How HB 294 changes current law

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This bill amends existing law concerning open enrollment policies for school districts in Ohio.

• Section 3313.97

  Notwithstanding division (D) of section 3311.19 and division (D) of section 3311.52 of the Revised Code, this section does not apply to any joint vocational or cooperative education school district.

  This introduces an exception for joint vocational or cooperative education school districts regarding open enrollment policies.

• Section 3313.97

  establishment of district capacity limits by grade level, and school building, and education program; . → establishment of district capacity limits by grade level, school building, and education program; Each school district shall determine the number of remaining vacancies in each grade level and school building and post the numbers on its web site every twelve weeks.

  This changes the structure related to capacity limits and introduces a requirement for districts to regularly post available vacancies.

• Section 3313.97

  (4) → (4) A requirement that students enrolled in a school building or living in any attendance area of the school building established by the superintendent or board be given preference over applicants; (5)

  This renumbers the current preference clause to maintain clarity in the statute.

• Section 3313.97

  (A) As used in this section: (1) "Parent" has the same meaning as in section 3313.64 of the Revised Code. (2) "Alternative school" means a school building other than the one to which a student is assigned by the district superintendent. (3) "IEP" has the same meaning as in section 3323.01 of the Revised Code.

  This adds definitions for 'Parent', 'Alternative school', and 'IEP' to clarify terms used in the section.

• Section 3313.97

  Each policy may permit a student to permanently transfer to an alternative school so that the student need not reapply annually for permission to attend the alternative school.

  This allows for a permanent transfer option to alternative schools, reducing the need for annual reapplication.

• Section 3313.97

  Each school board shall provide information about the policy adopted under this section and the application procedures and deadlines to the parent of each student in the district and to the general public.

  This mandates that school boards provide clear communication about enrollment policies to parents and the public.

• Section 3313.97

  A student's parent or guardian may appeal a school district's decision to deny the student's application to open enroll in an alternative school to the department of education and workforce.

  This establishes a formal process for parents to appeal decisions regarding enrollment applications.

• Section 3313.97

  The department of education and workforce shall monitor school districts to ensure compliance with this section and the districts' policies.

  This introduces oversight by the education department to ensure adherence to the open enrollment policies.

• Section 3313.97

  Each school district annually shall report to the department all of the following: (1) The total number of open enrollment applications received under division (B) of this section; (2) The total number of accepted applications; (3) The total number of denied applications; (4) The reason for each denied application.

  This requires districts to report data on enrollment applications to enhance transparency and accountability.