spot_imgspot_img

Ohio moves ahead with removing power from state school board

(The Center Square) – Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine planned to move ahead Monday afternoon with moving control of the state’s education system from the school board to his office.

In July, DeWine signed the state’s two-year budget, which included legislation to transfer the duties of the majority-elected state board to the new cabinet-level Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.

He named Jessica Voltolini as interim director beginning today after a Franklin County judge dissolved a temporary restraining order that stopped the new department from operating.

“I am thrilled that the restraining order has been dissolved, and we can focus on the important work of moving forward to help our kids be better prepared for life after high school, whether choosing additional training, beginning a career, or heading to college,” DeWine said.

Voltolini previously served at the education department in various roles, including as the director of policy and legislative affairs and assistant legal counsel and most recently as chief of staff.

Seven state board members sued to stop the change, saying the law violates a constitutional provision that laws contain a single subject. A judge late last month agreed and said there was a likelihood the plaintiffs would win on the merits of their claims, issuing the temporary restraining order.

The lawsuit now continues without the restraining order.

The most recent push to remove power from the State Board of Education came after the November 2022 election when Democrats picked up three additional elected seats – two previously held by Republicans – to have a majority.

That GOP-backed legislation failed to pass before the session ended in December, but Republicans tried again during the new General Assembly in January.

It also failed to gain traction until Republicans folded it into the state budget, passed in June and signed into law by DeWine in July.

By law, the governor appoints eight of the 19 members of the state board. The other 11 are elected.

In 2007, Gov. Ted Strickland issued a directive to revamp Ohio’s public education system. He wanted to streamline coordination between the state’s public schools and post-secondary institutions in the state, including colleges and adult career centers.

In 2015, Gov. John Kasich sought to alter the roles and structure of the board.

DON’T MISS OUT

Be the first to know about the latest news, giveaways, events, and updates from The Black Chronicle!

We don’t spam! Read our privacy policy for more info.

spot_imgspot_img
spot_img

Hot this week

African and Caribbean Nations Call for Reparations for Slave Trade, Propose Global Fund

Nations across Africa and the Caribbean, deeply impacted by...

Health care company agrees to pay $22.5 million to settle claims of over billing

A health care company agreed to pay nearly $22.5...

Sports betting expert offers advice on paying taxes for gambling winnings

(The Center Square) – Tax season is underway, and...

Entertainment district benefits don’t outweigh the cost, economists say

(The Center Square) — Weeks later, after more details...

Business association ‘disappointed’ by WA L&I’s proposed workers comp rate hike

(The Center Square) – The Association of Washington Business...

Yost pressing ahead with busing lawsuit against Columbus schools

(The Center Square) – Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost...

Biden DOJ weighs in on New York City lawsuit over policing laws

(The Center Square) — The Biden administration is siding...

Report: Shreveport lacks adequate financial controls, misappropriates funds

(The Center Square) — The city of Shreveport had...

Legislator says ‘millionaire tax’ will make Illinois a ‘business desert’

(The Center Square) – Some see the millionaire’s tax...

Election 2024: Redistricting shakes up Georgia’s 6th Congressional

(The Center Square) – Following redistricting, Georgia’s 6th Congressional...

Presidential campaigns target Arizona’s small business owners

(The Center Square) – As the election grows nearer,...

Critics call jump in Wisconsin standardized test scores ‘ludacris’

(The Center Square) – The latest test results show...

Wisconsin Elections Commission releases election readiness, security report

(The Center Square) – Less than a month before...

More like this
Related

Yost pressing ahead with busing lawsuit against Columbus schools

(The Center Square) – Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost...

Biden DOJ weighs in on New York City lawsuit over policing laws

(The Center Square) — The Biden administration is siding...

Report: Shreveport lacks adequate financial controls, misappropriates funds

(The Center Square) — The city of Shreveport had...

Legislator says ‘millionaire tax’ will make Illinois a ‘business desert’

(The Center Square) – Some see the millionaire’s tax...