Ohio House GOP: Education

April 10, 2012

Column from Representative Mike Henne: Teaching Historical Documents in Ohio’s Schools

United States Constitution has gotten a lot of attention lately. The debates at the Supreme Court about the constitutionality of President Obama’s federal healthcare law have sparked interest, as well as concern, about the importance of our nation’s premier founding document.

Unfortunately, it seems that defending the Constitution is not something that people normally place high on their list of priorities. All too often it feels as though citizens and politicians on Capitol Hill are looking for ways that government can get involved in our lives, rather than adhering to the idea that the Constitution grants limited and enumerated powers to the federal government.

So when a bill came to the House floor that would require Ohio public schools’ curriculum to include the teaching of important historical documents, I immediately recognized its importance. It is necessary that the students of our state be taught about the documents that have shaped our nation and helped it become the beacon of freedom that so many people recognize throughout the world.

Specifically, Senate Bill 165 requires the State Board of Education to include into the state’s social studies standards the original texts of historical documents, such as the Declaration of Independence, Northwest Ordinance, US Constitution and the Ohio Constitution. The only way to expect the next generation to understand and uphold the virtue of liberty is to teach it to them. This is the job, not only of teachers, but also parents.

Learning the original texts of these documents is also important because it helps put their words and missions into context with the times they were written. Knowing the words of the Declaration of Independence, for example, does not make much of an impact unless one understands why it was written in the first place. If students understand that our Founding Fathers came to America to escape high taxation and restricted freedom under the British Crown, then their message of independence and liberty are that much more meaningful.

Our freedoms are by no means guaranteed. They will only be safe as long as there is an educated citizenry willing to stand up and fight to preserve them. Senate Bill 165 is but one piece of legislation, but I believe it can make a long-term, positive impact.

March 29, 2012

Legislation to Teach Founding Documents in Schools is Sent to Governor

House Majority Whip John Adams (R-Sidney) has announced that the Ohio House of Representatives concurred on the conference committee report on Senate Bill 165, legislation that will incorporate the study of historically significant government documents into the educational curriculum of Ohio students.

Specifically, S.B. 165 requires that the social studies curriculum for elementary and secondary students in grades 4 to 12 includes the study of the Declaration of Independence, the Northwest Ordinance, the Constitution of the United States, and Ohio Constitution.

“It is important to ensure that the next generation of Ohio’s leaders has a firm grasp on Ohio and American history,” said Representative Adams, who sponsored the companion legislation House Bill 211. “This legislation will give them a greater appreciation for how far we have come as a nation and as a state. I’m happy that the legislature was able to work out an agreement on this bill and make it into something that we can all be happy with and will benefit all of Ohio’s students.”

The study of these founding documents has recently been diminished in the standards and curricula developed by the Ohio Department of Education during the previous administration. If passed, the State Board of Education would be required to revise the standards and curricula to include the additional content.

S.B. 165 will now be sent to Governor Kasich for his signature.

March 13, 2012

Column from Representative Anthony DeVitis: Fixing Ohio's School Funding Formula

Without a doubt, public education is one of the most important services provided by our state government. There is no better investment than the investment we make in our children’s future with successful schools. Unfortunately, Ohio has long had problems with our school funding formula. In 1997, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled that the formula was unconstitutional, but very little has been done to fix this troubling issue. However, the Ohio House plans to reverse this trend of inaction in 2012.

Our current economic climate has made the search for a constitutional school funding formula all the more pressing. When families and communities are looking for any way to cut back on spending, it is less likely for school levies to pass. This serves to further imperil the quality of education in districts across Ohio. In addition, our state depends largely on property taxes to provide funding for our schools. This, in turn, creates disparities in funding between poorer and wealthier districts that must be resolved.

To properly deal with these issues, it is necessary for the state legislature to have a comprehensive picture of the current school funding situation. To this end, a bipartisan process has been designed to gather testimony from the people who know our education system best, including school administrators, teachers and parents. Finding an answer to this enduring problem should not be rushed or we risk implementing a half-baked solution. By holding public hearings throughout the state, we will ensure that the General Assembly has the information it needs to craft a fix that sticks.

