Week In Review 4-21-25

Week in Review > Week In Review 4-21-25

Posted by Buckeye Association of School Administrators on April 21st, 2025

ATTORNEY GENERAL

Attorney General Dave Yost immediately went to the U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday, April 10 seeking to continue a stay that was lifted earlier in the day when the U.S. Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that he had likely violated the First Amendment rights of a group of Ohio citizens seeking to put a ballot initiative ending qualified immunity for police officers before Ohio voters. It is the latest in the battle between the plaintiffs in the case, including Cynthia Brown, Carlos Buford, and Jenny Sue Rowe, who are all members of the initiative petition committee, and Yost in state and federal courts over his rejection of their petitions eight times.

The petition, titled “Protecting Ohioans’ Constitutional Rights” would create a private right of action against state government actors who deprive a person of state constitutional rights, without qualified immunity for the government actors involved. However, Yost had rejected the petition numerous times as part of his statutory review process to determine if the summary language was a fair and truthful representation of the proposed amendment.

A special unit at the Ohio Bureau of Criminal identification and Investigation (BCII) returned more than $35,000 to a Cincinnati-area senior citizen who fell victim to a cryptocurrency scam, Attorney General Dave Yost said Thursday. In August 2024, the 73-year-old Delhi Township woman received a pop-up message on her laptop saying the device had been hacked. She called a phone number described as a Microsoft hotline and spoke to someone who turned out to be a scammer. The fraudster told her to withdraw money and convert it to Bitcoin to fix her computer, ultimately stealing $41,750 in multiple transactions through a Bitcoin ATM.

FY26-27 BUDGET

Auditor of State Keith Faber is still reviewing new budget language that would shorten the forecasting period for Ohio school districts, but he did recently tell lawmakers he has concerns about how the current forecasting system works and is preparing new public reporting tools in response. The House-passed version of HB96 (Stewart) would cut from five years to three years the period over which Ohio school districts must forecast their finances. In turn, the auditor’s office would look at whether districts are likely to go into deficit in the first two years of the three-year period, rather than the first three years of the five-year period. Faber’s office and the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce work together to provide fiscal oversight of school districts. Those in or approaching financial crisis can be required to develop plans for improvement or be put under the oversight of a state-appointed commission, depending on the circumstances.

CHILDREN/FAMILIES

In recognition of April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Ohio Department of Children and Youth (DCY) and the Ohio Children’s Trust Fund (OCTF) launched an awareness campaign to promote prevention and support for Ohio families. The OCTF theme, “Ensure They Shine,” emphasizes the importance of creating environments where Ohio’s children can grow up safe, supported and ready to thrive. OCTF, a resource within the DCY, works year-round to strengthen families and prevent child abuse. While April offers an opportunity to bring additional focus, OCTF works every day to fund programs that support families and protect children from harm.

Sens. Paula Hicks-Hudson (D-Toledo) and Catherine Ingram (D-Cincinnati), who co-chair the Black Maternal Health Caucus and sit on the Senate Finance Committee, detailed in a press conference Tuesday how they will work to promote budget items in HB96 (Stewart) related to Black maternal health. Their remarks followed a summit on that topic which they hope to make an annual event. Also speaking at the press conference was Groundwork Ohio Policy Director Caitlin Feldman, who called for restored funding to support Help Me Grow home-visiting programs, community-based infant vitality programming and the $1,000 Child Tax Credit after their removal in the House. The summit earlier in the day had been moderated by former Rep. Shayla Davis and included remarks by Reps. Sedrick Denson (D-Cincinnati) and Adam Holmes (R-Nashport), Ohio Department of Children and Youth Director Kara Wente, former Sen. Charleta Tavares and Ohio Commission on Minority Health Executive Director Angela Dawson.

EDUCATION

Ohio’s colleges and universities are trying to find expedient ways for applicants to get through educator preparation programs (EPPs) if they don’t check every box, Melissa Askren-Edgehouse told the State Board of Education (SBOE) members on Monday. In addition, Board President Paul LaRue told Hannah News he’s waiting to see the progress of a provision in HB96 (Stewart) that would shrink the size of SBOE’s membership from its current 19 to five. “It’s still early in the process. I think everybody’s trying to figure out what makes sense,” said LaRue. “I think we have a great board as it is, but I understand the Legislature trying to troubleshoot and do things. So it’s still early in the process. … I think everybody, at the end of the day, wants what’s best for students in Ohio.”

