other school-sponsored organization.

"A la carte item" does not include any food or beverage item available for sale in connection with a school-sponsored fundraiser held outside of the regular school day, any other school-sponsored event held outside of the regular school day, or an interscholastic athletic event. "A la carte item" also does not include any food or beverage item that is part of a reimbursable meal and that is available for sale as an individually priced item in a serving portion of the same size as in the reimbursable meal, regardless of whether the food or beverage item is included in the reimbursable meal served on a particular school day.

(2) "Added sweeteners" means any additives that enhance the sweetness of a beverage, including processed sugar. "Added sweeteners" do not include any natural sugars found in fruit juices that are a component of the beverage.

(3) "Extended school day" means the period before and after the regular school day during which students participate in school-sponsored extracurricular activities, latchkey programs as defined in section 3313.207 of the Revised Code, or other academic or enrichment programs.

(4) "Regular school day" means the period each school day between the designated arrival time for students and the end of the final instructional period.

(5) "Reimbursable meal" means a meal that is provided to students through a school breakfast or lunch program established under the "National School Lunch Act," 60 Stat. 230 (1946), 42 U.S.C. 1751, as amended, and the "Child Nutrition Act of 1966," 80 Stat. 885, 42 U.S.C. 1771, as amended, and that meets the criteria for reimbursement established by the United States department of agriculture.

(6) "School food service program" means a school food service program operated under section 3313.81 or 3313.813 of the Revised Code.

(B) Each school district board of education and each chartered nonpublic school governing authority shall adopt and enforce nutrition standards governing the types of food and beverages that may be sold on the premises of its schools, and specifying the time and place each type of food or beverage may be sold.

(1) In adopting the standards, the board or governing authority shall do all of the following:

(a) Consider the nutritional value of each food or beverage;

(b) Consult with a dietitian licensed under Chapter 4759. of the Revised Code, a dietetic technician registered by the commission on dietetic registration, or a school nutrition specialist certified or credentialed by the school nutrition association. The person with whom the board or governing authority consults may be an employee of the board or governing authority, a person contracted by the board or governing authority, or a volunteer, provided the person meets the requirements of this division.

(c) Consult the dietary guidelines for Americans jointly developed by the United States department of agriculture and the United States department of health and human services and, to the maximum extent possible, incorporate the guidelines into the standards.

(2) No food or beverage may be sold on any school premises except in accordance with the standards adopted by the board or governing authority.

(3) The standards shall comply with sections 3313.816 and 3313.817 of the Revised Code, but nothing in this section shall prohibit the standards from being more restrictive than otherwise required by those sections.

(C) The nutrition standards adopted under this section shall prohibit the placement of vending machines in any classroom where students are provided instruction, unless the classroom also is used to serve students meals. This division does not apply to vending machines that sell only milk, reimbursable meals, or food and beverage items that are part of a reimbursable meal and are available for sale as individually priced items in serving portions of the same size as in the reimbursable meal.

(D) Each board or governing authority shall designate staff to be responsible for ensuring that the school district or school meets the nutrition standards adopted under this section. The staff shall prepare an annual report regarding the district's or school's compliance with the standards and include it in the report to the department of education and workforce prescribed in section 3301.68 of the Revised Code. The board or governing authority annually shall schedule a presentation on the nutrition standards report at one of its regular meetings. Each district or school shall make copies of the nutrition standards report available to the public upon request.

(E) The department of education and workforce shall formulate and adopt guidelines, which boards of education and chartered nonpublic schools may follow in enforcing and implementing this section.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 4:39 PM

Section 3313.815 | Employee trained in Heimlich maneuver to be present while students served food.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) Any school district or nonpublic school that operates a food service program pursuant to section 3313.81 or 3313.813 of the Revised Code shall require at least one employee who has received instruction in methods to prevent choking and has demonstrated an ability to perform the Heimlich maneuver to be present while students are being served food.

The department of education and workforce shall establish guidelines for use by districts and schools in implementing this section.

(B) Any nonpublic school or employee of a nonpublic school is not liable in damages in a civil action for injury, death, or loss to person or property allegedly caused by an act or omission of the nonpublic school or an employee of the nonpublic school in connection with performance of the duties required under division (A) of this section unless such act or omission was with malicious purpose, in bad faith, or in a wanton or reckless manner.

(C) This section does not create a new cause of action or substantive legal right against any person.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 4:40 PM

Section 3313.816 | Sale of a la carte beverage items.

• Effective: September 24, 2012
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 316 - 129th General Assembly

No public or chartered nonpublic school shall permit the sale of a la carte beverage items other than the following during the regular and extended school day:

(A) For a school in which the majority of grades offered are in the range from kindergarten to grade four:

(1) Water;

(2) Milk;

(3) Eight ounces or less of one hundred per cent fruit juice, or a one hundred per cent fruit juice and water blend with no added sweeteners, that contains not more than one hundred sixty calories per eight ounces.

(B) For a school in which the majority of grades offered are in the range from grade five to grade eight:

(1) Water;

(2) Milk;

(3) Ten ounces or less of one hundred per cent fruit juice, or a one hundred per cent fruit juice and water blend with no added sweeteners, that contains not more than one hundred sixty calories per eight ounces.

(C) For a school in which the majority of grades offered are in the range from grade nine to grade twelve:

(1) Water;

(2) Milk;

(3) Twelve ounces or less of one hundred per cent fruit juice, or a one hundred per cent fruit juice and water blend with no added sweeteners, that contains not more than one hundred sixty calories per eight ounces;

(4) Twelve ounces or less of any beverage that contains not more than sixty-six calories per eight ounces;

(5) Any size of a beverage that contains not more than ten calories per eight ounces, which may include caffeinated beverages and beverages with added sweeteners, carbonation, or artificial flavoring.

(D) Each public and chartered nonpublic school shall require at least fifty per cent of the a la carte beverage items, other than milk, available for sale from each of the following sources during the regular and extended school day to be water or other beverages that contain not more than ten calories per eight ounces:

(1) A school food service program;

(2) A vending machine located on school property that does not sell only milk or reimbursable meals;

(3) A store operated by the school, a student association, or other school-sponsored organization.

Section 3313.817 | A la carte foods; determination of nutritional value; software.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) When the department of education and workforce is able to obtain free of charge computer software for assessing the nutritional value of foods that does all of the following, the department shall make that software available free of charge to each public and chartered nonpublic school:

(1) Rates the healthiness of foods based on nutrient density;

(2) Assesses the amount of calories, total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, sugar, protein, fiber, calcium, iron, vitamin A, and vitamin C in each food item;

(3) Evaluates the nutritional value of foods based on the dietary guidelines for Americans jointly developed by the United States department of agriculture and United States department of health and human services as they pertain to children and adolescents.

(B) Each public and chartered nonpublic school shall use the software provided by the department under this section to determine the nutritional value of each a la carte food item available for sale at the school.

(C) When the department provides software under this section, each public and chartered nonpublic school shall comply with all of the following requirements:

(1) No a la carte food item shall be in the lowest rated category of foods designated by the software.

(2) In the first school year in which the school is subject to this section, at least twenty per cent of the a la carte food items available for sale from each of the following sources during the regular and extended school day shall be in the highest rated category of foods designated by the software and in each school year thereafter, at least forty per cent of the a la carte food items available for sale from each of the following sources during the regular and extended school day shall be in that category:

(a) A school food service program;

(b) A vending machine located on school property;

(c) A store operated by the school, a student association, or other school-sponsored organization.

(3) Each a la carte food item that is not in the highest rated category of foods designated by the software shall meet at least two of the following criteria:

(a) It contains at least five grams of protein.

(b) It contains at least ten per cent of the recommended daily value of fiber.

(c) It contains at least ten per cent of the recommended daily value of calcium.

(d) It contains at least ten per cent of the recommended daily value of iron.

(e) It contains at least ten per cent of the recommended daily value of vitamin A.

(f) It contains at least ten per cent of the recommended daily value of vitamin C.

(D) As an alternative to complying with division (C) of this section, a public or chartered nonpublic school may comply with the most recent guidelines for competitive foods issued by the alliance for a healthier generation with respect to the sale of a la carte food items.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 4:40 PM

Section 3313.818 | Breakfast programs.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A)(1) The department of education and workforce shall establish a program under which public schools that meet the conditions prescribed in this section shall offer breakfast to all students either before or during the school day. Each of the following shall apply:

(a) In the 2020-2021 school year, the program shall apply to any public school in which seventy per cent or more of the students enrolled in the school during the previous school year were eligible under federal requirements for free or reduced-price breakfasts or lunches.

(b) In the 2021-2022 school year, the program shall apply to any public school in which sixty per cent or more of the students enrolled in the school during the previous school year were eligible under federal requirements for free or reduced-price breakfasts or lunches.

(c) In the 2022-2023 school year and every school year thereafter, the program shall apply to any public school in which fifty per cent or more of the students enrolled in the school during the previous school year were eligible under federal requirements for free or reduced-price breakfasts or lunches.

(2) The district superintendent or building principal, in consultation with the building staff, shall determine the model for serving breakfast under the program. Each breakfast served under the program shall comply with federal meal patterns and nutritional standards and with section 3313.814 of the Revised Code. A school district board of education may make a charge in accordance with federal requirements for each meal to cover all or part of the costs incurred in operating the program.

(B) The department shall publish a list of public schools that meet the conditions of division (A) of this section. The department shall offer technical assistance to school districts and schools regarding the implementation of a school breakfast program that complies with this section and the submission of claims for reimbursement under the federal school breakfast program.

(C)(1) The department shall monitor each school participating in the program and ensure that each participating school complies with the requirements of this section.

(2) If the board of education of a school district determines that, for financial reasons, a school under the board's control cannot comply with the requirements of this section or the board already has a successful breakfast program or partnership in place, the district board may choose not to comply with those requirements.

(D) Not later than the thirty-first day of December of each school year, the department shall provide statistical reports on its web site that specify the number and percentage of students participating in school breakfast programs disaggregated by school district and individual schools, including community schools, established under Chapter 3314. of the Revised Code, and STEM schools, established under Chapter 3326. of the Revised Code.

(E) Not later than the thirty-first day of December of each school year, the department shall prepare a report on the implementation and effectiveness of the program established under this section and submit the report to the general assembly, in accordance with section 101.68 of the Revised Code, and to the governor. The report may be submitted electronically. The report shall include:

(1) The number of students and participation rates in the free and reduced-price breakfast programs under this section for each school building;

(2) The type of breakfast model used by each school building participating in the breakfast program;

(3) The number of students and participation rates in free or reduced-price lunch for each school building.

Last updated August 16, 2023 at 2:26 PM

Section 3313.819 | Free school meals.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section, "national school breakfast program," "national school lunch program," and "public school" all have the same meanings as in section 3301.91 of the Revised Code.

(B) A public or chartered nonpublic school that participates in the national school breakfast program shall provide each student eligible for a reduced-price breakfast a breakfast at no cost to the student.

A public or chartered nonpublic school that participates in the national school lunch program shall provide each student eligible for a reduced-price lunch a lunch at no cost to the student.

Last updated August 31, 2023 at 3:27 PM

Section 3313.82 | Business advisory councils.

• Effective: March 2, 2021
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 89 - 133rd General Assembly

(A) Subject to division (D) of this section, the board of education of each school district and the governing board of each educational service center shall appoint a business advisory council, except that a school district that has entered into an agreement under section 3313.843 or 3313.845 of the Revised Code to receive any services from an educational service center is not required to appoint a council if the school district and educational service center agree that the educational service center's council will represent the business of the district.

(B) The council shall advise and provide recommendations to the board on matters specified by the board including, but not necessarily limited to, all of the following:

(1) The delineation of employment skills and the development of curriculum to instill these skills;

(2) Changes in the economy and in the job market, and the types of employment in which future jobs are most likely to be available;

(3) Suggestions for developing a working relationship among businesses, labor organizations, and educational personnel.

(C) Each board shall determine the membership and organization of its council.

(D) A school district shall not be required to appoint a council under division (A) of this section if the school district has entered into an agreement with the business advisory committee of a joint vocational school district that allows the business advisory committee to represent the business of the school district in accordance with this section.

(E) Notwithstanding division (D) of section 3311.19 and division (D) of section 3311.52 of the Revised Code, this section shall not apply to the board of education of any joint vocational school district or any cooperative education school district created pursuant to divisions (A) to (C) of section 3311.52 of the Revised Code.

Section 3313.821 | Standards for the operation of business advisory councils.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

The department of education and workforce, in consultation with the governor's executive workforce board, shall establish standards for the operation of business advisory councils established by the board of education of a school district or the governing board of an educational service center under section 3313.82 of the Revised Code. The standards adopted by the department shall include at least the following requirements:

(A) Each advisory council and the board of education or governing board that established it shall develop a plan by which the advisory council shall advise the board of at least those matters specified by the board pursuant to section 3313.82 of the Revised Code.

(B) Each plan developed pursuant to division (A) of this section shall be filed with the department of education and workforce.

(C) Each business advisory council shall meet with its school board at least quarterly.

(D) Each business advisory council and its school board shall file a joint statement, not later than the first day of March of each school year, describing how the school district or service center and its business advisory council has fulfilled their responsibilities pursuant to this section and section 3313.82 of the Revised Code.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 4:41 PM

Section 3313.83 | Regional student education districts.

• Effective: September 29, 2013
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 59 - 130th General Assembly

(A)(1) For the purpose of pooling resources, operating more cost effectively, minimizing administrative overhead, encouraging the sharing of resource development, and diminishing duplication, the boards of education of two or more city, local, or exempted village school districts each having a majority of its territory in a county with a population greater than one million two hundred thousand, by adopting identical resolutions, may enter into an agreement providing for the creation of a regional student education district for the purpose of funding the following for students enrolled in those school districts, including students diagnosed as autistic and students with special needs, and their immediate family members:

(a) Special education services;

(b) Behavioral health services for persons with special needs.

If more than eight boards of education adopt resolutions to form a regional student education district, the boards may meet at facilities of the educational service center of the county to discuss membership in the district.