However, in working to find a solution, we must not lose sight of the fact that money cannot solve all problems. High student achievement is not based solely on dollar signs, and we must always keep this in mind as we make changes to Ohio’s school funding formula. It is important to recognize districts with positive outcomes and hold schools accountable for less than satisfactory performances.

In the end, we all are working toward the same objective: providing a brighter future to Ohio’s youth. Fifteen years after the Ohio Supreme Court’s ruling on our school funding formula, it is high time to address the funding obstacles that plague our public education system. All children deserve a chance to reach their full potential, and strong schools are the key to their success.

March 12, 2012

Column from Rep. Casey Kozlowski: Revisiting Ohio’s School Funding Formula

To this day, school districts struggle with funding problems, forced to put levies on the local ballots and hope that they pass in these economically trying times. Perhaps because the legal debate over educational funding originated in my own backyard, I feel a special tie to this issue. As such, I am proud to say that the General Assembly will be addressing Ohio’s school funding formula in 2012.

We soon will be holding hearings to collect testimony from citizens who know the ins and outs of our education system. These individuals will include school administrators and teachers, as well as parents. Our goal in implementing this bipartisan procedure is to get a full and accurate picture of our school funding situation and how it affects Ohioans at the local level.

After 15 long years of waiting, I understand that some people are impatient for a government fix to this funding problem, but we must remember that a hastily thrown together solution will benefit no one in the long run. My colleagues and I will use the information gathered in the public hearings to guide our search for a resolution to this enduring issue.

Through this whole process, we must not lose sight of the fact that money is not the sole ingredient in the recipe for student achievement. Bandaging an under-performing school with dollar bills will not immediately solve their problems. We must still hold lagging districts accountable and laud schools producing high student achievement. Attacking the school funding predicament from many angles will help us to understand what is truly needed to provide a strong education to Ohio’s students.

Overall, I am confident that, with continued attention, the General Assembly can change Ohio’s school funding formula for the better. There is little else that is as important as a child’s education, and I am dedicated to finding a more effective way to fund their future success.

February 2, 2012

Column from Rep. Roegner: Volunteering in Our Local Schools

One of the most enjoyable and personally rewarding experiences I have had this last year has been volunteering in the public schools. Our public schools play such an important role in educating and shaping our youth into productive future citizens and leaders.

Stow is part of the district I represent in Columbus, and since I wanted to deepen my connection there and demonstrate my support to the schools, I called Superintendent Russ Jones and offered to volunteer my Monday afternoons. I simply wanted to be helpful, whether it was helping in the cafeteria during lunch or tutoring students; I just wanted to serve.

Well, I heard back and (no surprise) they wanted me in the government class with the Stow seniors.

I was introduced to Mr. Tinkler, a senior government teacher at the Stow-Munroe Falls High School and thus began a journey of exploration, learning and friendship. Mr. Tinkler is an amazing teacher who connects with the students in an informal manner, yet commands their respect. He has them all engaged and values each as individuals with their own talents, opinions and perspectives.

Mr. Tinkler asked if I could share my experience as a legislator in Columbus. So for example, when the class was studying the legislative branch of government, I facilitated a role-playing exercise. We divided the class into two parts: half was the Ohio Senate and the other half was the Ohio House of Representatives. Mr. Tinkler, of course, played the role of the governor. We ran the class as if they were the General Assembly. I had the students propose and debate the merits of a bill, standing next to their desk just like we do in Columbus.

After the debate was exhausted, the students would vote. If there were enough affirmative votes, the issue would pass to the other half of the class to continue the discussion and then finally on to “Governor Tinkler” for his signature or veto. This exercise is one that was not only fun, but also engaged the students in the process through role play. They learned through this exercise how bills become law, and I am hopeful that it increased their understanding and appreciation for how this process works.