Two elementary schools in Mount Vernon have been named national finalists in the “Court of Creativity” contest held by the Harlem Globetrotters and Jersey Mike’s Subs, the organizations announced on Wednesday. Twin Oak Elementary School and Columbia Elementary School will receive a $1,000 cash prize for being named as a top 10 finalist in the contest. This is the first time two schools from the same city have been named finalists in the contest, the organizations said. The Court of Creativity is a nationwide contest inviting elementary students to showcase their talents through basketball-themed projects inspired by the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters. From STEM experiments and custom jersey designs to original videos, trick shots, and schoolwide productions, the entries blended creativity and education to celebrate teamwork, perseverance and school pride.

The Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) Thursday approved an update to the Ohio School Design Manual (OSDM), following a presentation on the topic by Senior Planning Manager Joe Macneil. Macneil said the OSDM has been updated each year since its first publication in 1997 and is one of the “most comprehensive and frequently cited” documents of its kind. Wyoming, Washington and Arkansas used it as a basis for their own guidelines. As part of an annual adjustment to the budgeting methodology, Macneil said the recommendation was for an inflation rate of 4.95 percent that would be applied to new construction cost sets, the assessment cost guidelines and the Career Technical Program. He also noted that was set before news of tariffs.

The Ohio Educational Service Center Association (OESCA) Thursday announced the following dates for five regional Ohio AI summits that will take place this spring. OESCA is hosting the summits in partnership with aiEDU, InnovateOhio and the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW), OESCA said.

– Southwest Ohio AI Summit: Tuesday, April 22 at Xavier University in Cincinnati

– Northwest Ohio AI Summit: Thursday, May 1 at Glass City Center in Toledo

– Northeast Ohio AI Summit: Tuesday, May 6 at Mid-Ohio ESC in Mansfield

– First Southeast Ohio AI Summit: Wednesday, May 7 at Indian Creek School District in Wintersville

– Second Southeast Ohio AI Summit: Thursday, May 8 at the ECO Center on Ohio University Eastern Campus in St. Clairsville.

ELECTIONS

With the House approving a biennial budget that includes language abolishing the Ohio Elections Commission, the chair and vice chair told Hannah News they believe the panel still serves an important role in the state. The House Finance Committee first added a provision to a substitute version of biennial budget HB96 (Stewart) that eliminated the Election Commission’s funding. It followed up with an omnibus amendment that abolished the commission entirely. In an interview with Hannah News, Chair Christina Hagan and Vice Chair Shayla Davis, both former members of the General Assembly, acknowledged concerns over the speed of the commission’s work, saying they, along with other members of the commission, have worked to address the issue. Hagan, a Republican, said she always appreciates the “sincere and dedicated streamlining” of government services and finding efficiencies, but added, “In this case, there are a lot of intricacies that we hope that they’ll consider and they’ll be very aware of through the remainder of the process.” Concerns were raised about the capacity of local boards of elections and the secretary of state’s office to handle the commission’s caseload effectively.

Secretary of State Frank LaRose Wednesday announced the launch of his office’s latest data dashboard that tracks past election results and statewide voting trends. The interactive dashboard currently tracks the results from 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2024 statewide elections, and lets users filter results down to race and county.

When it comes to an executive order on voting and elections issued by President Donald Trump last month, voting groups opposed to it say that even if all of it was struck down by the courts, it still sends a message. “The goal was, and is, to send clear marching orders to the states and to Congress to tell them what Trump wants them doing,” Liz Avore, a policy advisor for Voting Rights Lab, said in a webinar with reporters Thursday to levy criticism against the executive order and the federal SAVE Act. Trump’s sweeping executive order includes provisions requiring the providing of proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections; sharing information with the U.S. Department of Justice on suspected violations of state and federal election laws discovered by state officials; and requiring states to adopt uniform and nondiscriminatory standards on what constitutes a vote and what will be counted as a vote.