(2) The territory of a regional student education district at any time shall be composed of the combined territories of the school districts that are parties to the agreement at that time. Services funded by a regional student education district shall be available to all individuals enrolled in a school district that is a part of the regional student education district and members of their immediate family.

(3) The agreement may be amended pursuant to terms and procedures mutually agreed to by the boards of education that are parties to the agreement.

(B) Each regional student education district shall be governed by a board of directors. The superintendent of each board of education that is a party to the agreement shall serve on the board of directors. The agreement shall provide for the terms of office of directors. Directors shall receive no compensation, but shall be reimbursed, from the special fund of the regional student education district, for the reasonable and necessary expenses they incur in the performance of their duties for the district. The agreement shall provide for the conduct of the board's initial organizational meeting and for the frequency of subsequent meetings and quorum requirements. At its first meeting, the board shall designate from among its members a president and secretary in the manner provided in the agreement.

The board of directors of a regional student education district is a body corporate and politic, is capable of suing and being sued, is capable of contracting within the limits of this section and the agreement governing the district, and is capable of accepting gifts, donations, bequests, or other grants of money for use in paying its expenses. The district is a public office and its directors are public officials within the meaning of section 117.01 of the Revised Code, the board of directors is a public body within the meaning of section 121.22 of the Revised Code, and records of the board and of the district are public records within the meaning of section 149.43 of the Revised Code.

The agreement shall require the board to designate a permanent location for its offices and meeting place, and may provide for the use of such facilities and property for the provision of services by the agencies with which the board contracts under division (C) of this section.

(C)(1) To provide the services identified in division (A)(1) of this section, the board of directors of a regional student education district shall provide for the hiring of employees or shall contract with one or more entities. Except as provided in division (C)(2) of this section, any entity with which the board of directors contracts to provide the services identified in division (A)(1)(b) of this section shall be a qualified nonprofit, nationally accredited agency to which both of the following apply:

(a) The agency is licensed or certified by the departments of mental health and addiction services and job and family services.

(b) The agency provides school-based behavioral health services.

(2) The board of directors may contract with an entity that does not meet the conditions stated in division (C)(1) of this section if the services to be provided by the entity are only incidental to the services identified in division (A)(1)(b) of this section.

(3) The board of directors may levy a tax throughout the district as provided in section 5705.2111 of the Revised Code. The board of directors shall provide for the creation of a special fund to hold the proceeds of any tax levied under section 5705.2111 of the Revised Code and any gifts, donations, bequests, or other grants of money coming into the possession of the district. A regional student education district is a subdivision, and the board of directors is a governing body, within the meaning of section 135.01 of the Revised Code. The board of directors may not issue securities or otherwise incur indebtedness.

(4) The adoption or rejection by electors of a tax levy to fund a regional student education district pursuant to section 5705.2111 of the Revised Code does not alter the duty of each school district member of the regional student education district to provide special education and related services as required under Chapter 3323. of the Revised Code. On the expiration of a regional student education district levy, the state, member school districts of the regional student education district, and any other governmental entity shall not be obligated to provide replacement funding for the revenues under the expired levy. The tax levy, in whole or in part, shall not be considered a levy for current operating expenses pursuant to division (A) of section 3317.01 of the Revised Code for any of the school districts that are members of the regional student education district.

(D)(1) The agreement shall provide for the manner of appointing an individual or entity to perform the duties of fiscal officer of the regional student education district. The agreement shall specify the length of time the individual or entity shall perform those duties and whether the individual or entity may be reappointed upon the completion of a term. The fiscal officer may receive compensation for performing the duties of the position and be reimbursed for reasonable expenses of performing those duties from the regional student education district's special fund.

(2) The legal advisor of the board of directors of a regional student education district shall be the prosecuting attorney of the most populous county containing a school district that is a member of the regional student education district. The prosecuting attorney shall prosecute all actions against a member of the board of directors for malfeasance or misfeasance in office and shall be the legal counsel for the board and its members in all other actions brought by or against them and shall conduct those actions in the prosecuting attorney's official capacity. No compensation in addition to the prosecuting attorney's regular salary shall be allowed.

(E) The board of directors of a regional student education district shall procure a policy or policies of insurance insuring the board, the fiscal officer, and the legal representative against liability on account of damage or injury to persons and property. Before procuring such insurance the board shall adopt a resolution setting forth the amount of insurance to be purchased, the necessity of the insurance, and a statement of its estimated premium cost. Insurance procured pursuant to this section shall be from one or more recognized insurance companies authorized to do business in this state. The cost of the insurance shall be paid from the district's special fund.

A regional student education district is a political subdivision within the meaning of section 2744.01 of the Revised Code.

(F)(1) The board of education of a school district having a majority of its territory in the county may join an existing regional student education district by adopting a resolution requesting to join as a party to the agreement and upon approval by the boards of education that currently are parties to the agreement. If a tax is levied in the regional student education district under section 5705.2111 of the Revised Code, a board of education may join the district only after a majority of qualified electors in the school district voting on the question vote in favor of levying the tax throughout the school district. A board of education joining an existing district shall have the same powers, rights, and obligations under the agreement as other boards of education that are parties to the agreement.

(2) A board of education that is a party to an agreement under this section may withdraw the school district from a regional student education district by adopting a resolution. The withdrawal shall take effect on the date provided in the resolution. If a tax is levied in the regional student education district under section 5705.2111 of the Revised Code, the resolution shall take effect not later than the first day of January following adoption of the resolution. Beginning with the first day of January following adoption of the resolution, any tax levied under section 5705.2111 of the Revised Code shall not be levied within the territory of the withdrawing school district. Any collection of tax levied in the territory of the withdrawing school district under that section that has not been settled and distributed when the resolution takes effect shall be credited to the district's special fund.

(G) An agreement entered into under this section shall provide for the manner of the regional student education district's dissolution. The district shall cease to exist when not more than one school district remains in the district, and the levy of any tax under section 5705.2111 of the Revised Code shall not be extended on the tax lists in any tax year beginning after the dissolution of the district. The agreement shall provide that, upon dissolution of the district, any unexpended balance in the district's special fund shall be divided among the school districts that are parties to the agreement immediately before dissolution in proportion to the taxable valuation of taxable property in the districts, and credited to their respective general funds.

Section 3313.831 | Career-technical cooperative education district.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A)(1) On and after July 1, 2024, for the purpose of pooling resources, operating more cost effectively, minimizing administrative overhead, encouraging the sharing of resource development, and diminishing duplication, the boards of education of two or more city, local, or exempted village school districts that are members of the same compact career-technical education provider, as defined in section 3326.01 of the Revised Code, by adopting identical resolutions, may enter into an agreement providing for the creation of a career-technical cooperative education district for the purpose of funding and providing the career-technical education of students enrolled in those school districts in grades seven through twelve with career-technical education adequate to prepare those students for an occupation. Only the member districts of a compact career-technical education provider that exists on the effective date of this section may enter into an agreement to create a career-technical cooperative education district under this section.

(2) The territory of a career-technical cooperative education district at any time shall be composed of the combined territories of the school districts that are parties to the agreement at that time. Services funded by a career-technical cooperative education district shall be available to all individuals enrolled in a school district that is a part of the career-technical cooperative education district.

(3) The agreement may be amended pursuant to terms and procedures mutually agreed to by the boards of education that are parties to the agreement.

(B) Each career-technical cooperative education district shall be governed by a board of directors. The superintendent of each board of education that is a party to the agreement shall serve on the board of directors. The agreement shall provide for the terms of office of directors. Directors shall receive no compensation, but shall be reimbursed, from the special fund of the career-technical education district, for the reasonable and necessary expenses they incur in the performance of their duties for the district. The agreement shall provide for the conduct of the board's initial organizational meeting and for the frequency of subsequent meetings and quorum requirements. At its first meeting, the board shall designate from among its members a president and secretary in the manner provided in the agreement.

The board of directors of a career-technical cooperative education district is a body corporate and politic, is capable of suing and being sued, is capable of contracting within the limits of this section and the agreement governing the district, and is capable of accepting gifts, donations, bequests, or other grants of money for use in paying its expenses. The district is a public office and its directors are public officials within the meaning of section 117.01 of the Revised Code, the board of directors is a public body within the meaning of section 121.22 of the Revised Code, and records of the board and of the district are public records within the meaning of section 149.43 of the Revised Code.

The agreement shall require the board to designate a permanent location for its offices and meeting place, and may provide for the use of such facilities and property for the provision of services by the agencies with which the board contracts under division (C) of this section.

(C)(1) To provide the services identified in division (A)(1) of this section, the board of directors of a career-technical cooperative education district shall provide for the hiring of employees or shall contract with one or more entities, including a school district that is a party to the agreement, an educational service center, or a state institution of higher education.

An agreement entered into under this section shall do both of the following:

(a) Provide for the distribution of services to be provided by the career-technical cooperative education district and a resident district. The agreement shall specify which services will be provided by employees of member districts and which services will be provided by the career-technical cooperative education district.

(b) Include a statement of how transportation of students to and from school will be provided in the career-technical cooperative education district. The statement shall include at least both of the following:

(i) How special education students will be transported as required by their individualized education plan adopted pursuant to section 3323.08 of the Revised Code;

(ii) Whether transportation to and from school will be provided to any other students of the career-technical cooperative education district, and, if so, the manner in which this transportation will be provided.

(2) The board of directors may levy a tax throughout the district as provided in section 5705.2114 of the Revised Code. The board of directors shall provide for the creation of a special fund to hold the proceeds of any tax levied under section 5705.2114 of the Revised Code and any gifts, donations, bequests, or other grants of money coming into the possession of the district. A career-technical cooperative education district is a subdivision, and the board of directors is a governing body, within the meaning of section 135.01 of the Revised Code. The board of directors may not issue securities or otherwise incur indebtedness.

(3) The adoption or rejection by electors of a tax levy to fund a career-technical cooperative education district pursuant to section 5705.2114 of the Revised Code does not alter the duty of each school district member of the career-technical cooperative education district to provide career-technical education services as required under section 3313.90 of the Revised Code. On the expiration of a career-technical cooperative education district levy, the state, member school districts of the career-technical cooperative education district, and any other governmental entity shall not be obligated to provide replacement funding for the revenues under the expired levy. The tax levy, in whole or in part, shall not be considered a levy for current operating expenses pursuant to division (A) of section 3317.01 of the Revised Code for any of the school districts that are members of the career-technical cooperative education district.

(D)(1) The agreement shall provide for the manner of appointing an individual or entity to perform the duties of fiscal officer of the career-technical cooperative education district. The agreement shall specify the length of time the individual or entity shall perform those duties and whether the individual or entity may be reappointed upon the completion of a term. The fiscal officer may receive compensation for performing the duties of the position and be reimbursed for reasonable expenses of performing those duties from the career-technical cooperative education district's special fund.

(2) The legal advisor of the board of directors of a career-technical cooperative education district shall be the prosecuting attorney of the most populous county containing a school district that is a member of the career-technical cooperative education district. The prosecuting attorney shall prosecute all actions against a member of the board of directors for malfeasance or misfeasance in office and shall be the legal counsel for the board and its members in all other actions brought by or against them and shall conduct those actions in the prosecuting attorney's official capacity. No compensation in addition to the prosecuting attorney's regular salary shall be allowed.

(E) The board of directors of a career-technical cooperative education district shall procure a policy or policies of insurance insuring the board, the fiscal officer, and the legal representative against liability on account of damage or injury to persons and property. Before procuring such insurance the board shall adopt a resolution setting forth the amount of insurance to be purchased, the necessity of the insurance, and a statement of its estimated premium cost. Insurance procured pursuant to this section shall be from one or more recognized insurance companies authorized to do business in this state. The cost of the insurance shall be paid from the district's special fund.

A career-technical cooperative education district is a political subdivision within the meaning of section 2744.01 of the Revised Code.

(F)(1) The board of education of a school district may join an existing career-technical cooperative education district by adopting a resolution requesting to join as a party to the agreement and upon approval by the boards of education that currently are parties to the agreement. If a tax is levied in the career-technical cooperative education district under section 5705.2114 of the Revised Code, a board of education may join the district only after a majority of qualified electors in the school district voting on the question vote in favor of levying the tax throughout the school district. A board of education joining an existing district shall have the same powers, rights, and obligations under the agreement as other boards of education that are parties to the agreement.

(2) A board of education that is a party to an agreement under this section may withdraw the school district from a career-technical cooperative education district by adopting a resolution. The withdrawal shall take effect on the date provided in the resolution. If a tax is levied in the career-technical cooperative education district under section 5705.2114 of the Revised Code, the resolution shall take effect not later than the first day of January following adoption of the resolution. Beginning with the first day of January following adoption of the resolution, any tax levied under section 5705.2114 of the Revised Code shall not be levied within the territory of the withdrawing school district. Any collection of tax levied in the territory of the withdrawing school district under that section that has not been settled and distributed when the resolution takes effect shall be credited to the district's special fund.

(G) An agreement entered into under this section shall provide for the manner of the career-technical cooperative education district's dissolution. The district shall cease to exist when not more than one school district remains in the district, and the levy of any tax under section 5705.2114 of the Revised Code shall not be extended on the tax lists in any tax year beginning after the dissolution of the district. The agreement shall provide that, upon dissolution of the district, any unexpended balance in the district's special fund shall be divided among the school districts that are parties to the agreement immediately before dissolution in proportion to the taxable valuation of taxable property in the districts, and credited to their respective general funds.

(H)(1) A career-technical cooperative education district is not a joint vocational school district. Rather, a career-technical cooperative education district shall be considered a compact career-technical education provider, as defined in section 3326.01 of the Revised Code, for the purposes of Title XXXIII of the Revised Code.

(2) The career-technical cooperative education district shall be the lead district as defined in section 3317.023 of the Revised Code to provide primary career-technical education leadership to the member districts. The department of education and workforce shall compute and make payments under Chapter 3317. of the Revised Code to a career-technical cooperative education district in the same manner as a lead district of a career-technical planning district under that chapter.

(I) The department shall create an internal retrieval number for each career-technical cooperative education district established under this section.

Last updated August 31, 2023 at 3:29 PM

Section 3313.84 | Exchange of teaching services authorized - regulations.

