Organization
for Women
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National
Organization for Women |
OHIO SCHOOLS |
During the past couple of years you may have heard about the funding of Ohio schools and the legislature’s progress in restructuring the process. However more than major plans for funding schools has been introduced at the Statehouse. Among others, there are bills currently being introduced that will directly affect what goes on with students in and out of the classroom.
If you have had a child faced with harassment, intimidation, or bullying, House Bill (H.B.) 276 introduced in May of this year is important to you. The main requirements of this bill introduced by Rep. Jimmy Stewart would require each school district board to adopt a policy prohibiting harassment, intimidation, or bullying of any student on school property or at a school-sponsored activity as well as require the school district to track the number of incidents of harassment by students against other students.
The number of incidents would then be included in the school district’s report.
H.B. 276 is currently in the House Education Committee waiting for hearings. If you would like more information on this bill contact sponsor Rep. Stewart at 614-466-2158 or
district92@ohr.state.oh.us
Another important piece of legislation introduced this year is H.B. 167/ Senate Bill (S.B. 67) which addresses dyslexia and related disorders in schools. H. B. 167/S.B. 67 are called companion bills because they are identical bills introduced into the House and Senate.
These bills would require school districts, community schools, and chartered nonpublic schools to access every student for dyslexia and related disorders. If a student is identified as having a disorder the schools are then required to provide intervention services. If this bill is of special concern to you contact sponsors Rep. John Boccieri at 614-466-1464,
district61@ohr.state.oh.us
or Sen. Robert Hagen 614-466-8285,
haganoffice@mail.sen.state.oh.us
For a copy of the bills listed above, their analysis, where the bill is in the legislative process, and how much it will cost to implement visit
After doing some research and feeling that you would like to comment on H.B.276, and H.B. 167/S.B. 67 the easiest way is to contact your Ohio House or Senate representative. You can write them a letter, email a message, or call. For help in becoming an advocate visit www.ohiowomeninc.org
A more formal approach for commenting on these education bills is to testify at a committee hearing. H.B. 276, H.B. 167 have been assigned to the House Education Committee, chaired by Rep. Arlene Setzer, a retired teacher. S.B. 67 have been assigned to the Senate Education Committee, chaired by Sen. Joy Padgett, a former educator. For more information on testifying contact Rep. Setzer at 614-644-8051, district36@ohr.state.oh.us or Sen. Padgett at 614-466-8076, sd20@mailr.sen.state.oh.us
The committee chairpersons can share with you the committee’s meeting date, time, location and the meeting’s agenda as well as information on composing your testimony and number of copies to bring to the hearing. If you need more information and/or support with any legislation contact Ohio National Organization for Women (NOW), PO Box 8134, Columbus, OH 43201 ohionow@ohionow.org