ELECTIONS 2026

Rep. James M. “Jim” Hoops became the latest to announce a campaign for the Ohio Senate, saying Monday that he will run for the First District Senate seat currently held by term-limited Senate President Rob McColley (R-Napoleon). The announcement by Hoops sets up a likely primary with former Rep. Craig Riedel, who announced he will run for the seat earlier this month. Hoops is in his final term in the House serving the 81st House District. He also previously served in the Ohio House from 1999-2006.

Former state Rep. Jay Edwards (R-Nelson) quietly last week filed paperwork designating his campaign committee for a state treasurer run. While Edwards has not officially announced his campaign, he filed a designation of treasurer paperwork updating the campaign for the statewide run. According to his annual campaign finance report filed in January, Edwards has $763,882 on hand. A former chair of the House Finance Committee, Edwards joins a crowded Republican field vying to succeed Treasurer Robert Sprague, who is term-limited and running for secretary of state. Other Republicans running for the statewide office include former Sen. Niraj Antani, Sen. Kristina Roegner (R-Hudson), and Lake County Treasurer Michael Zuren.

U.S. Sen. Jon Husted (R-OH) announced his campaign committee has raised $1 million since his appointment to the Senate seat earlier this year.

The following endorsements were made over the week:

– Ohio Value Voters endorsed Vivek Ramaswamy for governor.

– Republican Vivek Ramaswamy’s gubernatorial campaign announced the endorsements of Reps. Phil Plummer (R-Dayton), Adam Bird (D-Cincinnati), Steve Demetriou (R-Chagrin Falls), Josh Williams (R-Oregon), Nick Santucci (R-Niles), Cindy Abrams (R-Harrison), Mike Odioso (R-Cincinnati), Bill Roemer (R-Richfield), Tom Young (R-Centerville), Rodney Creech (R-West Alexandria), Jennifer Gross (R-West Chester), Thomas Hall (R-Middletown), Diane Mullins (R-Hamilton), Matt Kishman (R-Minerva), Jodi Salvo (R-Bolivar), Kellie Deeter (R-Norwalk), Adam Mathews (R-Lebanon), Tex Fischer (R-Youngstown), Brian Lorenz (R-Powell), Beth Lear (R-Galena), David Thomas (R-Jefferson), Melanie Miller (R-Ashland), Kevin Miller (R-Newark), Brian Lampton (R-Beavercreek), Heidi Workman (R-Rootstown), Bernie Willis (R-Springfield), Meredith Craig (R-Smithville), Johnathan Newman (R-Troy), Angie King (R-Celina), Tim Barhorst (R-Fort Laramie), Gary Click (R-Vickery), D.J. Swearingen (R-Huron), Justin Pizzulli (R-Franklin Furnace), Bob Peterson (R-Sabina), Kevin Ritter (R-Marietta), Ron Ferguson (R-Wintersville), and former House Speaker and current Rep. Jason Stephens (R-Kitts Hill).

GOVERNOR

Gov. Mike DeWine Wednesday told reporters that he is confident that microchips will be manufactured in Ohio despite delays by Intel on its planned Licking County facility. Asked about the Intel delays, as well as Microsoft’s recent decision to “pause” construction of a $1 billion data center project in Ohio, DeWine said “no company is going to walk away” from the billions of dollars they have already invested in developing the Ohio sites.

DeWine also spoke about the closing of the Chillicothe paper mill, saying his administration had not been informed that it would be closing before the announcement. Later, his office announced a series of action steps following the closing of the mill by Pixelle Specialty Solution. Those steps include the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services’ (ODJFS) beginning to work immediately to assist the 826 employees Ohioans affected by the closure. ODJFS’ Rapid Response team, which assists individuals after layoffs, is reaching out to the management of Pixelle to set up Rapid Response sessions. Pixelle employees who attend these sessions will receive information explaining how to access free reemployment services, how to apply for unemployment benefits, and more.