• Effective: October 1, 1953
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 100th General Assembly

In order that school districts may secure the benefits of knowledge of educational methods and practices in other school districts either inside or outside the United States and for the purpose of securing the educational benefits of international understanding and good will, boards of education may enter into contracts with boards of education or other educational authorities for the exchange of teaching services and in the performance of such contracts may send teachers in their employ to serve in other districts in exchange for similar services to be furnished to them by such other districts. Each board of education exchanging teachers under this section may continue such teacher employees on its own payroll in the same manner as though such teachers were rendering the services in the district in which they are regularly employed.

This section does not authorize any expenditure in excess of the payment of salaries.

Section 3313.841 | Sharing on cooperative basis services of supervisory, special instruction, and special education teachers.

• Effective: September 29, 2013
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 59 - 130th General Assembly

The boards of education and governing boards of two or more city, local, joint vocational, or exempted village school districts or educational service centers may contract in accordance with the terms of this section for the sharing on a cooperative basis of the services of supervisory teachers, special instruction teachers, special education teachers, and other licensed personnel necessary to conduct approved cooperative classes for special education and related services and gifted education.

The boards of two or more districts or service centers desiring to enroll students in such classes shall each adopt resolutions indicating such desire and designating one of the participating districts or service centers as the funding agent for purposes of this section. The district or service center designated as the funding agent shall enter into an employment contract with each licensed teacher whose services are to be shared among the participating districts and service centers. In turn, the funding agent shall enter into contracts with each of the districts and service centers which have adopted resolutions agreeing to participate in the cooperative program upon terms agreed to by all parties to such contract. Such contracts between districts and service centers shall set forth the services to be provided by the licensed teacher employed by the funding agent whose services are to be shared by the participating districts and service centers and the basis for computing the amounts to be paid for such services to the funding agent by the participating districts and service centers.

For purposes of section 3317.0213 of the Revised Code, the funding agent shall count all pupils enrolled in cooperative programs for pupils with disabilities as pupils enrolled in such programs in the funding agent district. Upon receipt of payment for such programs, the funding agent district shall credit the account of districts participating in the cooperative program for the amounts due under contracts entered into under the terms of this section in proportion to the number of resident students enrolled in the cooperative program from each participating district and service center.

In determining the terms of the contract entered into by the funding agent district or service center and the participating districts and service centers, the superintendent of schools of each participating board of education and governing board shall serve as a committee which shall recommend such terms to such boards.

Section 3313.842 | Joint educational programs.

• Effective: September 30, 2021
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 110 - 134th General Assembly

(A) The boards of education or governing authorities of any two or more school districts or community schools may enter into an agreement for joint or cooperative establishment and operation of any educational program including any class, course, or program that may be included in a school district's or community school's graded course of study and staff development programs for teaching and nonteaching school employees. Each school district or community school that is party to such an agreement may contribute funds of the district or school in support of the agreement and for the establishment and operation of any educational program established under the agreement. The agreement shall designate one of the districts or community schools as responsible for receiving and disbursing the funds contributed by the parties to the agreement.

(B) Notwithstanding sections 3313.48 and 3313.64 of the Revised Code, any school district that is party to an agreement for joint or cooperative establishment and operation of an educational program may charge fees or tuition for students who participate in the program and are entitled to attend school in the district under section 3313.64 or 3313.65 of the Revised Code. Except as otherwise provided in division (G) of section 3321.01 of the Revised Code, no community school that is party to the agreement shall charge fees or tuition for students who participate in the program and are reported by the school under division (B) of section 3314.08 of the Revised Code.

Last updated August 12, 2021 at 3:26 PM

Section 3313.843 | Agreement for educational service center to provide services to city or exempted village district.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) Notwithstanding division (D) of section 3311.52 of the Revised Code, this section does not apply to any cooperative education school district.

(B)(1) The board of education of each city, exempted village, or local school district with an average daily student enrollment of sixteen thousand or less, reported for the district on the most recent report card issued under section 3302.03 of the Revised Code, shall enter into an agreement with the governing board of an educational service center, under which the educational service center governing board will provide services to the district.

(2) The board of education of a city, exempted village, or local school district with an average daily student enrollment of more than sixteen thousand may enter into an agreement with the governing board of an educational service center, under which the educational service center governing board will provide services to the district.

(3) Services provided under an agreement entered into under division (B)(1) or (2) of this section shall be specified in the agreement, and may include any of the following: supervisory teachers; in-service and continuing education programs for district personnel; curriculum services; research and development programs; academic instruction for which the governing board employs teachers pursuant to section 3319.02 of the Revised Code; assistance in the provision of special accommodations and classes for students with disabilities; or any other services the district board and service center governing board agree can be better provided by the service center and are not provided under an agreement entered into under section 3313.845 of the Revised Code. Services included in the agreement shall be provided to the district in the manner specified in the agreement. The district board of education shall reimburse the educational service center governing board pursuant to division (H) of this section.

(C) Any agreement entered into pursuant to this section shall be filed with the department of education and workforce by the first day of July of the school year for which the agreement is in effect.

(D)(1) An agreement for services from an educational service center entered into under this section may be terminated by the school district board of education, at its option, by notifying the governing board of the service center by March 1, 2012, or by the first day of January of any odd-numbered year thereafter, that the district board intends to terminate the agreement in that year, and that termination shall be effective on the thirtieth day of June of that year. The failure of a district board to notify an educational service center of its intent to terminate an agreement by March 1, 2012, shall result in renewal of the existing agreement for the following school year. Thereafter, the failure of a district board to notify an educational service center of its intent to terminate an agreement by the first day of January of an odd-numbered year shall result in renewal of the existing agreement for the following two school years.

(2) If the school district that terminates an agreement for services under division (D)(1) of this section is also subject to the requirement of division (B)(1) of this section, the district board shall enter into a new agreement with any educational service center so that the new agreement is effective on the first day of July of that same year.

(3) If all moneys owed by a school district to an educational service center under an agreement for services terminated under division (D)(1) of this section have been paid in full by the effective date of the termination, the governing board of the service center shall submit an affidavit to the department certifying that fact not later than fifteen days after the termination's effective date. Notwithstanding anything in the Revised Code to the contrary, until the department receives such an affidavit, it shall not make any payments to any other educational service center with which the district enters into an agreement under this section for services that the educational service center provides to the district.

(E) An educational service center may apply to any state or federal agency for competitive grants. It may also apply to any private entity for additional funds.

(F) Not later than January 1, 2014, each educational service center shall post on its web site a list of all of the services that it provides and the corresponding cost for each of those services.

(G)(1) For purposes of calculating any state operating subsidy to be paid to an educational service center for the operation of that service center and any services required under Title XXXIII of the Revised Code to be provided by the service center to a school district, the service center's student count shall be the sum of the total student counts of all the school districts with which the educational service center has entered into an agreement under this section.

(2) When a district enters into a new agreement with a new educational service center, the department shall ensure that the state operating subsidy for services provided to the district is paid to the new educational service center and that the educational service center with which the district previously had an agreement is no longer paid a state operating subsidy for providing services to that district.

(H) Pursuant to division (B) of section 3317.023 of the Revised Code, the department annually shall deduct from each school district that enters into an agreement with an educational service center under this section, and pay to the service center, an amount equal to six dollars and fifty cents times the school district's total student count. The district board of education, or the district superintendent acting on behalf of the district board, may agree to pay an amount in excess of six dollars and fifty cents per student in total student count. If a majority of the boards of education, or superintendents acting on behalf of the boards, of the districts that entered into an agreement under this section approve an amount in excess of six dollars and fifty cents per student in total student count, each district shall pay the excess amount to the service center.

(I)(1) An educational service center may enter into a contract to purchase supplies, materials, equipment, and services, which may include those specified in division (B) of this section or Chapter 3312. of the Revised Code, or the delivery of such services, on behalf of a school district or political subdivision that has entered into an agreement with the service center under this section or section 3313.844, 3313.845, or 3313.846 of the Revised Code.

(2) Purchases made by a school district or political subdivision that has entered into an agreement with the service center as described in this division are exempt from competitive bidding required by law for the purchase of supplies, materials, equipment, or services. No political subdivision shall make any purchase under this division when the political subdivision has received bids for such purchase, unless the same terms, conditions, and specifications at a lower price can be made for such purchase under this division.

(J) Any school district, community school, or STEM school that has entered into an agreement with an educational service center under this section or section 3313.844 or 3313.845 of the Revised Code shall be in compliance with federal law and exempt from competitive bidding requirements for personnel-based services pursuant to the authority granted to the Ohio department of education and workforce under federal law, provided the service center has met the following conditions:

(1) It is in compliance with division (F) of this section.

(2) It has been designated "high performing" under rule of the department.

(3) It has been found to be substantially in compliance with audit rules and guidelines in its most recent audit by the auditor of state.

(K) For purposes of this section, a school district's "total student count" means the average daily student enrollment reported on the most recent report card issued for the district pursuant to section 3302.03 of the Revised Code.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 4:42 PM

Section 3313.844 | Agreement for providing educational service center services to community school.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

The governing authority of a community school established under Chapter 3314. of the Revised Code and the governing board of an educational service center may enter into an agreement, through adoption of identical resolutions, under which the service center board will provide services to the community school. Services provided under the agreement and the amount and manner in which the community school will pay for such services shall be mutually agreed to by the school's governing authority and the service center board, and shall be specified in the service agreement. If specified in the agreement as the manner of payment, the department of education and workforce shall pay the service center the amount due to it under the agreement and shall deduct that amount from the payments made to the community school under Chapter 3314. of the Revised Code. Any agreement entered into under this section shall be valid only if a copy is filed with the department.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 4:42 PM

Section 3313.845 | Additional agreement for educational service center to provide services to school district.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

The board of education of a city, exempted village, local, or joint vocational school district and the governing board of an educational service center may enter into an agreement under which the educational service center will provide services to the school district. Services provided under the agreement and the amount to be paid for such services shall be mutually agreed to by the district board of education and the service center governing board, and shall be specified in the agreement. Payment for services specified in the agreement shall be made pursuant to the terms of that agreement. If specified in the agreement as the manner of payment, the department of education and workforce shall pay the service center the amount due to it under the agreement and shall deduct that amount from the payments made to the city, exempted village, local, or joint vocational school district under Chapter 3317. of the Revised Code. Any agreement entered into pursuant to this section shall be valid only if a copy is filed with the department.

The authority granted under this section to the boards of education of city, exempted village, and local school districts is in addition to the authority granted to such boards under section 3313.843 of the Revised Code.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 4:43 PM

Section 3313.846 | Provision of services to political subdivisions by educational service center.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

The governing board of an educational service center may enter into a contract with any political subdivision as defined in section 2744.01 of the Revised Code, not including school districts, community schools, or STEM schools contracting for services under section 3313.843, 3313.844, 3313.845, or 3326.45 of the Revised Code, under which the educational service center will provide services to the political subdivision. Services provided under the contract and the amount to be paid for such services shall be mutually agreed to by the parties and shall be specified in the contract. The political subdivision shall directly pay an educational service center for services specified in the contract. The board of the educational service center shall file a copy of each contract entered into under this section with the department of education and workforce by the first day the contract is in effect.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 5:26 PM

Section 3313.848 | Disposition of unexpended funds under service agreement.

• Effective: September 29, 2013
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 59 - 130th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Client" means a city, local, or exempted village school district, community school established under Chapter 3314. of the Revised Code, STEM school established under Chapter 3326. of the Revised Code, or political subdivision.

(2) "Governing body" means the board of education of a school district, governing authority of a community school, governing body of a STEM school, or governing body of a political subdivision.

(3) "Political subdivision" has the same meaning as used in section 3313.846 of the Revised Code.

(4) "Service agreement" means an agreement that a client has entered into with an educational service center under section 3313.843, 3313.844, 3313.845, 3313.846, or 3326.45 of the Revised Code and any subsequent amendment to that agreement.

(B) If at the end of a fiscal year for which a service agreement is in effect any of the funds paid directly by a client to the educational service center under the agreement are unexpended and unobligated, a client's governing body may elect to have the service center retain the unexpended and unobligated funds for the purpose of applying them toward any payment the client will owe to the service center under a service agreement for the next fiscal year. The treasurer or fiscal officer of the client shall indicate on the client's end-of-year financial report that unexpended funds have been retained by the service center and the amount of those funds.

(C) A client shall expend its funds retained under division (B) of this section only for services specifically set forth under a service agreement. The treasurer of the educational service center shall keep a record of the client's expenditure and the service or services for which the expenditure was made. On at least an annual basis, or upon the request of the client's governing body or its treasurer or fiscal officer, the treasurer of the service center shall notify the client's treasurer or fiscal officer of the expenditures recorded under this division. The client's treasurer or fiscal officer shall include that information in the financial report made by the treasurer or fiscal officer at the next meeting of the client's governing body that occurs following receipt of the information.

Section 3313.849 | Agreements to share services.

• Effective: September 29, 2013
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 59 - 130th General Assembly

The governing bodies of two or more city, exempted village, local, or joint vocational school districts, community schools established under Chapter 3314. of the Revised Code, or STEM schools established under Chapter 3326. of the Revised Code, may mutually agree to share supervisory, curriculum, teaching, special education, professional development, or any other services offered by an educational service center and may pool their funding to pay the cost of receiving those services. Each of the governing bodies of the districts or schools participating in shared services pursuant to this section shall specify in its service agreement with the service center under section 3313.843, 3313.844, 3313.845, or 3326.45 of the Revised Code which services that the participants have agreed to share, any other districts or schools participating in the shared services, and the amount of funds that the governing body will contribute toward the total cost of the shared services. Each governing body's funding contribution shall be paid to the service center in accordance with section 3313.843, 3313.844, 3313.845, or 3326.45 of the Revised Code, as applicable.

The authority granted under this section is in addition to the authority granted to school district boards of education under section 3313.841 of the Revised Code.

Section 3313.85 | Failure of board of education or governing board to fill vacancy.