Together we also role-played the committee process. A third of the class was the “Education Committee,” a third was “proponents,” and a third was “opponents.” We discussed varying political views, campaigns and more.

The students in the Stow-Munroe Falls High School were a pleasure to work with. I look forward to Mondays knowing that I’ll be with these bright young people who are so passionate to learn. I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to spend time in Mr. Tinkler’s government class at the high school; I went there to serve and left enriched.

As a final note: If you are a teacher and would like me to come into your class and facilitate a role-playing exercise of the General Assembly and work through how a bill becomes a law with your students, I would be delighted to do so, just contact my office at 614-466-1177.

January 26, 2012

Johnson, Kozlowski Sponsor Legislation to Ensure Teachers’ Due Process

State Representatives Terry Johnson (R-McDermott) and Casey Kozlowski (R-Pierpoint) today announced that they have introduced legislation to create a formal appeals process for school teachers who receive a letter of admonishment in their files from the Ohio Department of Education (ODE).

Currently, when a complaint is filed and investigated, a letter of admonishment may be placed in his or her file as disciplinary action. Although the teacher can respond in writing, there is no official appeals process to ensure that the letter of admonishment was fairly received.

“Our teachers are professionals,” Johnson said. “They deserve to be treated with respect, and they deserve due process.”

“Although we must be on the lookout for misconduct in our schools, teachers should have a right to argue against an action that will permanently affect their records,” Representative Kozlowski said. “This legislation gives them that opportunity.”

The legislation will allow a teacher to file notice with ODE within 30 days to request a hearing to appeal the letter of admonishment. There would be a public hearing with a three-person panel that would include representatives of the superintendent of public instruction, the Office of Educator Licensure, and the Educator Standards Board. The panel would then make a recommendation to the Ohio Board of Education to remove the letter of admonishment or allow it to remain.

“It is important that teachers have a right to defend themselves,” Representative Johnson said. “This legislation gives them the chance to formally argue their case and ensures that they will not be treated unfairly as they continue on with their careers.”

December 19, 2011

Rep. Mike Henne Applauds Ohio’s “Race to the Top” Grant

State Representative Mike Henne (R-Clayton) has announced that the state of Ohio will receive up to $70 million in federal “Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge” grants, which will be utilized to better prepare disadvantaged children for kindergarten.

The competition focuses on improving early learning and development programs for young children by supporting states’ efforts to increase the number and percentage of low-income and disadvantaged children in each age group of infants, toddlers and preschoolers who are enrolled in high-quality early learning programs; design and implement an integrated system of high-quality early learning programs and services; and ensure that any use of assessments conforms with the recommendations of the National Research Council’s reports on early childhood.

“Many of the schools in my district and the Dayton area participated in Race to the Top, and I am proud to see that our teachers’ and students’ hard work is paying off,” said Henne.

A total of 35 states, as well as Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia, competed for a share of $500 million. Other states who were awarded grants are California, Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Carolina, Rhode Island and Washington.

December 13, 2011

Rep. John Adams: Teaching Historical Documents Will Improve Our Children’s Education

Following the passage of Senate Bill 165 from the Ohio House of Representatives, State Representative John Adams (R-Sidney) released the following statement:

“I am glad to see that the House passed this legislation today with bipartisan support. This is a concept that will help tomorrow’s leaders have a better insight into how these documents led to the system of government that we have today. By giving our children a more comprehensive understanding of our heritage, we are better preparing them to be productive Americans and Ohioans who realize the value of hard work, dedication and liberty.”

S.B. 165 requires the State Board of Education to incorporate into the state social standards, for grades 4 to 12, academic content regarding the original texts of the Declaration of Independence, Northwest Ordinance, U.S. Constitution, and Ohio Constitution by July 1, 2014.

Additionally, it requires the State Board to revise the state model curricula and achievement assessments in social studies to include the new academic content. It also specifies that a valid educator license in social studies is sufficient to teach the additional American history and American government content required by the bill.

