Navigating the Ohio State Board of Education

The Ohio State Board of Education (SBOE) is the governing body of the Ohio Department of Education. The existence of the SBOE is authorized by Article VI, Section 4 of the Ohio Constitution. Ohio law determines the selection and duties of the SBOE. According to section 3301.01 of the Ohio Revised Code (ORC), there are nineteen members. Eleven members are elected and the remaining eight are to be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. Under ORC section 3301.07, the SBOE is required to establish and administer policies for Ohio schools. These rules can be found in Chapter 3301 of the Ohio Administrative Code.

To conduct business, the SBOE primarily convenes once a month. These meetings are open to the public and the required public notice for these meetings can be found on the Ohio Department of Education’s website.

The SBOE also uses a committee approached to conduct business. The Committees of the State Board of Education are:

  • Performance and Impact Committee
  • Emerging Issues and Operational Standards Committee
  • Executive Committee
  • Integrated Student Supports Committee
  • Teaching, Leading, Learning Committee
  • Ad Hoc Budget Committee
  • Ad Hoc Legislative Committee

According to the SBOE Policies and Procedures Manual, the agenda for each meeting is established by the SBOE President, Vice President, and the State Superintendent. In addition to the committee meetings, the SBOE meeting agenda includes a report of the State Superintendent, 119 Hearing, Public Participation on voting and non-voting items, and Voting on the Report and Recommendations of the Superintendent of Public Instruction. These voting items include:

  • Administrative Rules
  • Territory Transfers
  • School Personnel
  • Miscellaneous Resolutions

RAISE YOUR VOICE

Following are various methods the public may use to communicate with the State Board of Education about education policy:

 

 

 

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