• Effective: January 13, 2012
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 124 - 129th General Assembly

If the board of education of any city, exempted village, or local school district or the governing board of any educational service center fails to fill a vacancy in that board within a period of thirty days after the vacancy occurs, the probate court of the county in which the district or service center is located, upon being advised and satisfied of that failure, shall act as that board to fill any vacancy as promptly as possible.

Section 3313.86 | Health and safety review.

• Effective: October 16, 2009
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 128th General Assembly

The board of education of each city, exempted village, local, and joint vocational school district and the governing authority of each chartered nonpublic school periodically shall review its policies and procedures to ensure the safety of students, employees, and other persons using a school building from any known hazards in the building or on building grounds that, in the judgment of the board or governing authority, pose an immediate risk to health or safety. The board or governing authority shall further ensure that its policies and procedures comply with all federal laws and regulations regarding health and safety applicable to school buildings.

Section 3313.87 | Board of education may join school boards' association.

• Effective: May 1, 1992
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 12 - 119th General Assembly

By a majority vote of its members a board of education may join a school boards' association. Such board shall have the authority to appropriate from its general fund an amount sufficient to pay the annual dues established by the membership of the association.

No funds received by a school boards' association from a board of education as membership dues may be used for any political activity.

Section 3313.871 | Payment of annual membership dues and service fees to accrediting associations.

• Effective: June 30, 1997
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 215 - 122nd General Assembly

(A) By a majority vote of its members, a board of education may appropriate from the general fund an amount sufficient to pay annual membership dues and service fees to one or more accrediting associations that have the purpose of improving education. Such annual membership dues and service fees shall not exceed in the aggregate five hundred dollars per public school evaluated for accreditation in the district.

(B) In addition to the expenditures authorized under division (A) of this section, a board of education may pay the necessary and proper expenses associated with accreditation activities and school evaluations. A board of education may pay an employee the employee's regular salary during the employee's service as an evaluator of a school in another school district.

Section 3313.89 | Publication of information regarding online education and career planning tool.

• Effective: September 29, 2017
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 49 - 132nd General Assembly

Beginning with the 2014-2015 school year, each public high school shall publish or provide, not later than the first day of April of each year, in its newsletter, high school planning guide, regular publication provided to parents and students, or in a prominent location on the school web site, information regarding the online education and career planning tool developed under section 6301.15 of the Revised Code. The information shall include the internet web site address for the planning tool and a link to that web site. The information also shall include a link to the OhioMeansJobs web site.

As used in this section, "OhioMeansJobs web site" has the same meaning as in section 6301.01 of the Revised Code.

Section 3313.90 | Career-technical education programs.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

As used in this section, "formula ADM" has the same meaning as in section 3317.02 of the Revised Code. Notwithstanding division (D) of section 3311.19 and division (D) of section 3311.52 of the Revised Code, the provisions of this section that apply to a city school district do not apply to any joint vocational or cooperative education school district.

(A) Except as provided in division (B) of this section, each city, local, and exempted village school district shall, by one of the following means, provide to students enrolled in grades seven through twelve career-technical education adequate to prepare a student enrolled therein for an occupation:

(1) Establishing and maintaining a career-technical education program that meets standards adopted by the department of education and workforce;

(2) Being a member of a joint vocational school district that meets standards adopted by the department;

(3) Contracting for career-technical education with a joint vocational school district or another school district that meets the standards adopted by the department.

The standards of the department shall include criteria for the participation by nonpublic students in career-technical education programs without financial assessment, charge, or tuition to such student except such assessments, charges, or tuition paid by resident public school students in such programs. Such nonpublic school students shall be included in the formula ADM of the school district maintaining the career-technical education program as part-time students in proportion to the time spent in the career-technical education program.

By the thirtieth day of October of each year, the director of education and workforce shall determine and certify to the superintendent of each school district subject to this section either that the district is in compliance with the requirements of this section for the current school year or that the district is not in compliance. If the director certifies that the district is not in compliance, the director shall notify the board of education of the district of the actions necessary to bring the district into compliance with this section.

In meeting standards established by the department, school districts, where practicable, shall provide career-technical education programs in high schools. A minimum enrollment of fifteen hundred students in grades nine through twelve is established as a base for comprehensive career-technical education course offerings. Beginning with the 2015-2016 school year, this base shall increase to a minimum enrollment of two thousand two hundred fifty students in grades seven through twelve. A school district may meet this requirement alone, through a cooperative arrangement pursuant to section 3313.92 of the Revised Code, through school district consolidation, by membership in a joint vocational school district, by contract with a school district, by contract with a school licensed by any state agency established by the Revised Code which school operates its courses offered for contracting with public schools under standards as to staffing and facilities comparable to those prescribed by the department for public schools provided no instructor in such courses shall be required to be certificated by the department, or in a combination of such ways. Exceptions to the minimum enrollment prescribed by this section may be made by the department based on sparsity of population or other factors indicating that comprehensive educational and career-technical education programs as required by this section can be provided through an alternate plan.

(B) If the board of education of a city, local, or exempted village school district adopts a resolution that specifies the district's intent not to provide career-technical education to students enrolled in grades seven and eight for a particular school year and submits that resolution to the department by the thirtieth day of September of that school year, the department shall waive the requirement for that district to provide career-technical education to students enrolled in grades seven and eight for that particular school year.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 5:27 PM

Section 3313.901 | Courses at Ohio technical centers.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section, "Ohio technical center" has the same meaning as in section 3333.94 of the Revised Code.

(B) Upon approval by the department of education and workforce, any city, exempted village, local, or joint vocational school district may contract with an Ohio technical center to serve students in any of grades seven to twelve who are enrolled in a career-technical education program at the district but cannot enroll in a course at the district for any of the following reasons:

(1) The course is at capacity and cannot serve all students who want to enroll in the course.

(2) The student has a scheduling conflict that prevents the student from taking the course at the time offered by the district.

(3) The district does not offer the course due to lack of enrollment, lack of a qualified teacher, or lack of facilities.

(4) Any other reason determined by the department.

(C) School districts shall apply to the department for approval to contract with an Ohio technical center under this section. Applicants shall submit a plan to the department describing how the district and the Ohio technical center will establish a collaborative partnership to provide career-technical education to students. Prior to approval, the department shall consider the extent to which the partnership will increase access to career-technical education courses for students.

(D) If the department approves an application under this section, the school district that received that approval shall do all of the following:

(1) Award a student high school credit for completion of any career-technical education course at an Ohio technical center;

(2) Report the student in the education management information system established under section 3301.0714 of the Revised Code as enrolled in the district for the time the student is taking a course at an Ohio technical center, but the district shall indicate that the course is being taken through a center rather than at the district;

(3) Not count a student taking a course at an Ohio technical center as more than one full-time equivalent student, unless the student is enrolled full-time in the district during the regularly scheduled school day and takes the course at the center during time outside of normal school hours;

(4) Pay the Ohio technical center for each student taking a course at the technical center. The payment amount shall be the lesser of the standard tuition charged for the course by the center or the applicable one of the following:

(a) If the center is located on the same campus as the high school in which the student is enrolled, the amount equal to the statewide average base cost per pupil and the amount applicable to the student pursuant to division (C) of section 3317.014 of the Revised Code for the portion of the full-time equivalency the student is enrolled in the course, without application of the district's state share percentage;

(b) If the center is not located on the same campus as the high school in which the student is enrolled, $7,500.

(E) A district and an Ohio technical center may enter into an agreement under this section to establish alternate amounts than those prescribed under division (D) of this section that the district will pay to the center.

(F) A district may use career-technical education funds received under division (C) of section 3317.014 of the Revised Code to pay for any costs incurred by students enrolling in courses at an Ohio technical center under this section. The department shall consider that cost as an approved career-technical education expense under division (F) of section 3317.014 of the Revised Code.

(G) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Revised Code, an individual who holds an adult education permit issued by the state board of education and is employed by an Ohio technical center may provide instruction to a student in grades seven through twelve who is taking a course at an Ohio technical center under this section.

(H) If the department approves an application from a school district to contract with an Ohio technical center under this section, the district shall not prohibit a student enrolled in the district from taking any course for which the district has contracted at the technical center.

Last updated August 28, 2023 at 4:59 PM

Section 3313.902 | Adult diploma pilot program.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Approved industry credential or certificate" means a credential or certificate that is approved by the chancellor of higher education.

(2) "Approved institution" means an eligible institution that has been approved to participate in the adult diploma pilot program under this section.

(3) "Approved program of study" means a program of study offered by an approved institution that satisfies the requirements of division (B) of this section.

(4) An eligible student's "career pathway training program amount" means the following:

(a) If the student is enrolled in a tier one career pathway training program, $4,800;

(b) If the student is enrolled in a tier two career pathway training program, $3,200;

(c) If the student is enrolled in a tier three career pathway training program, $1,600.

(5) "Eligible institution" means any of the following:

(a) A community college established under Chapter 3354. of the Revised Code;

(b) A technical college established under Chapter 3357. of the Revised Code;

(c) A state community college established under Chapter 3358. of the Revised Code;

(d) An Ohio technical center recognized by the chancellor that provides post-secondary workforce education.

(6) "Eligible student" means an individual who is at least eighteen years of age and has not received a high school diploma or a certificate of high school equivalence, as defined in section 4109.06 of the Revised Code.

(7) A "tier one career pathway training program" is a career pathway training program that requires more than six hundred hours of technical training, as determined by the department of education and workforce.

(8) A "tier two career pathway training program" is a career pathway training program that requires more than three hundred hours of technical training but less than six hundred hours of technical training, as determined by the department.

(9) A "tier three career pathway training program" is a career pathway training program that requires three hundred hours or less of technical training, as determined by the department.

(10) An eligible student's "work readiness training amount" means the following:

(a) If the student's grade level upon initial enrollment in an approved program of study at an approved institution is below the ninth grade, as determined in accordance with rules adopted under division (E) of this section, $1,500.

(b) If the student's grade level upon initial enrollment in an approved program of study at an approved institution is at or above the ninth grade, as determined in accordance with rules adopted under division (E) of this section, $750.

(B) The adult diploma pilot program is hereby established to permit an eligible institution to obtain approval from the department of education and workforce and the chancellor to develop and offer a program of study that allows an eligible student to obtain a high school diploma. A program shall be eligible for this approval if it satisfies all of the following requirements:

(1) The program allows an eligible student to complete the requirements for obtaining a high school diploma that are specified in rules adopted under division (E) of this section while also completing requirements for an approved industry credential or certificate.

(2) The program includes career advising and outreach.

(3) The program includes opportunities for students to receive a competency-based education.

(C) Notwithstanding sections 3313.61, 3313.611, 3313.613, 3313.614, 3313.618, and 3313.619 of the Revised Code, the department shall grant a high school diploma to each eligible student who enrolls in an approved program of study at an approved institution and completes the requirements for obtaining a high school diploma that are specified in rules adopted under division (E) of this section.

(D)(1) The department shall calculate the following amount for each eligible student enrolled in each approved institution's approved program of study:

(The student's career pathway training program amount + the student's work readiness training amount) X 1.2

(2) Except as provided in division (D)(4) of this section, the department shall pay the amount calculated for an eligible student under division (D)(1) of this section to the approved institution in which the student is enrolled in the following manner:

(a) Twenty-five per cent of the amount calculated under division (D)(1) of this section shall be paid to the approved institution after the student successfully completes the first third of the approved program of study, as determined by the department;

(b) Twenty-five per cent of the amount calculated under division (D)(1) of this section shall be paid to the approved institution after the student successfully completes the second third of the approved program of study, as determined by the department;

(c) Fifty per cent of the amount calculated under division (D)(1) of this section shall be paid to the approved institution after the student successfully completes the final third of the approved program of study, as determined by the department.

(3) Of the amount paid to an approved institution under division (D)(2) of this section, the institution may use the amount that is in addition to the student's career pathway training amount and the student's work readiness training amount for the associated services of the approved program of study. These services include counseling, advising, assessment, and other services as determined or required by the department.

(4) If the department and the chancellor determine that it is appropriate for an entity other than the department to make full or partial payments for an eligible student under division (D)(2) of this section, that entity shall make those payments and the department shall not make those payments.

(E) The director of education and workforce, in consultation with the chancellor, shall adopt rules for the implementation of the adult diploma pilot program, including all of the following:

(1) The requirements for applying for program approval;

(2) The requirements for obtaining a high school diploma through the program, including the requirement to obtain a passing score on an assessment that is appropriate for the career pathway training program that is being completed by the eligible student, and the date on which these requirements take effect;

(3) The assessment or assessments that may be used to complete the assessment requirement for each career pathway training program under division (E)(2) of this section and the score that must be obtained on each assessment in order to pass the assessment;

(4) Guidelines regarding the funding of the program under division (D) of this section, including a method of funding for students who transfer from one approved institution to another approved institution prior to completing an approved program of study;

(5) Circumstances under which an eligible student may be charged for tuition, supplies, or associated fees while enrolled in an approved institution's approved program of study;

(6) A requirement that an eligible student may not be charged for tuition, supplies, or associated fees while enrolled in an approved institution's approved program of study except in the circumstances described under division (E)(5) of this section;

(7) The payment of federal funds that are to be used by approved programs of study at approved institutions.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 5:28 PM

Section 3313.903 | Measures of skill attainment.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

Except as otherwise required under federal law, the department of education and workforce shall consider an industry-recognized credential, as approved under section 3313.6113 of the Revised Code, or a license issued by a state agency or board for practice in a vocation that requires an examination for issuance of that license as an acceptable measure of technical skill attainment and shall not require a student with such credential or license to take additional technical assessments.

Additionally, the department shall not require a student who has participated in or will be participating in a credentialing assessment aligned to the student's career-technical education program or has participated in or will be participating in taking an examination for issuance of such a license aligned to the student's career-technical education program to take additional technical assessments.

However, if the student does not participate in the credentialing assessment or license examination, the student shall take the applicable technical assessments prescribed by the department.

The department shall develop, in consultation with the Ohio association for career and technical education, the Ohio association of career-technical superintendents, the Ohio association of city career-technical schools, and other stakeholders, procedures for identifying industry-recognized credentials and licenses aligned to a student's career-technical education program that can be used as an acceptable measure of technical skill, and for identifying students in the process of earning such credentials and licenses. The department shall consider the possibility of attaining college credit as a factor when identifying an acceptable measure of technical skill.