S.B. 165 will now be sent back to the Ohio Senate for concurrence.

December 12, 2011

Rep. Matt Huffman discusses revisions to H.B. 136, the school choice bill

News Conference Bullets

School Funding Chart Board

November 1, 2011

Representative Dovilla Commends Berea City Schools

State Representative Mike Dovilla (R-Berea) recently presented commendations to the Berea City School District for its rating of Excellent on the school’s 2010-2011 state report card from the Ohio Department of Education.

“As a proud alumnus of the Berea City Schools, I am pleased that this school district has continued to provide a world-class education for the students in our community,” Dovilla said. “This rating is a reflection not only of the successes our faculty, staff and administrators are achieving but also of the outstanding support our community provides.”

Representative Dovilla joined Superintendent Mike Sheppard for this special presentation before the kick-off of the annual Berea - Midpark football game at the George Finnie Stadium in Berea.

The data for school district ratings and individual school building ratings can be viewed on the department’s website at: www.ode.state.oh.us.

October 28, 2011

Column from Rep. Bill Hayes: Keeping Good Teachers on the Job

Whenever I hear about a young teacher being laid off, I think back to an article that ran in the Columbus Dispatch earlier this year. It referred to the Pickerington School District having to let go of a large number of teachers. Five of the teachers that were to be laid off were voted “Teacher of the Year” by their respective schools within the district.

The unfortunate story stemmed from Pickerington’s “last in, first out” policy, which determines all layoff decisions based on tenure. Simply stated, those with the least seniority are the first to go.

Senate Bill 5 implements a performance-based pay policy. That is, instead of all staffing decisions being decided by who has been on the job the longest, schools will also have the ability to look at someone’s talents. This would surely give schools a better opportunity to hold onto good teachers, such as those who are nominated “Teacher of the Year.”

But perhaps the bigger issue with the situation in Pickerington was that it was forced to lay off 17 percent of its teaching staff. When a school is near the verge of laying off one-fifth of its staff, then we are no longer only talking about young teachers. In fact, one of the laid off teachers had worked at the school for eight years.

The reason such drastic staff reductions were needed was because the school district had to cut $13 million from its budget. Schools all over the state have faced similar financial realities, and the loss of teaching jobs has been the result.

However, instead of making cuts solely by laying off teachers—which negatively impacts our children’s educations—Senate Bill 5 includes provisions that gives school districts greater flexibility over their budgets. Requiring that all school employees pay slightly more toward their healthcare and retirement frees up space for schools to keep more teachers on staff.

We should do whatever we can to keep good teachers in our schools. The simple, common-sense provisions in Senate Bill 5 will help make that possible.

October 26, 2011

Representative Dovilla Co-Teaches in Cleveland Public Schools

State Representative Mike Dovilla (R-Berea) joined educator and Strongsville resident Gary McPherson at Walton Elementary School in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District.

“Gary graciously shared his experiences with me and provided the opportunity to glimpse, although briefly, some of the challenges our teachers face along with the positive results for which they are responsible,” said Dovilla. “As someone who has benefited greatly from K-12 education in the Berea public schools, I know it is imperative to ensure our children continue to receive the world-class education they need to make them contributing members of our society.”

Dovilla co-taught three of Mr. McPherson’s classes – general music for fourth graders as well as advanced orchestra and advanced band for sixth and seventh graders. McPherson has been a teacher for 15 years at Walton, where in addition to teaching music classes he is responsible for the school’s information technology, including 100 computers.

“The level of commitment educators like Gary have for our children is inspiring,” continued Dovilla. “Today’s classroom experience only underscores my strong belief that we must reform public education to better compensate our best teachers based on performance rather than merely longevity. These educators do their very best each day to prepare our children for a bright future; they deserve our very best with a compensation system that reflects their true value.”

Mr. McPherson reached out to Representative Dovilla earlier this year and offered this opportunity in order to demonstrate some of the challenges public educators experience each day in Ohio’s classrooms.

