Bill > HB43

This bill addresses the extraordinary circumstances faced by Ashtabula Lakeside High School following severe winter weather that caused significant disruptions, including a roof collapse and extended service outages. In response to these challenges, the bill provides two key provisions for the 2024-2025 school year: first, it allows the Department of Education and Workforce to offer flexibility in high school diploma requirements for twelfth-grade students at Ashtabula Lakeside High School, enabling students to demonstrate subject area competency in lieu of or in combination with traditional classroom instruction hours; second, the bill permits the department to waive up to 24 of the minimum required instructional hours for the school, which ensures the school district can maintain its eligibility for state funding. The bill is classified as an emergency measure, designed to help seniors graduate on time and prevent financial penalties for the school district due to circumstances beyond their control. The emergency declaration stems from the extensive damage caused by winter storms, including roof collapse, inaccessible roads, shutdown of essential services, and disrupted internet connectivity that impeded remote learning efforts.

Education

https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/legislation/136/hb43