Advocacy Update – 12.6.23 – Dackin Confirmed, Gifted Rule Process Update, and Governor Merit Scholarship Info

Dackin Confirmed

Unsurprisingly, the Ohio Senate confirmed the appointment of Steve Dackin as the first director of the newly created Ohio Department of Education and Workforce.  

Update to Gifted Rule Timeline

The Gifted Advisory Council met today and were provided a much anticipated update from ODEW staff regarding the Gifted Rule.  While this is a tentative timeline, ODEW staff reiterated their commitment to this process.

Because of recent HB33/SB1 changes to the department, the Gifted Rule will no longer go through the SBOE.  These changes also mean that the Gifted Rule process must now start with Public Comment.  As mentioned in the previous advocacy update, the prior draft of the gifted rule is no longer being considered.  

December 1 – Rule was posted for public comment

December 22 – Deadline to provide public comment

January 9 – Expected first draft

January 12 to February 11 – Draft will be posted for Public Comment

January 18 – Public Meeting on Draft Rule

February 12 to 22  – Final Draft based on public comment

February 23 – File Rule with RSFA (Rules Summary Fiscal Analysis) and JCARR (Joint Committee on Agency Rule Review)

May 2024 (tentative)  rule will be in effect for the following school year

 

Clarification on the Governor’s Merit Scholarship

Administrators need to input their district’s data into the Governor’s Merit Scholarship portal: https://meritscholarship.ohio.gov/

Superintendents have been sent an email asking them to create their online account by December 11th.  Student information must be entered into the portal by December 22nd.  This is a quick turnaround!