October 25, 2011

Rep. Henne Receives Award for His Efforts to Promote Early Childhood Education

State Representative Mike Henne (R-Clayton) recently attended the Dayton Association for Young Children (DAYC) annual leadership development conference for early childhood professionals, where he was awarded the Community Advocate of the Year award for his efforts to bring attention to the importance of early care and education.

“I am appreciative of this great recognition from DAYC and will continue to advocate for a quality education for our community’s young children and their families,” Henne said.

A local affiliate of the National Association for the Education of Young Children, DAYC is a nonprofit organization of early childhood education professionals and others dedicated to ensuring quality care for young children and their families. It provides leadership for professionals and families to promote partnerships on behalf of young children with special emphasis on quality education, awareness of developmental services, and access to resources.

October 18, 2011

Column from Rep. Henne: Senate Bill 5 Has Positive Impact for Teachers

A question I have heard a lot over the past couple months is, “How will Senate Bill 5 affect teachers?” Often, the people asking the question do not show anger or frustration or cynicism. They simply want to know the truth.

Although the bill has been described as many things, it really is an attempt to save public sector jobs. At the same time, however, we all must understand that times have changed, and our economy is in a rut. I, along with my colleagues in the legislature, believe in the greatness of this state and know that better times are ahead, but we also know that, in order for this vision to become reality, reasonable changes must be made.

Senate Bill 5 requires that all public sector employees, teachers included, pay a minimal amount—which many already do—toward their healthcare and retirement benefits. This can free up budget space for school districts to keep more teachers on the staff, instead of the recent alternative of laying off teachers in order to provide for generous—and sometimes outlandish—benefits demanded by the unions.

What has perhaps attracted the most debate, however, is the changes in the bill relating to collective bargaining. This has led some people to ask whether the determination of teachers’ salaries will be completely out of the teachers’ control. Some have even questioned the implementation of maximum wages for teachers. These are all false rumors. While SB 5 alters part of the collective bargaining process, negotiations over wages, hours and working conditions will remain intact. In other words, teachers will still have the ability to collectively bargain over their salaries.

Senate Bill 5 also provides a better balance of fairness for all teachers by implementing a performance-based pay system. In the past, it has been common practice to automatically lay off young teachers when facing a tight budget—often referred to as the “last-hired, first-fired” policy. The bill does not specifically define the standards for performance-based pay; these specifications will still be part of the collective bargaining process. Therefore, teachers will have a strong voice in determining what the conditions will be.

Teachers are not the problem, but part of the solution. We know that nothing, other than socio-economics, is more important than an effective teacher in front of the class of students. We understand the invaluable part they play in our society—people who have the challenging and often thankless job of educating the future leaders of our country. It is critically important that we are doing all we can to put forward the best we have.

We have a representative government, and as the elected official, it is my job to learn each bill, listen to both sides and make a decision. It is now the public’s responsibility to understand the bill, which likely will not happen by simply listening to the rhetoric on TV and radio. I encourage everyone to read the bill, or at least an official analysis of it. If you are tired of listening to politicians talking back-and-forth about what SB 5 does and doesn’t do, then take the time to do your own homework. It is important that you inform yourself about the issues and challenges facing Ohio, and to understand why certain changes are necessary.

October 17, 2011

Column from Rep. Nan Baker: Making Fair Adjustments to Save Jobs

From the beginning of the 129th General Assembly, our goal in state government was to foster an economic environment in the State of Ohio conducive to job creation and to put in place ways that would help us climb out of our $8 billion deficit. I feel that we have made many positive steps toward achieving these goals, but I know that our job is not complete. One piece of legislation that would greatly benefit our state’s economy and the taxpayers that support it is Senate Bill 5, which will be on the ballot this November.

Senate Bill 5 introduces changes that our state needs in order to move forward through these challenging economic times. Our current collective bargaining system has gone mostly unchanged since its implementation in 1983. During that time, union demands have continued to expand, reaching the point where taxpayers simply can no longer sustain it.

