OEA Applauds Passage of House Bill to Repeal State Takeover Law

MAY 1, 2019 • COLUMBUS — The Ohio Education Association said today that the overwhelming support shown in the Ohio House of Representatives for House Bill 154 is a clear sign that the law that allows the state to takeover local school districts that are deemed to be in trouble is not working and needs to be repealed.

“…silencing the voices of educators and local officials in determining the best ways to improve student performance was ill-conceived.” — OEA President Becky Higgins

House Bill 154 (Jones-R/Miller-D) was approved 83-12. House Bill 154 also does away with state-mandated Academic Distress Commissions and restores control of local school districts to elected school boards.

“The OEA has always believed that silencing the voices of educators and local officials in determining the best ways to improve student performance was ill-conceived,” said OEA President Becky Higgins. “Educators want to be able to advocate for their students and we are very pleased that House lawmakers have taken the first step toward replacing the current law. We look forward to working with Senate members to complete this important task.”

The Ohio Education Association represents 122,000 teachers, faculty members and support professionals in Ohio’s public schools, colleges and universities.