The DeWine administration says HB217 (Cockley-Ritter) could be the perfect vehicle for Missing Person Working Group recommendations discussed in draft form Thursday and scheduled for final release in early May. Ohio Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director Andy Wilson laid out six categories for the governor’s working group report: legislation, training, resources, policy, programs, and research. The first category also encompasses the remaining five and could be amended into Reps. Christine Cockley (D-Columbus) and Kevin Ritter’s (R-Marietta) bill requiring law enforcement to enter missing person reports into the National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) within 30 days of receipt. “I think this is the vehicle now to advocate for any other recommendations we have,” Wilson told working group members.

HIGHER EDUCATION

Gov. Mike DeWine, Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel and Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) Chancellor Mike Duffey recently announced the approval of $8 million in funding in the latest round of ODHE’s Regionally Aligned Priorities in Delivering Skills (RAPIDS) program from the FY24-25 state operating budget. The goal of the RAPIDS program is to align state investments against regionally verified workforce demand to achieve outcomes including supporting the industry sectors most in need at the regional level; driving local and regional partnerships; and developing regional strengths in delivering sustainable, equipment-dependent workplace education, training and skills.

Youngstown State University’s (YSU) STEM Workforce Education and Innovation announced its recent partnership with the Telecommunications Industry Registered Apprenticeship Program (TIRAP), supported by the Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA), offering students a pre-apprenticeship program for broadband industry careers. Previous joint initiatives between YSU and WIA created opportunities to connect individuals with high-growth careers in telecommunications, broadband and 5G technology. The new program will expand these initiatives by adding a “formalized pre-apprenticeship training program between the organizations” which they say will ensure “direct employment pathways and ongoing workforce development opportunities for graduates,” according to the university.

OHIO HISTORY

Ohioans are set to commemorate the repose of President Abraham Lincoln at the Ohio Statehouse on April 29, the anniversary of the day in 1865 when nearly 50,000 mourners passed by Lincoln’s coffin in the Rotunda of the Ohio Statehouse. The free, public event will include Civil War reenactors, display of a historic 36-star flag, artifacts, cannon firings and a replica coffin. In addition, Civil War medical displays and an artillery camp will be set up on the front lawn of the Statehouse, accompanied by music from the era. The Ladies Aid Society will host a tent with interactive activities, while reenactors portraying James A. Garfield and his wife will walk around the Statehouse grounds. Additionally, cannon firings on the hour will entertain visitors during the event.

The Ohio History Day state contest, an annual event affiliated with National History Day and coordinated by the Ohio History Connection, will be Saturday, April 26, at Capital University, in Bexley. Ohio History Day supports history education in local schools by allowing students to tell stories from history that inspire them. Students go beyond their textbooks to create imaginative exhibits, documentaries, performances, websites and scholarly papers. Over the past months, competing students have researched and developed history projects related to the theme of “Rights and Responsibilities in History.”

PENSIONS

As budget bill HB96 (Stewart) moves to the Senate after passage by the House, representatives of the State Teachers Retirement System (STRS) now expect legislative action on state employee pension reform to wait until at least the summer. STRS Director of Government Relations Marla Bump said SB69 (Romanchuk), declaring intent to reform the law governing the state’s public retirement systems, probably won’t see concerted efforts by the Legislature until after the budget passes, as Sen. Romanchuk also sits on the Senate Finance Committee. Bump said Romanchuk’s goal upon the introduction of SB69 as a placeholder bill was to reduce the 30-year amortization period of the retirement systems to between 15-20 years. But now he has backtracked, according to Bump, and he’s currently looking to each individual retirement system to tell him what should be included in the bill. Bump added that other legislators are also being deferential to Romanchuk.

The State Teachers Retirement System (STRS) Board voted Thursday to consider changes that could include a COLA increase as well as lower the age of benefits eligibility for the state’s retired teachers. The changes to benefits were voted by the board to be included in its annual actuarial valuation. STRS is due to submit its proposed FY26 budget to the Ohio Retirement Study Council by Friday, April 18. Among the changes approved for review is a 1.5 percent cost-of-living increase to be paid to eligible benefit recipients in FY26. The board also approved a proposed temporary change to make 32 years of service credit the minimum requirement for unreduced benefits while adjusting the years of service required for reduced retirement benefits to 27 or more years from June 1, 2025 through May 1, 2033.