While SB 5 aims to bring much-needed relief to private sector taxpayers, it will also have lasting positive effects in the public sector. In recent years, local governments and school districts have had no choice but to lay off valuable workers—firefighters, police officers, teachers—because they no longer have room in their budgets to support the generous benefits and pensions that government unions have bargained for. With increased strain being placed on taxpayers, we have unfortunately seen a lot of people leave Ohio for other, more tax-friendly states. A clear indication of this is the fact that Ohio is losing two representatives in Congress.

Fewer citizens living in the state leads to less revenue for local governments. It would be unfair to exclude public employees from this example. They also pay taxes that help fund our cities, our state and our economy in general. For this reason, it is critical that we keep public employees working. Reasonable changes to collective bargaining, healthcare and pension contributions will help maintain strong numbers in our public workforce.

One thing that cannot be overlooked in this debate is the effect that the current system has on our children. Our teachers do a great job of educating the future leaders of our state and nation. But recently, schools have been forced to lay off good teachers and eliminate important extracurricular programs in order to balance their budgets. Furthermore, schools have had to rely more heavily on passing levies—asking taxpayers throughout the district to give more each time.

As families deal with layoffs, wage freezes and tighter budgets, passing these levies has become increasingly difficult. Laying off teachers—many of whom have kids of their own—only makes the situation worse.

Therefore, one thing about Senate Bill 5 that must be taken into consideration, and one thing that has unfortunately been mostly overlooked, is the positive impact it will have on public employees. The goal is not to reduce the size of our public workforce, but rather to sustain it and make it stronger. Before this can happen, however, we must give local governments and school districts greater flexibility over their budgets, so they can afford to hold onto more of their valuable employees.

October 12, 2011

Peterson Applauds Local School District

State Representative Bob Peterson (R-Sabina) this week presented a commendation to Unioto High School for its rating of Excellent on the school’s 2010-2011 state report card from the Ohio Department of Education.

This marks the fourth consecutive year that Unioto High School has received the rank of Excellent.

“Unioto High School continues to meet a high level of expectation as it prepares its students for future success,” Representative Peterson said. “I was happy to stop by the school and present the commendation to some of the students as a way of highlighting the great job they are doing.”

The data for school district ratings and individual school building ratings can be viewed on the department’s website at: www.ode.state.oh.us.

September 29, 2011

Rep. Huffman Selected to Serve on Digital Learning Task Force

The Governor’s Office of 21st Century Education has nominated State Representative Matt Huffman (R-Lima) to serve as a member of Ohio’s Digital Learning Task Force.

As a member of the task force, Rep. Huffman will work with other members of the task force to participate in a variety of duties, including:
• Requesting information from textbook publishers about the development of digital textbooks and other new digital content distribution methods for use by primary, secondary, and post-secondary schools and institutions, and examining that information
• Examining potential cost savings and efficiency of utilizing digital textbooks and other new digital content distribution methods in primary, secondary, and post-secondary schools and institutions
• Examining potential academic benefits of utilizing digital textbooks and other new digital content distribution methods, including the ability to individualize content to specific student learning styles, accessibility for individuals with disabilities, and the integration of formative and other online assessments
• Examining digital content pilot programs and initiatives currently operating at primary, secondary, and post-secondary schools and institutions in Ohio, including those financed in part with federal funds
• Examining any state-level initiatives to provide or facilitate use of digital content in primary, secondary and post-secondary schools and institutions in Ohio

“I’m honored to have the opportunity to serve on this task force and explore the use of digital technology in the classroom,” Rep. Huffman said.

A report of recommendations—which will include a wide variety of issues related to digital learning strategies and program efficiency—must be submitted to the Legislature by March 1, 2012.

September 22, 2011

Education Committee Passes Huffman’s School Choice Bill

The Ohio House Education Committee has passed legislation that reforms and expands school choice within the state of Ohio. When enacted, House Bill 136 will add private schools as an option for some families, along with open enrollment, charter/community schools, special education scholarships and joint-vocational schools.