Not later than the thirty-first day of May of each year, the department shall, in consultation with the Ohio association for career and technical education, the Ohio association of career-technical superintendents, and the Ohio association of comprehensive and compact career-technical schools, update a list developed by the department regarding technical assessments subject to this section.

As used in this section, "technical assessments" shall not include the nationally recognized job skills assessment prescribed under division (F) of section 3301.0712 of the Revised Code.

Nothing in this section shall exempt a student who wishes to qualify for a high school diploma under division (A)(3) of section 3313.618 of the Revised Code from the requirement to attain a specified score on that assessment in order to qualify for a high school diploma under that section.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 5:28 PM

Section 3313.904 | Pre-apprenticeship training programs for career-technical education students.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

The department of education and workforce and the department of job and family services, in consultation with the governor's office of workforce transformation, shall establish an option for career-technical education students to participate in pre-apprenticeship training programs that impart the skills and knowledge needed for successful participation in a registered apprenticeship occupation course.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 5:29 PM

Section 3313.905 | Ohio code-scholar pilot program.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) Southern state community college shall establish and maintain, for a period of five years, the Ohio code-scholar pilot program to address technical workforce needs.

(B) Not later than July 31, 2021, southern state community college shall appoint a program coordinator who shall be responsible for all of the following, as well as any other responsibilities as determined by the southern state community college board of trustees:

(1) Form a coalition and act as the liaison between southern state community college and the coalition to develop the pilot program.

The coalition shall include members from the following:

(a) The department of education and workforce;

(b) Educators in grades kindergarten through twelve;

(c) Career technical education staff;

(d) Educational service center staff;

(e) Representatives of post-secondary institutions in the areas in which the pilot program is operating;

(f) Federally and state-funded research organizations, as determined by the southern state community college board of trustees and the program coordinator;

(g) Local businesses in the areas in which the pilot program is operating, as determined by the southern state community college board of trustees and the program coordinator.

(2) In collaboration with the coalition, as described in division (B)(1) of this section, develop a curriculum for grades seven through twelve to be utilized by the pilot program that focuses on industry standards in the field of computer sciences, including coding, and is divided as follows:

(a) For grades seven and eight, a focus on career exploration, career readiness initiatives, and an introduction to coding and computer sciences;

(b) For grades nine through twelve, a focus on intermediate and advanced coding, computer sciences, and the potential for industry level credentialing.

(3) Submit an annual report to southern state community college regarding the progress and implementation of the pilot program;

(4) Determine the manner in which the pilot program shall recruit school districts and other participants for the fall of 2021 from the following counties:

(a) Southern Ohio, specifically, Fayette, Clinton, Adams, and Highland counties;

(b) Brown county;

(c) Pike county.

(5) Develop a structured timeline by which the pilot program shall operate over the five-year period, with full administration beginning in the fall of 2022;

(6) Determine the manner in which to incorporate the college credit plus program as established under Chapter 3365. of the Revised Code within the pilot program;

(7) In collaboration with the designated department, advisor, and instructor, as appointed by southern state community college, develop a system for the articulation of credits earned under the pilot program and align them into a for-credit program at southern state community college;

(8) Act as fiscal operator of the pilot program.

(C) Upon completion of the pilot program, southern state community college, in collaboration with the program coordinator, shall submit a full report and any legislative recommendations to the General Assembly, in accordance with section 101.68 of the Revised Code, regarding the outcomes of the pilot program.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 5:29 PM

Section 3313.906 | [Enacted as R.C. 3313.905 by S.B. 166, 134th General Assembly and recodified as R.C. 3313.906 pursuant to R.C. 103.131] Career-technical remote or digital learning.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section, "digital learning" has the same meaning as in section 3301.079 of the Revised Code.

(B) The department of education and workforce shall permit each career-technical education program approved under section 3317.161 of the Revised Code to provide remote or digital learning opportunities to students on a full-time or hybrid basis to the extent practicable.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 5:30 PM

Section 3313.91 | Contract to purchase vocational education or vocational rehabilitation service.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

Notwithstanding division (D) of section 3311.19 and division (D) of section 3311.52 of the Revised Code, the provisions of this section and section 3313.911 of the Revised Code that apply to a city school district do not apply to any joint vocational or cooperative education school district unless otherwise specified.

The board of education of any city, local, exempted village, or joint vocational school district may contract with any public agency, board, or bureau, or with any private individual or firm for the purchase of any vocational education or vocational rehabilitation service for any resident of the district under the age of twenty-one years and may pay for such services with public funds. Any such vocational education or vocational rehabilitation service shall meet the same requirements, including those for teachers, facilities, and equipment, as those required of the public schools and be approved by the department of education and workforce.

The department may assign city, local, or exempted village school districts to joint vocational districts and pursuant to the department's rules, shall require such districts to enter into contractual agreements pursuant to section 3313.90 of the Revised Code so that special education students as well as others may receive suitable vocational services. Such rules shall prescribe a formula under which the district that contracts to receive the services agrees to pay an annual fee to the district providing the vocational education program. The amount of the fee shall be computed in accordance with a formula prescribed by the department's rule, but the rule shall permit the director of education and workforce to prescribe a lower fee than the amount required to be paid by the formula in cases where the director determines either that the approved vocational course offerings of the district that is to pay the fee are of sufficient breadth to warrant a lower annual fee, or that the situation warrants a lower annual fee.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 5:31 PM

Section 3313.911 | Assigning district to a joint vocational district.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

The department of education and workforce may assign a city, exempted village, or local school district that is not a part of a joint vocational school district to membership in a joint vocational school district. The department shall notify the board of education of the joint vocational school district and the board of education of the district proposed to be assigned of the assignment. The board of education of the joint vocational school district shall advertise the assignment in a newspaper of general circulation in the district proposed to be assigned once each week for two weeks, or as provided in section 7.16 of the Revised Code, immediately following the certification of the assignment to the board. The assignment shall take effect on the ninety-first day after the department notifies the board, unless prior to that date qualified electors residing in the school district proposed for assignment, equal in number to ten per cent of the qualified electors of that district voting at the last general election, file a petition against the assignment.

The petition of referendum shall be filed with the treasurer of the board of education of the district proposed to be assigned to the joint vocational school district. The treasurer shall give the person presenting the petition a receipt showing the time of day, date, and purpose of the petition. The treasurer shall cause the board of elections to determine the sufficiency of signatures on the petition and if the signatures are found to be sufficient, shall present the petition to the board of education of the district. The board of education shall promptly certify the question to the board of elections for the purpose of having the question placed on the ballot at the next general, primary, or special election not earlier than sixty days after the date of the certification.

Only those qualified electors residing in the district proposed for assignment to the joint vocational school district are qualified to vote on the question. If a majority of the electors voting on the question vote against the assignment, it shall not take place, and the department shall require the district to contract with the joint vocational school district or another school district as authorized by section 3313.91 of the Revised Code.

If a majority of the electors voting on the question do not vote against the assignment, the assignment shall take immediate effect, and the board of education of the joint vocational school district shall notify the county auditor of the county in which the school district becoming a part of the joint vocational school district is located to have any outstanding levy of the joint vocational school district spread over the territory of the school district that has become a part of the joint vocational school district.

The assignment of a school district to a joint vocational school district pursuant to this section is subject to any agreements made between the board of education of the assigned school district and the board of education of the joint vocational school district. Such an agreement may include provisions for a payment by the assigned school district to the joint vocational school district of an amount to be contributed toward the cost of the existing facilities of the joint vocational school district.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 5:31 PM

Section 3313.92 | Joint school building projects.

• Effective: October 24, 2024
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 168 - 135th General Assembly

(A) The boards of education of any two or more school districts may, subject to the approval of the department of education and workforce, enter into agreements for the joint or cooperative construction, acquisition, or improvement of any building, structure, or facility benefiting the parties thereto, including, without limitation, schools and classrooms for the purpose of Chapter 3323. of the Revised Code, and for the management, operation, occupancy, use, maintenance, or repair thereof, or for the joint or cooperative participation in programs, projects, activities, or services in connection with such buildings, structures, or facilities, including participation in the Ohio education computer network established by section 3301.075 of the Revised Code.

(B) Any agreement entered into under authority of this section shall, where appropriate, provide for:

(1) The method by which the building, structure, or facility shall be constructed, acquired, or improved and by which it shall be managed, occupied, maintained, and repaired, and specifically a designation of one of the boards of education to take and have exclusive charge of any and all details of construction, acquisition, or improvement, including any advertising for bids and the award of any construction or improvement contract pursuant to the law applicable to such board of education;

(2) The manner in which the title to the buildings, structures, or facilities, including the sites and interests in real estate necessary therefor, is to be held by one or more of such boards of education;

(3) The management or administration of any such programs, projects, activities, services, or joint exercise of powers, which may include management or administration by one of said boards of education;

(4) The manner of apportionment or sharing of all of the costs, or specified classes of costs, including without limitation costs of planning, construction, acquisition, improvement, management, operation, maintenance, or repair of such buildings, structures, or facilities, or of planning and conducting such programs or projects, or obtaining such services, which apportionment or sharing may be based on fixed amounts, or on ratios or formulas, or affected through tuitions to be contributed by the parties or in such manner therein provided.

(C) Any agreement entered into under authority of this section may provide for:

(1) An orderly process for making determinations as to planning, execution, implementation, and operation, which may include provisions for a committee, board, or commission, and for representation thereon;

(2) Securing necessary personnel, including participation of teachers and other personnel from the respective school districts;

(3) Standards or conditions for the admission or participation of students and others, including students from other school districts;

(4) Conditions for admittance of other school districts to participation under the agreement;

(5) Fixing or establishing the method of determining special charges to be made for particular services or materials;

(6) The manner of amending, supplementing, terminating, or withdrawal or removal of any party from, the agreement, and the term of the agreement or an indefinite term;

(7) Designation of the applicants for or recipients of any state, federal, or other aid, assistance, or loans available by reason of any activities conducted under the agreement;

(8) Designation of one or more of the participating boards of education to maintain, prepare, and submit, on behalf of all parties to the agreement, any or all records and reports with regard to the activities conducted under the agreement, including without limitation those required under sections 3313.50, 3319.32 to 3319.37, 3321.12, 3323.08, and 3323.13 of the Revised Code;

(9) Such other matters as the parties thereto may agree upon for the purposes of division (A) of this section.

(D) For the purpose of paying or contributing its share under an agreement made under this section, a board of education may:

(1) Appropriate any moneys from its general fund, and from any other funds not otherwise restricted by law, including funds for permanent improvements of such board of education where the contribution is to be made toward the cost of permanent improvements under the agreement;

(2) Issue bonds, and notes in anticipation thereof, under Chapter 133. and section 3311.20 of the Revised Code for any permanent improvement, as defined in section 133.01 of the Revised Code, to be provided under such agreement;

(3) Levy taxes, and issue notes in anticipation thereof, under Chapters 3311. and 5705. of the Revised Code pertaining to such board of education, provided that the purpose of such levy may include the provision of funds for either or both permanent improvements and current operating expenses required as the share of such board of education under such agreement;

(4) Contribute real and personal property for use under such agreement without necessity for competitive bidding on disposition of such property.

(E) Funds provided by the parties to an agreement entered into under this section, whether by appropriation, the levy of taxes, the issuance of bonds or notes, or otherwise, shall be transferred to and placed in a separate fund or funds of such participating board of education as is designated the fiscal agent for such purpose under the agreement, shall be appropriated to and shall be applied for the purposes provided in such agreement, and shall be subject to audit and, pursuant to any determinations to be made as provided under such agreement, shall be deposited, invested, and disbursed under the provisions of law applicable to the board of education in whose custody those funds are held; and the records and reports of such board of education under Chapter 117. of the Revised Code with respect to those funds shall be sufficient without necessity for reports thereon by the other boards of education participating under such agreement.

(F) As used in this section, "construction, acquisition, or improvement of any building, structure, or facility" also includes acquisition of real estate and interests in real estate therefor, site improvements, and furniture, furnishings, and equipment therefor. Buildings, structures, or facilities constructed, acquired, or improved under this section may, subject to the agreement, be used for any lawful purpose by each party so long as the use thereof is an authorized proper use for that party.

(G) Any agreement entered into under this section shall be subject to any laws hereafter enacted making express reference therein to this section and requiring the transfer of any functions exercised or properties held under such agreement to any public officer, board, or body heretofore or hereafter established, or requiring the termination of such agreement, or otherwise affecting the agreement.

(H) The powers granted in this section are supplementary to, and not in derogation of or restriction upon, all other powers of boards of education of school districts, and are to be liberally construed to permit the achievement of the objectives of this section and to permit the boards of education to take advantage of federal grant and loan programs, provided that the exercise of such powers shall be subject to such audit and regulation as would be applicable if exercised under any other provision of the Revised Code.

Last updated August 15, 2024 at 4:47 PM

Section 3313.93 | Occupational work adjustment laboratory - student wages.

• Effective: June 23, 1970
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 357 - 108th General Assembly

A board of education operating an occupational work adjustment laboratory in which students work to produce items on a contract basis for public agencies, private individuals, or firms may pay wages to such students as may be determined by the board. Such students shall not be considered employees of the board for the purposes of Chapters 3309., 3319., 4123., and 4141. of the Revised Code, or for any other purpose under state or federal law.

Section 3313.941 | Racial data collection for students to include multiracial category.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section, "state agency" means every organized body, office, or agency established by the laws or constitution of this state for the exercise of any function of state government.

(B) Whenever a school district board of education collects racial data for the students enrolled in the school district or whenever the department of education and workforce or any other state agency collects or requires the collection and reporting of racial data for students enrolled in any chartered public or nonpublic school, the data collection shall include a multiracial category.

For the purpose of reporting student racial data required by the federal government, if the federal standards for reporting student racial data do not include a multiracial category, both of the following apply:

(1) Students identified as multiracial for state or district purposes also shall be identified by an appropriate federal category.

