Primary Election
A total of 66 levies appeared on ballots across Ohio this May, including both new and renewal income and property tax levies. Of those, 42 failed to pass. This concerning trend is already resulting in program reductions statewide, including cuts to gifted services and other educational initiatives.
Policymakers across Ohio have pointed to the ongoing affordability crisis and rising property taxes as likely contributors to the high number of levy failures. Affordability is expected to remain a central issue heading into the November election.
Sub. SB 19
The extended spring recess provided the House Education Committee with additional time to make significant revisions to Sub. SB 19. Proposed amendments would:
- Require the Department of Education and Workforce to approve up to six diagnostic reading assessments for students in grades K-3.
- Remove the prohibition on using diagnostic assessments to identify gifted students.
- Clarify that students who score at the “accomplished” level will not automatically be enrolled in advanced mathematics courses unless the student’s parents, principal, and classroom teacher agree that enrollment would be beneficial. This shifts the process from an “opt-out” to an “opt-in” model.
- Apply this same standard to advanced mathematics learning opportunities for students in grades 3-5.
- Extend the implementation deadline for the legislation to July 1, 2027.
Oral testimony largely praised the committee for these revisions, although some witnesses expressed concerns regarding the parental “opt-in” provision. The committee is expected to hear additional testimony on Sub. SB 19 in the coming weeks.
The General Assembly is anticipated to remain in session through mid-June before recessing until after the November election.
For the latest version of Sub. SB 19, [click here].