The bill creates the Parental Choice and Taxpayer Savings (PACT) scholarships, which gives scholarships to middle-income families based on need, similar to the federal Pell grant.

“Parents, not the state, are in the best position to choose which school their child should attend,” said State Representative Matt Huffman (R-Lima), who sponsored the bill. “Along with open enrollment to other districts, charter/community schools and other schools, private schools would now be an option for families that previously could not afford that option. House Bill 136 will empower parents and will provide our communities with a more comprehensive educational structure.”

The PACT scholarship is $4,600 at its maximum and will be paid from state funding, not local tax dollars. This amount represents at least 20 percent less than the amount paid for charter schools, open enrollment and other school choice programs. Recipients will be counted in the local district’s average daily count, which will bring additional state dollars to the district.

“This program will result in substantial savings to the taxpayer, while giving parents another option for their child,” said Huffman.

House Bill 136 received eight hearings in the House Education Committee and now awaits a vote by the full House.

September 16, 2011

Rep. Gonzales Gives Sponsor Testimony in House Committees

State Representative Anne Gonzales (R-Westerville) recently offered sponsor testimony on two bills in the House Health and Aging Committee that strive to give health care professionals more tools to provide comprehensive, high-quality care for Ohioans.

House Bill 292, which received its first hearing in the Health and Aging Committee, establishes a state licensure of genetic counselors in Ohio. Currently, there are no state regulations that prevent individuals—including health care professionals with graduate degrees and experience in medical genetics and counseling—from providing genetic counseling and calling themselves genetic counselors, even if they were inadequately trained for such a position. This legislation would explicitly permit licensed genetic counselors to provide specific services within the realm of interpretations of genetic tests, risk estimates for disease, and other similar services.

Rep. Gonzales also offered sponsor testimony on House Bill 284, which modernizes the laws dealing with physician assistants (PAs). The legislation would expand the duties that may be performed by PAs by allowing PAs to make the pronouncement of death; allow PAs to provide care and treatment during times of natural disaster under the supervision of another physician; give PAs Schedule II prescriptive authority with strict limits on where and how those prescriptions may be prescribed; improve the ability of PAs to provide treatment on board emergency transportation; and allow up to 100 percent Medicaid reimbursement for PAs at a PA-specific rate, as well as other provisions specified in the bill.

“These two important pieces of legislation will allow Ohioans to continue to receive the best possible health care in our state,” Rep. Gonzales said.

Additionally, Rep. Gonzales testified before the House Education Committee in support of House Bill 255, which she introduced to improve access to the federal school breakfast and lunch programs for low-income children in Ohio. The legislation would implement programs that were authorized by Congress as part of the Healthy, Hunger-free Kids Act and would work to improve access to meal service.

Having now received sponsor testimony, House Bills 225, 284 and 292 will continue to undergo consideration in their respective committees.

September 7, 2011

Speaker Batchelder Applauds Local Schools for Achievement

Speaker of the Ohio House William G. Batchelder (R-Medina) today applauded the school districts of the 69th Ohio House District for outstanding achievement on their 2010-2011 School Year Report Cards.

All seven of Medina County’s school district earned at least an “Excellent” designation. Specifically, Black River Local School District, Brunswick City School District, Buckeye Local School District, Cloverleaf Local School District, Highland Local School District, and Medina City School District all received an “Excellent” rating, while Wadsworth City School District earned an “Excellent with Distinction” designation, the highest ranking possible.

“I am very proud of our schools and the teachers, administrators, students and parents who have worked hard to improve our communities,” Speaker Batchelder said. “A sound, effective education system is the backbone of Ohio’s long-term prosperity, and to have our local schools achieving and performing so highly is very humbling as a lawmaker.”

The 2010-2011 District Report Cards measure the progress that school districts have made based on four measures of performance: state indicators, performance index, adequate yearly progress, and value-added measure. A combination of the four measures is the basis for assigning state designations to districts, buildings and community schools.

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