(2) The parent, guardian, or custodian of each student shall have the opportunity to designate the appropriate federal racial category for the student.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 5:33 PM

Section 3313.95 | Contract for police officer to assist in working with students concerning use of alcohol and drugs of abuse.

• Effective: October 29, 1996
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 230 - 121st General Assembly

The board of education of any school district and the board of trustees of a township, the legislative authority of a municipal corporation, or the county sheriff of a county that includes part of the district's territory may enter into a contract under which the trustees, legislative authority, or sheriff assign one or more police officers employed by that political subdivision's police force to one or more of the school district's schools upon such terms and conditions as are set forth in the contract.

The contract shall specify the police officer's duties, which shall be limited to assisting guidance counselors and teachers in working with students concerning the use of alcohol and drugs of abuse, and which shall not include any duties for which an educator license issued under sections 3319.22 to 3319.30 of the Revised Code is required. The contract shall also specify the amount to be paid to the township, municipal corporation, or county by the board of education as compensation for all or part of the salary and benefits of any police officer assigned to its schools in accordance with such contract.

Section 3313.951 | Qualifications for school resource officers.

• Effective: March 24, 2021
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 123 - 133rd General Assembly

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Law enforcement agency" has the same meaning as in section 149.435 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Peace officer" has the same meaning as in division (A)(1) of section 109.71 of the Revised Code.

(3) "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 section.

(B)(1) A school resource officer who provides services to a school district or school on or after November 2, 2018, shall, except as described in division (B)(2) of this section, satisfy both of the following conditions:

(a) Complete a basic training program approved by the Ohio peace officer training commission, as described in division (B)(1) of section 109.77 of the Revised Code;

(b) Complete at least forty hours of school resource officer training within one year after appointment to provide those services through one of the following entities, as approved by the Ohio peace officer training commission:

(i) The national association of school resource officers;

(ii) The Ohio school resource officer association;

(iii) The Ohio peace officer training academy.

(2) A school resource officer who is appointed to provide services to a school district or school prior to November 2, 2018, shall be exempt from compliance with the training requirements prescribed in division (B)(1)(b) of this section.

(3) A certified training program provided by an entity described in division (B)(1)(b) of this section shall include instruction regarding skills, tactics, and strategies necessary to address the specific nature of all of the following:

(a) School campuses;

(b) School building security needs and characteristics;

(c) The nuances of law enforcement functions conducted inside a school environment, including:

(i) Understanding the psychological and physiological characteristics consistent with the ages of the students in the assigned building or buildings;

(ii) Understanding the appropriate role of school resource officers regarding discipline and reducing the number of referrals to juvenile court; and

(iii) Understanding the use of developmentally appropriate interview, interrogation, de-escalation, and behavior management strategies.

(d) The mechanics of being a positive role model for youth, including appropriate communication techniques which enhance interactions between the school resource officer and students;

(e) Providing assistance on topics such as classroom management tools to provide law-related education to students and methods for managing the behaviors sometimes associated with educating children with special needs;

(f) The mechanics of the laws regarding compulsory attendance, as set forth in Chapter 3321. of the Revised Code;

(g) Identifying the trends in drug use, eliminating the instance of drug use, and encouraging a drug-free environment in schools.

(4) The Ohio peace officer training commission shall adopt rules, in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, for the approval of school resource officer training provided by an entity described in division (B)(1)(b) of this section.

(C)(1) If a school district decides to utilize school resource officer services, the school district and the appropriate law enforcement agency shall first enter into a memorandum of understanding that clarifies the purpose of the school resource officer program and roles and expectations between the participating entities. If a school district is already utilizing school resource officer services on November 2, 2018, the school district and the law enforcement agency shall enter into a memorandum of understanding within one year after November 2, 2018.

(2) Each memorandum of understanding shall address the following items:

(a) Clearly defined set of goals for the school resource officer program;

(b) Background requirements or suggested expertise for employing law enforcement in the school setting, including an understanding of child and adolescent development;

(c) Professional development, including training requirements that focus on age-appropriate practices for conflict resolution and developmentally informed de-escalation and crisis intervention methods;

(d) Clearly defined roles, responsibilities, and expectations of the parties involved, including school resource officers, law enforcement, school administrators, staff, and teachers;

(e) A protocol for how suspected criminal activity versus school discipline is to be handled;

(f) The requirement for coordinated crisis planning and updating of school crisis plans;

(g) Any other discretionary items determined by the parties to foster a school resource officer program that builds positive relationships between law enforcement, school staff, and the students, promotes a safe and positive learning environment, and decreases the number of youth formally referred to the juvenile justice system.

(3) A school district, through its school administration, may give students an opportunity to provide input during the drafting process of any memorandum of understanding being entered into pursuant to division (C) of this section.

(D)(1) In accordance with the requirements prescribed in this section, a school resource officer may work in one or more school districts or schools providing the following services:

(a) Assistance with adoption, implementation, and amendment of the comprehensive emergency management plan required under section 5502.262 of the Revised Code;

(b) Carrying out any additional responsibilities assigned to the school resource officer under the employment engagement, contract, or memorandum of understanding, including but not limited to:

(i) Providing a safe learning environment;

(ii) Providing valuable resources to school staff members;

(iii) Fostering positive relationships with students and staff;

(iv) Developing strategies to resolve problems affecting youth and protecting all students.

(2) A school resource officer shall consult with local law enforcement officials and first responders when assisting a school district's administrator in the development of a comprehensive emergency management plan.

(E) The school district or school administrator shall have final decision-making authority regarding all matters of school discipline.

Section 3313.96 | Informational programs relative to missing children - fingerprinting program.

• Effective: September 29, 1995
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 117 - 121st General Assembly

(A) As used in this section, "minor," "missing child," and "missing children" have the same meanings as in section 2901.30 of the Revised Code.

(B) Each board of education shall develop within its district informational programs for students, parents, and community members relative to missing children issues and matters. Each of these boards may request copies of the informational materials acquired or prepared by the missing children clearinghouse pursuant to section 109.65 of the Revised Code and may request assistance from the clearinghouse in developing its programs.

The principal or chief administrative officer of a nonpublic school in this state may develop within his school informational programs relative to missing children issues and matters for students, parents, and community members. The principal or officer may request copies of the informational materials acquired or prepared by the missing children clearinghouse and may request assistance from the clearinghouse in developing its programs.

(C) Each board of education may develop a fingerprinting program for students and minors within the district. The principal or chief administrative officer of a nonpublic school in this state may develop a fingerprinting program for students of the school. If developed, the program shall be developed in conjunction with law enforcement agencies having jurisdiction within the school district or where the nonpublic school is located and, in the case of a local school district, in conjunction with the governing board of the educational service center. Such law enforcement agencies shall cooperate fully with the board or nonpublic school in the development of its fingerprinting program.

If developed, the fingerprinting program shall be developed for the sole purpose of providing a means by which a missing child might be located or identified and shall be operated on the following basis:

(1) No student or minor shall be required to participate in the program.

(2) In order for a student or minor to participate in the program, the parents, parent who is the residential parent and legal custodian, guardian, legal custodian, or other person responsible for the student or minor shall authorize the student's or minor's participation by signing a form that shall be developed by the board of education or by the principal or chief administrative officer of the nonpublic school, for the program.

(3) The fingerprinting of students or minors shall be performed by members of the associated law enforcement agencies on fingerprint sheets provided to the school districts or nonpublic schools by the bureau of criminal identification and investigation pursuant to section 109.58 of the Revised Code or on fingerprint sheets or cards otherwise acquired.

(4) All fingerprint cards shall be given to the parents, parent who is the residential parent and legal custodian, guardian, legal custodian, or other person responsible for a student or minor after the fingerprinting of the student or minor. No copy of a fingerprinting shall be retained by a law enforcement agency, school, school district, or any other person except the student or minor's parent, guardian, or legal custodian.

(5) The name, sex, hair and eye color, height, weight, and date and place of birth of the student or minor shall be indicated on the fingerprint sheet or card.

(6) The fingerprinting program developed pursuant to this section shall be offered on a periodic basis. Parents, guardians, legal custodians, and residents of the districts or in the communities served by the schools shall be notified periodically of the program and its purpose. These notifications may be given by means of memoranda or letters sent to these persons, by newspaper articles, or by other reasonable means.

(D) This section does not affect any fingerprinting programs for minors that are provided by private organizations or governmental entities other than school districts.

Section 3313.97 | Alternative school open enrollment policy procedures.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

Notwithstanding division (D) of section 3311.19 and division (D) of section 3311.52 of the Revised Code, this section does not apply to any joint vocational or cooperative education school district.

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Parent" has the same meaning as in section 3313.64 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Alternative school" means a school building other than the one to which a student is assigned by the district superintendent.

(3) "IEP" has the same meaning as in section 3323.01 of the Revised Code.

(B) The board of education of each city, local, and exempted village school district shall adopt an open enrollment policy allowing students entitled to attend school in the district pursuant to section 3313.64 or 3313.65 of the Revised Code to enroll in an alternative school. Each policy shall provide for the following:

(1) Application procedures, including deadlines for application and for notification of students and principals of alternative schools whenever a student's application is accepted. The policy shall require a student to apply only if the student wishes to attend an alternative school.

(2) The establishment of district capacity limits by grade level, school building, and education program;

(3) A requirement that students enrolled in a school building or living in any attendance area of the school building established by the superintendent or board be given preference over applicants;

(4) Procedures to ensure that an appropriate racial balance is maintained in the district schools.

Each policy may permit a student to permanently transfer to an alternative school so that the student need not reapply annually for permission to attend the alternative school.

(C) Except as provided in section 3313.982 of the Revised Code, the procedures for admitting applicants to alternative schools shall not include:

(1) Any requirement of academic ability, or any level of athletic, artistic, or other extracurricular skills;

(2) Limitations on admitting applicants because of disabling conditions, except that a board may require a student receiving services under Chapter 3323. of the Revised Code to attend school where the services described in the student's IEP are available;

(3) A requirement that the student be proficient in the English language;

(4) Rejection of any applicant because the student has been subject to disciplinary proceedings, except that if an applicant has been suspended or expelled for ten consecutive days or more in the term for which admission is sought or in the term immediately preceding the term for which admission is sought, the procedures may include a provision denying admission of such applicant to an alternative school.

(D)(1) Notwithstanding Chapter 3327. of the Revised Code, and except as provided in division (D)(2) of this section, a district board is not required to provide transportation to a nondisabled student enrolled in an alternative school unless such student can be picked up and dropped off at a regular school bus stop designated in accordance with the board's transportation policy or unless the board is required to provide additional transportation to the student in accordance with a court-approved desegregation plan.

(2) A district board shall provide transportation to any student described in 20 U.S.C. 6316(b)(1)(F) to the extent required by division (D) of section 3302.04 of the Revised Code, except that no district board shall be required to provide transportation to any such student after the school in which the student was enrolled immediately prior to enrolling in the alternative school makes adequate yearly progress, as defined in section 3302.01 of the Revised Code, for two consecutive school years.

(E) Each school board shall provide information about the policy adopted under this section and the application procedures and deadlines to the parent of each student in the district and to the general public.

(F) The department of education and workforce shall monitor school districts to ensure compliance with this section and the districts' policies.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 5:33 PM

Section 3313.974 | Pilot project scholarship program definitions.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

As used in this section and in sections 3313.975 to 3313.979 of the Revised Code:

(A) "Individualized education program" and "child with a disability" have the same meanings as in section 3323.01 of the Revised Code.

(B) "Separately educated student with a disability" means a child with a disability who has an individualized education program providing for the student to spend at least half of each school day in a class or setting separated from nondisabled students.

(C) "Low-income family" means a family whose income is below the level which the department of education and workforce shall establish.

(D) "Parent" has the same meaning as in section 3313.98 of the Revised Code.

(E) "Registered private school" means a school registered with the director of education and workforce pursuant to section 3313.976 of the Revised Code.

(F) "Alternative school" means a registered private school located in a school district or a public school located in an adjacent school district.

(G) "Tutorial assistance" means instructional services provided to a student outside of regular school hours approved by the commission on school choice pursuant to section 3313.976 of the Revised Code.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 5:34 PM

Section 3313.975 | Pilot project scholarship program.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

As used in this section and in sections 3313.976 to 3313.979 of the Revised Code, "the pilot project school district" or "the district" means any school district included in the pilot project scholarship program pursuant to this section.

(A) The director of education and workforce shall implement the pilot project scholarship program and shall include in such program any school districts that are or have ever been under federal court order requiring supervision and operational management of the district by the state superintendent or director. The program shall provide for a number of students residing in any such district to receive scholarships to attend alternative schools, and for an equal number of students to receive tutorial assistance grants while attending public school in any such district.

(B) The director shall establish an application process and deadline for accepting applications from students residing in the district to participate in the scholarship program. In the initial year of the program students may only use a scholarship to attend school in grades kindergarten through third.

The director shall award as many scholarships and tutorial assistance grants as can be funded given the amount appropriated for the program.

(C)(1) The pilot project program shall continue in effect each year that the general assembly has appropriated sufficient money to fund scholarships and tutorial assistance grants. In each year the program continues, new students may receive scholarships in grades kindergarten to twelve. A student who has received a scholarship may continue to receive one until the student has completed grade twelve.

(2) If the general assembly discontinues the scholarship program, all students who are attending an alternative school under the pilot project shall be entitled to continued admittance to that specific school through all grades that are provided in such school, under the same conditions as when they were participating in the pilot project. The director shall continue to make scholarship payments in accordance with section 3317.022 of the Revised Code for students who remain enrolled in an alternative school under this provision in any year that funds have been appropriated for this purpose.

If funds are not appropriated, the tuition charged to the parents of a student who remains enrolled in an alternative school under this provision shall not be increased beyond the amount equal to the amount of the scholarship plus any additional amount charged that student's parent in the most recent year of attendance as a participant in the pilot project, except that tuition for all the students enrolled in such school may be increased by the same percentage.

(D) Notwithstanding sections 124.39 and 3311.83 of the Revised Code, if the pilot project school district experiences a decrease in enrollment due to participation in a state-sponsored scholarship program pursuant to sections 3313.974 to 3313.979 of the Revised Code, the district board of education may enter into an agreement with any teacher it employs to provide to that teacher severance pay or early retirement incentives, or both, if the teacher agrees to terminate the employment contract with the district board, provided any collective bargaining agreement in force pursuant to Chapter 4117. of the Revised Code does not prohibit such an agreement for termination of a teacher's employment contract.

(E) Except as provided for in division (C)(2) of section 3365.07 of the Revised Code, the director shall not require the parent of a student who applies for or receives a scholarship under the pilot project program to complete any kind of income verification regarding the student's family income.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 5:35 PM

Section 3313.976 | Registering school.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) No private school may receive scholarship payments from parents pursuant to section 3317.022 of the Revised Code until the chief administrator of the private school registers the school with the director of education and workforce. The director shall register any school that meets the following requirements:

(1) The school indicates in writing its commitment to follow all requirements for a state-sponsored scholarship program specified under sections 3313.974 to 3313.979 of the Revised Code, including, but not limited to, the requirements for admitting students pursuant to section 3313.977 of the Revised Code;

(2) The school meets all state minimum standards for chartered nonpublic schools in effect on July 1, 1992, except that the director at the director's discretion may register nonchartered nonpublic schools meeting the other requirements of this division;

(3) The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, or ethnic background;

(4) The school enrolls a minimum of ten students per class or a sum of at least twenty-five students in all the classes offered;

(5) The school does not advocate or foster unlawful behavior or teach hatred of any person or group on the basis of race, ethnicity, national origin, or religion;

(6) The school does not provide false or misleading information about the school to parents, students, or the general public;

(7) For students in grades kindergarten through eight with family incomes at or below two hundred per cent of the federal poverty guidelines, as defined in section 5101.46 of the Revised Code, the school agrees not to charge any tuition in excess of the scholarship amount established pursuant to division (A)(11)(a) of section 3317.022 of the Revised Code, excluding any increase described in that division.

(8) For students in grades kindergarten through eight with family incomes above two hundred per cent of the federal poverty guidelines, whose scholarship amounts are less than the actual tuition charge of the school, the school agrees not to charge any tuition in excess of the difference between the actual tuition charge of the school and the scholarship amount established pursuant to division (A)(11)(a) of section 3317.022 of the Revised Code, excluding any increase described in that division. The school shall permit such tuition, at the discretion of the parent, to be satisfied by the family's provision of in-kind contributions or services.

(9) The school agrees not to charge any tuition to families of students in grades nine through twelve receiving a scholarship in excess of the actual tuition charge of the school less the scholarship amount established pursuant to division (A)(11)(a) of section 3317.022 of the Revised Code, excluding any increase described in that division.

(10) It annually administers the applicable assessments prescribed by section 3301.0710, 3301.0712, or 3313.619 of the Revised Code to each scholarship student enrolled in the school in accordance with section 3301.0711 or 3301.0712 of the Revised Code and reports to the department of education the results of each such assessment administered to each scholarship student, unless one of the following applies to the student:

(a) The student is excused from taking that assessment under federal law, the student's individualized education program, or division (C)(1)(c)(i) of section 3301.0711 of the Revised Code.

(b) The student is enrolled in a chartered nonpublic school that meets the conditions specified in division (K)(2) or (L)(4) of section 3301.0711 of the Revised Code.

(c) The student is enrolled in any of grades three to eight and takes an alternative standardized assessment under division (K)(1) of section 3301.0711 of the Revised Code.

(d) The student is excused from taking the assessment prescribed under division (B)(1) of section 3301.0712 of the Revised Code pursuant to division (C)(1)(c)(ii) of section 3301.0711 of the Revised Code.

(B) The director shall revoke the registration of any school if, after a hearing, the director determines that the school is in violation of any of the provisions of division (A) of this section.

(C) Any public school located in a school district adjacent to the pilot project school district may receive scholarship payments on behalf of parents pursuant to section 3317.022 of the Revised Code if the superintendent of the district in which such public school is located notifies the director prior to the first day of March that the district intends to admit students from the pilot project school district for the ensuing school year pursuant to section 3327.06 of the Revised Code.

(D) Any parent wishing to purchase tutorial assistance from any person or governmental entity pursuant to the pilot project program under sections 3313.974 to 3313.979 of the Revised Code shall apply to the director. The director shall approve providers who appear to possess the capability of furnishing the instructional services they are offering to provide.

(E) On and after July 1, 2024, the director shall not require the parent of a student to submit a complete copy of the parent's federal income tax return, or a return filed under section 5747.08 of the Revised Code, to determine a student's family income for the purposes of the pilot project scholarship program. Rather, the director may require a parent to submit a partial federal income tax return, or a return filed under section 5747.08 of the Revised Code, that only contains the minimum amount of information necessary to determine a student's family income.

(F) Not later than the thirtieth day of June of each year, each private school registered under this section shall submit to the director of education and workforce, in a form and manner prescribed by the director, the tuition rates charged by the school for the following school year.

Last updated July 31, 2023 at 5:35 PM

Section 3313.977 | Priorities for admission of students.

• Effective: September 29, 2007
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 119 - 127th General Assembly

(A)(1) Each registered private school shall admit students to kindergarten and first, second, and third grades in accordance with the following priorities:

(a) Students who were enrolled in the school during the preceding year;

(b) Siblings of students enrolled in the school during the preceding year, at the discretion of the school;

(c) Children from low-income families attending school or residing in the school district in which the school is located until the number of such students in each grade equals the number that constituted twenty per cent of the total number of students enrolled in the school during the preceding year in such grade. Admission of such twenty per cent shall be by lot from among all low-income family applicants who apply prior to the fifteenth day of February prior to admission.

(d) All other applicants residing anywhere, provided that all remaining available spaces shall be filled from among such applicants by lot.

Children from low-income families not selected by lot under division (A)(1)(c) of this section shall be included in the lottery of all remaining applicants pursuant to division (A)(1)(d) of this section.

(2) Each registered private school shall first admit to grades four through twelve students who were enrolled in the school during the preceding year. Any remaining spaces for students in these grades may be filled as determined by the school.

(B) Notwithstanding division (A) of this section, except where otherwise prohibited by federal law, a registered private school may elect to admit students of only one gender and may deny admission to any separately educated student with a disability.

(C) If a scholarship student who has been accepted in accordance with this section fails to enroll in the school for any reason or withdraws from the school during the school year for any reason, the school may elect to replace such student with another scholarship student only by first offering the admission to any low-income scholarship students who filed applications by the preceding fifteenth day of February and who were not accepted at that time due to space limitations.

Section 3313.978 | Scholarship use and implementation; tutorial assistance grants.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) Annually by the first day of November, the director of education and workforce shall notify the pilot project school district of the number of initial scholarships that the director will be awarding in each of grades kindergarten through twelve.

The director shall provide information about the scholarship program to all students residing in the district and shall accept applications from any such students during the application period established under division (H) of this section.

(1) A student receiving a pilot project scholarship may utilize it at an alternative public school by notifying the district superintendent, of the name of the public school in an adjacent school district to which the student has been accepted pursuant to section 3327.06 of the Revised Code.

(2) A student may decide to utilize a pilot project scholarship at a registered private school in the district if all of the following conditions are met:

(a) The parent makes an application on behalf of the student to a registered private school.

(b) The registered private school notifies the parent and the director as follows that the student has been admitted:

(i) By the school pursuant to division (A) of section 3313.977 of the Revised Code;

(ii) By the school pursuant to division (C) of section 3313.977 of the Revised Code.

(c) The student actually enrolls in the registered private school to which the student was first admitted or in another registered private school or in a public school in an adjacent school district.

(B) The director of education and workforce shall also award in any school year tutorial assistance grants to a number of students equal to the number of students who receive scholarships under division (A) of this section. Tutorial assistance grants shall be awarded solely to students who are enrolled in the public schools of the district in a grade level covered by the pilot project. Tutorial assistance grants may be used solely to obtain tutorial assistance from a provider approved pursuant to division (D) of section 3313.976 of the Revised Code.

All students wishing to obtain tutorial assistance grants shall make application to the director by the first day of the school year in which the assistance will be used. The director shall award assistance grants in accordance with criteria the director shall establish.

(C) In the case of tutorial assistance grants, the grant amount shall not exceed the lesser of the provider's actual charges for such assistance or:

(1) Before fiscal year 2007, a percentage established by the director, not to exceed twenty per cent, of the amount of the pilot project school district's average basic scholarship amount;

(2) In fiscal year 2007 and thereafter, four hundred dollars.

(D)(1) Annually by the first day of November, the director shall estimate the maximum per-pupil scholarship amounts for the ensuing school year. The director shall make this estimate available to the general public at the offices of the district board of education together with the forms required by division (D)(2) of this section.

(2) Annually by the fifteenth day of January, the chief administrator of each registered private school, and the principal of each public school in the pilot project district, shall complete a parental information form and forward it to the president of the board of education. The parental information form shall be prescribed by the department of education and workforce and shall provide information about the grade levels offered, the numbers of students, tuition amounts, achievement test results, and any sectarian or other organizational affiliations.

(E)(1) Only for the purpose of administering the pilot project scholarship program, the department may request from any of the following entities the data verification code assigned under division (D)(2) of section 3301.0714 of the Revised Code to any student who is seeking a scholarship under the program:

(a) The school district in which the student is entitled to attend school under section 3313.64 or 3313.65 of the Revised Code;

(b) If applicable, the community school in which the student is enrolled;

(c) The independent contractor engaged to create and maintain data verification codes.

(2) Upon a request by the department under division (E)(1) of this section for the data verification code of a student seeking a scholarship or a request by the student's parent for that code, the school district or community school shall submit that code to the department or parent in the manner specified by the department. If the student has not been assigned a code, because the student will be entering kindergarten during the school year for which the scholarship is sought, the district shall assign a code to that student and submit the code to the department or parent by a date specified by the department. If the district does not assign a code to the student by the specified date, the department shall assign a code to the student.

The department annually shall submit to each school district the name and data verification code of each student residing in the district who is entering kindergarten, who has been awarded a scholarship under the program, and for whom the department has assigned a code under this division.

(3) The department shall not release any data verification code that it receives under division (E) of this section to any person except as provided by law.

(F) Any document relative to the pilot project scholarship program that the department holds in its files that contains both a student's name or other personally identifiable information and the student's data verification code shall not be a public record under section 149.43 of the Revised Code.

(G)(1) The department annually shall compile the scores attained by scholarship students enrolled in registered private schools on the assessments administered to the students pursuant to division (A)(10) of section 3313.976 of the Revised Code. The scores shall be aggregated as follows:

(a) By school district, which shall include all scholarship students residing in the pilot project school district who are enrolled in a registered private school and were required to take an assessment pursuant to division (A)(10) of section 3313.976 of the Revised Code;

(b) By registered private school, which shall include all scholarship students enrolled in that school who were required to take an assessment pursuant to division (A)(10) of section 3313.976 of the Revised Code.

(2) The department shall disaggregate the student performance data described in division (G)(1) of this section according to the following categories:

(a) Grade level;

(b) Race and ethnicity;

(c) Gender;

(d) Students who have participated in the scholarship program for three or more years;

(e) Students who have participated in the scholarship program for more than one year and less than three years;

(f) Students who have participated in the scholarship program for one year or less;

(g) Economically disadvantaged students.

(3) The department shall post the student performance data required under divisions (G)(1) and (2) of this section on its web site and shall include that data in the information about the scholarship program provided to students under division (A) of this section. In reporting student performance data under this division, the department shall not include any data that is statistically unreliable or that could result in the identification of individual students. For this purpose, the department shall not report performance data for any group that contains less than ten students.

(4) The department shall provide the parent of each scholarship student enrolled in a registered private school with information comparing the student's performance on the assessments administered pursuant to division (A)(10) of section 3313.976 of the Revised Code with the average performance of similar students enrolled in the building operated by the pilot project school district that the scholarship student would otherwise attend. In calculating the performance of similar students, the department shall consider age, grade, race and ethnicity, gender, and socioeconomic status.

(H) The department shall open the application period on the first day of February prior to the first day of July of the school year for which a scholarship is sought. Not later than forty-five days after an applicant submits to the department of education and workforce a completed application, the department shall determine whether that applicant is eligible for a scholarship and notify the applicant whether or not the applicant is eligible. The department shall award a scholarship to each student with an approved application. However, for any application submitted on or after the fifteenth day of October of the school year for which the scholarship is sought, the department shall prorate the amount of the awarded scholarship based on how much of the school year remains after the date of the student's enrollment in the private school.

Last updated August 1, 2023 at 11:29 AM

Section 3313.979 | Payment of scholarships or grants.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

Each grant to be used for payments to an approved tutorial assistance provider is payable to the approved tutorial assistance provider.

(A) By the fifteenth day of each month of the school year that any scholarship students are enrolled in a registered private school, the chief administrator of that school shall notify the director of education and workforce of:

(1) The number of scholarship students who were reported to the school district as having been admitted by that private school pursuant to division (A)(2)(b) of section 3313.978 of the Revised Code and who were still enrolled in the private school as of the first day of such month;

(2) The number of scholarship students who were reported to the school district as having been admitted by another private school pursuant to division (A)(2)(b) of section 3313.978 of the Revised Code and since the date of admission have transferred to the school providing the notification under division (A) of this section.

(B) Whenever an approved provider provides tutorial assistance to a student, the director shall pay the approved provider for such costs upon receipt of a statement specifying the services provided and the costs of the services, which statement shall be signed by the provider and verified by the chief administrator having supervisory control over the tutoring site. The total payments to any approved provider under this division for all provider services to any individual student in any school year shall not exceed the grant amount provided in division (C) of section 3313.978 of the Revised Code.

Last updated August 21, 2023 at 3:51 PM

Section 3313.98 | Interdistrict enrollment policy.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

Notwithstanding division (D) of section 3311.19 and division (D) of section 3311.52 of the Revised Code, the provisions of this section and sections 3313.981 to 3313.983 of the Revised Code that apply to a city school district do not apply to a joint vocational or cooperative education school district unless expressly specified.

(A) As used in this section and sections 3313.981 to 3313.983 of the Revised Code:

(1) "Parent" means either of the natural or adoptive parents of a student, except under the following conditions:

(a) When the marriage of the natural or adoptive parents of the student has been terminated by a divorce, dissolution of marriage, or annulment or the natural or adoptive parents of the student are living separate and apart under a legal separation decree and the court has issued an order allocating the parental rights and responsibilities with respect to the student, "parent" means the residential parent as designated by the court except that "parent" means either parent when the court issues a shared parenting decree.

(b) When a court has granted temporary or permanent custody of the student to an individual or agency other than either of the natural or adoptive parents of the student, "parent" means the legal custodian of the child.

(c) When a court has appointed a guardian for the student, "parent" means the guardian of the student.

(2) "Native student" means a student entitled under section 3313.64 or 3313.65 of the Revised Code to attend school in a district adopting a resolution under this section.

(3) "Adjacent district" means a city, exempted village, or local school district having territory that abuts the territory of a district adopting a resolution under this section.

(4) "Adjacent district student" means a student entitled under section 3313.64 or 3313.65 of the Revised Code to attend school in an adjacent district.

(5) "Adjacent district joint vocational student" means an adjacent district student who enrolls in a city, exempted village, or local school district pursuant to this section and who also enrolls in a joint vocational school district that does not contain the territory of the district for which that student is a native student and does contain the territory of the city, exempted village, or local district in which the student enrolls.

(6) "Poverty line" means the poverty line established by the director of the United States office of management and budget as revised by the secretary of health and human services in accordance with section 673(2) of the "Community Services Block Grant Act," 95 Stat. 1609, 42 U.S.C.A. 9902, as amended.

(7) "IEP" has the same meaning as in section 3323.01 of the Revised Code.

(8) "Other district" means a city, exempted village, or local school district having territory outside of the territory of a district adopting a resolution under this section.

(9) "Other district student" means a student entitled under section 3313.64 or 3313.65 of the Revised Code to attend school in an other district.

(10) "Other district joint vocational student" means a student who is enrolled in any city, exempted village, or local school district and who also enrolls in a joint vocational school district that does not contain the territory of the district for which that student is a native student in accordance with a policy adopted under section 3313.983 of the Revised Code.

(B)(1) The board of education of each city, local, and exempted village school district shall adopt a resolution establishing for the school district one of the following policies:

(a) A policy that entirely prohibits the enrollment of students from adjacent districts or other districts, other than students for whom tuition is paid in accordance with section 3317.08 of the Revised Code;

(b) A policy that permits enrollment of students from all adjacent districts in accordance with policy statements contained in the resolution;

(c) A policy that permits enrollment of students from all other districts in accordance with policy statements contained in the resolution.

(2) A policy permitting enrollment of students from adjacent or from other districts, as applicable, shall provide for all of the following:

(a) Application procedures, including deadlines for application and for notification of students and the superintendent of the applicable district whenever an adjacent or other district student's application is approved.

(b) Procedures for admitting adjacent or other district applicants free of any tuition obligation to the district's schools, including, but not limited to:

(i) The establishment of district capacity limits by grade level, school building, and education program;

(ii) A requirement that all native students wishing to be enrolled in the district will be enrolled and that any adjacent or other district students previously enrolled in the district shall receive preference over first-time applicants;

(iii) Procedures to ensure that an appropriate racial balance is maintained in the district schools.

(C) Except as provided in section 3313.982 of the Revised Code, the procedures for admitting adjacent or other district students, as applicable, shall not include:

(1) Any requirement of academic ability, or any level of athletic, artistic, or other extracurricular skills;

(2) Limitations on admitting applicants because of disability, except that a board may refuse to admit a student receiving services under Chapter 3323. of the Revised Code, if the services described in the student's IEP are not available in the district's schools;

(3) A requirement that the student be proficient in the English language;

(4) Rejection of any applicant because the student has been subject to disciplinary proceedings, except that if an applicant has been suspended or expelled by the student's district for ten consecutive days or more in the term for which admission is sought or in the term immediately preceding the term for which admission is sought, the procedures may include a provision denying admission of such applicant.

(D)(1) Each school board permitting only enrollment of adjacent district students shall provide information about the policy adopted under this section, including the application procedures and deadlines, to the superintendent and the board of education of each adjacent district and, upon request, to the parent of any adjacent district student.

(2) Each school board permitting enrollment of other district students shall provide information about the policy adopted under this section, including the application procedures and deadlines, upon request, to the board of education of any other school district or to the parent of any student anywhere in the state.

(E) Any school board shall accept all credits toward graduation earned in adjacent or other district schools by an adjacent or other district student or a native student.

(F)(1) No board of education may adopt a policy discouraging or prohibiting its native students from applying to enroll in the schools of an adjacent or any other district that has adopted a policy permitting such enrollment, except that:

(a) A district may object to the enrollment of a native student in an adjacent or other district in order to maintain an appropriate racial balance.

(b) The board of education of a district receiving funds under 64 Stat. 1100 (1950), 20 U.S.C.A. 236 et seq., as amended, may adopt a resolution objecting to the enrollment of its native students in adjacent or other districts if at least ten per cent of its students are included in the determination of the United States secretary of education made under section 20 U.S.C.A. 238(a).

(2) If a board objects to enrollment of native students under this division, any adjacent or other district shall refuse to enroll such native students unless tuition is paid for the students in accordance with section 3317.08 of the Revised Code. An adjacent or other district enrolling such students may not receive funding for those students in accordance with section 3313.981 of the Revised Code.

(G) The department of education and workforce shall monitor school districts to ensure compliance with this section and the districts' policies. The department may adopt rules requiring uniform application procedures, deadlines for application, notification procedures, and record-keeping requirements for all school boards that adopt policies permitting the enrollment of adjacent or other district students, as applicable. If the department adopts such rules, no school board shall adopt a policy that conflicts with those rules.

(H) A resolution adopted by a board of education under this section that entirely prohibits the enrollment of students from adjacent and from other school districts does not abrogate any agreement entered into under section 3313.841 or 3313.92 of the Revised Code or any contract entered into under section 3313.90 of the Revised Code between the board of education adopting the resolution and the board of education of any adjacent or other district or prohibit these boards of education from entering into any such agreement or contract.

(I) Nothing in this section shall be construed to permit or require the board of education of a city, exempted village, or local school district to exclude any native student of the district from enrolling in the district.

Last updated August 21, 2023 at 4:01 PM

Section 3313.981 | Interdistrict enrollment reporting and transportation.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) The department of education and workforce shall adopt rules requiring all of the following:

(1) The board of education of each city, exempted village, and local school district to annually report to the department all of the following:

(a) The number of adjacent district or other district students in grades kindergarten through twelve, as applicable, the number of adjacent district or other district students who are preschool children with disabilities, as applicable, and the number of adjacent district or other district joint vocational students, as applicable, enrolled in the district, in accordance with a policy adopted under division (B) of section 3313.98 of the Revised Code;

(b) The number of native students in grades kindergarten through twelve enrolled in adjacent or other districts and the number of native students who are preschool children with disabilities enrolled in adjacent or other districts, in accordance with a policy adopted under division (B) of section 3313.98 of the Revised Code;

(c) Each adjacent district or other district student's or adjacent district or other district joint vocational student's date of enrollment in the district;

(d) The full-time equivalent number of adjacent district or other district students enrolled in each of the categories of career-technical education programs or classes described in section 3317.014 of the Revised Code;

(e) Each native student's date of enrollment in an adjacent or other district.

(2) The board of education of each joint vocational school district to annually report to the department all of the following:

(a) The number of adjacent district or other district joint vocational students, as applicable, enrolled in the district;

(b) The full-time equivalent number of adjacent district or other district joint vocational students enrolled in each category of career-technical education programs or classes described in section 3317.014 of the Revised Code;

(c) For each adjacent district or other district joint vocational student, the city, exempted village, or local school district in which the student is also enrolled.

(3) Prior to the end of each reporting period specified in section 3317.03 of the Revised Code, the superintendent of each city, local, or exempted village school district that admits adjacent district or other district students who are in grades kindergarten through twelve, adjacent district or other district students who are preschool children with disabilities, or adjacent district or other district joint vocational students in accordance with a policy adopted under division (B) of section 3313.98 of the Revised Code to report to the department each adjacent or other district's students and where those students who are enrolled in the superintendent's district under the policy are entitled to attend school under section 3313.64 or 3313.65 of the Revised Code.

The rules shall provide for the method of counting students who are enrolled for part of a school year in an adjacent or other district or as an adjacent district or other district joint vocational student.

(B) From the payments made to a city, exempted village, or local school district under Chapter 3317. of the Revised Code and, if necessary, from the payments made to the district under sections 321.24 and 323.156 of the Revised Code, the department shall annually subtract, for each native student who is a preschool child with a disability reported under division (A)(1) of this section who is enrolled in an adjacent or other district pursuant to policies adopted by such a district under division (B) of section 3313.98 of the Revised Code, $4,000.

(C) To the payments made to a city, exempted village, or local school district under Chapter 3317. of the Revised Code, the department shall annually add, for each adjacent district or other district student who is a preschool child with a disability reported under division (A)(1) of this section who is enrolled in the district, $4,000.

(D) No city, exempted village, or local school district shall receive a payment under division (C) of this section for a student if for the same school year that student is counted in the district's enrollment certified under section 3317.03 of the Revised Code.

(E) Upon request of a parent, and provided the board offers transportation to native students of the same grade level and distance from school under section 3327.01 of the Revised Code, a city, exempted village, or local school board enrolling an adjacent or other district student shall provide transportation for the student within the boundaries of the board's district, except that the board shall be required to pick up and drop off a nonhandicapped student only at a regular school bus stop designated in accordance with the board's transportation policy. Pursuant to rules of the department, such board may reimburse the parent from funds received for pupil transportation under section 3317.0212 of the Revised Code, or other provisions of law, for the reasonable cost of transportation from the student's home to the designated school bus stop if the student's family has an income below the federal poverty line.

Last updated August 21, 2023 at 4:04 PM

Section 3313.982 | Restricting admission schools on basis of academic, athletic, artistic, or other skills.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

Notwithstanding division (C)(1) of section 3313.97 and division (C)(1) of section 3313.98 of the Revised Code:

(A) Any school district board operating any schools on October 1, 1989, admission to which was restricted to students possessing certain academic, athletic, artistic, or other skills, may continue to restrict admission to such schools.

(B) Any district board that did not operate any schools described by division (A) of this section on October 1, 1989, and that desires to begin restricting admission to any school on the basis of student academic, athletic, artistic, or other skills, may submit a plan proposing such restricted admission to the department of education. If the department finds that the plan will generally promote increased educational opportunities for students in the district and will not unduly restrict opportunities for some students, it may approve the plan and the district board may implement it during the next ensuing school year.

Last updated October 29, 2024 at 1:43 PM

Section 3313.983 | Joint vocational school district to adopt policy for enrollment of students from adjacent or other district.

• Effective: September 29, 2007
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 119 - 127th General Assembly

(A) The board of education of each joint vocational school district shall adopt a policy pertaining to enrollment of students who, upon enrollment, will be adjacent district joint vocational students except that, in lieu of such a policy, a board may adopt a policy pertaining to enrollment of students who, upon enrollment, will be other district joint vocational students. Any such policy to enroll other district joint vocational students shall apply beginning with the school year that commences July 1, 1998.

A policy adopted under this section shall provide for all of the following:

(1) Application procedures, including procedures for notifying any future adjacent district or other district joint vocational students, as applicable, and the superintendent of the city, exempted village, or local school districts in which they are also enrolled whenever their applications are approved;

(2) Procedures for admitting to the district applicants who will be, as applicable, adjacent district or other district joint vocational students, including, but not limited to:

(a) The establishment of district capacity limits by grade level, school building, and education program;

(b) A requirement that all students entitled under section 3313.64 or 3313.65 of the Revised Code to attend school in a district that has territory in the joint vocational school district will be enrolled in the district ahead of any adjacent district or other district joint vocational students;

(c) A requirement that any previously enrolled adjacent district or other district joint vocational student, as applicable, shall receive preference over first-time applicants to become adjacent district or other district joint vocational students.

(B) The procedures for admitting students who will be, as applicable, adjacent district or other district joint vocational students shall not include:

(1) Any requirement of academic ability, or any level of athletic, artistic, or other extracurricular skills;

(2) Limitations on admitting applicants because of disability, except that a board may refuse to admit an applicant receiving services under Chapter 3323. of the Revised Code if the services described in the student's IEP are not available in the district;

(3) A requirement that the student be proficient in the English language;

(4) Rejection of any applicant because the student has been subject to disciplinary proceedings, except that if an applicant has been suspended or expelled by any school district for ten consecutive days or more in the term for which admission is sought or in the term immediately preceding the term for which admission is sought, the procedures may include a provision denying admission of such applicant.

(C) The board of education of each joint vocational school district shall provide information about the policy it adopts under this section, including the application procedures, to the superintendent and the board of education of each city, exempted village, and local school district with territory in the district and, upon request, to the parent of any student who could become, as applicable, an adjacent district or other district joint vocational student of the district.

Section 3313.984 | Intradistrict open enrollment.

• Effective: October 24, 2024
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 168 - 135th General Assembly

(A) Each school district shall report to the department of education and workforce, in the manner prescribed by the department, the number of students who attend a school building other than the one assigned by the board or district superintendent.

(B) A school district that conducts an enrollment lottery for students through an intradistrict open enrollment policy under this section shall do all of the following:

(1) Conduct that lottery by the second Monday of June prior to the school year for which the student is seeking enrollment;

(2) Notify parents of students who reside in the district of the date of the lottery prior to that date;

(3) Post on the district's web site information about the lottery, including how and when the lottery will be conducted.

Last updated August 15, 2024 at 4:48 PM

Section 3313.99 | Penalty.

• Effective: July 1, 1996
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 2 - 121st General Assembly

Whoever violates section 3313.80 of the Revised Code shall be fined not less than five nor more than twenty-five dollars for a first offense and shall be fined not less than twenty-five nor more than one hundred dollars for each subsequent offense.