Chapter 3326 | Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics Schools

Section 3326.01 | STEM and STEAM defined.

• Effective: September 30, 2021
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 110 - 134th General Assembly

(A) As used in this chapter:

(1) "Compact career-technical education provider" means two or more city, exempted village, or local school districts that are not members of a joint vocational school district and that have entered into a compact under which students enrolled in any of the participating districts may access career-technical education programs provided by a participating district.

(2) "Comprehensive career-technical education provider" means a city, exempted village, or local school district that is not a member of a joint vocational school district and that provides a comprehensive career-technical education program to all high schools operated by the district.

(3) "STEM" is an abbreviation of "science, technology, engineering, and mathematics."

(4) "STEAM" is an abbreviation of "science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics."

(B)(1) A science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics school shall be considered a type of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics school.

(2) A STEAM school equivalent shall be considered to be a type of STEM school equivalent.

(3) A STEAM program of excellence shall be considered to be a type of STEM program of excellence.

(C)(1) Any reference to a STEM school or science, technology, engineering, and mathematics school in the Revised Code shall be considered to include a STEAM school, unless the context specifically indicates a different meaning or intent. All provisions of the Revised Code applicable to a STEM school shall apply to a STEAM school in the same manner, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.

(2) Any reference to a STEM school equivalent in the Revised Code shall be considered to include a STEAM school equivalent, unless the context specifically indicates a different meaning or intent. All provisions of the Revised Code applicable to a STEM school equivalent shall apply to a STEAM school equivalent in the same manner, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.

(3) Any reference to a STEM program of excellence in the Revised Code shall be considered to include a STEAM program of excellence, unless the context specifically indicates a different meaning or intent. All provisions of the Revised Code applicable to a STEM program of excellence shall apply to a STEAM program of excellence in the same manner, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.

Last updated August 11, 2021 at 4:02 PM

Section 3326.02 | STEM committee established.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

There is hereby established the STEM committee of the department of education and workforce consisting of the following members:

(A) The director of education and workforce, or the director's designee;

(B) The chancellor of higher education, or the chancellor's designee;

(C) The director of development, or the director's designee;

(D) Four members of the public, two of whom shall be appointed by the governor, one of whom shall be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives, and one of whom shall be appointed by the president of the senate. Members of the public shall be appointed based on their expertise in business or in STEM fields.

All members of the committee appointed under division (D) of this section shall serve at the pleasure of their appointing authority.

If a member listed in divisions (A) to (C) of this section elects to assign a designee to participate in committee business on the member's behalf, the member shall assign that designation to a single person for the time period in which the designation is effective.

Members of the committee shall receive no compensation for their services. The department of education and workforce shall provide administrative support for the committee.

Last updated August 30, 2023 at 9:41 AM

Section 3326.03 | STEM school proposals.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) The STEM committee shall authorize the establishment of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics schools based on proposals submitted to the committee.

The committee shall determine the criteria for proposals, establish procedures for the submission of proposals, accept and evaluate proposals, and choose which proposals to approve to become a STEM school. In approving proposals for STEM schools, the committee shall consider designating schools in diverse geographic regions of the state so that all students have access to a STEM school.

The committee shall seek technical assistance from the Ohio STEM learning network, or its successor, throughout the process of accepting and evaluating proposals and choosing which proposals to approve. In approving proposals for STEM schools, the committee shall consider the recommendations of the Ohio STEM learning network, or its successor.

The committee may authorize the establishment of a group of multiple STEM schools to operate from multiple facilities located in one or more school districts under the direction of a single governing body in the manner prescribed by section 3326.031 of the Revised Code. The committee shall consider the merits of each of the proposed STEM schools within a group and shall authorize each school separately. Anytime after authorizing a group of STEM schools to be under the direction of a single governing body, the committee may authorize one or more additional schools to operate as part of that group, provided a proposal for each school is submitted in accordance with this section.

The STEM committee may approve one or more STEM schools to serve only students identified as gifted under Chapter 3324. of the Revised Code.

(B) Proposals may be submitted only by a partnership of public and private entities consisting of at least all of the following:

(1) A city, exempted village, or local school district;

(2) Higher education entities;

(3) Business organizations.

A community school established under Chapter 3314. of the Revised Code, a chartered nonpublic school, or both may be part of the partnership.

(C) Each proposal shall include at least the following:

(1) A statement of which of grades kindergarten through twelve will be offered by the school;

(2) Assurances that the STEM school or group of STEM schools will be under the oversight of a governing body and a description of the members of that governing body and how they will be selected;

(3) Assurances that each STEM school will operate in compliance with this chapter and the provisions of the proposal as accepted by the committee and that the school will maintain the STEM education practices set forth in the proposal;

(4) Evidence that each school will exhibit school-wide cultural strategies reflecting innovation, an entrepreneurial spirit, inquiry, and collaboration with individual accountability;

(5) Evidence that each school will offer a rigorous, diverse, integrated, and problem- or project-based curriculum to all students enrolled in the school, with the goal to prepare all students for post-high school learning experiences, the workforce, and citizenship, and that does all of the following:

(a) Emphasizes and supports the role of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in promoting innovation and economic progress;

(b) Emphasizes the use of design thinking as a school-wide approach;

(c) Provides opportunities for students to engage in personalized learning;

(d) Includes the arts and humanities. If the proposal is for a STEAM school, it also shall include evidence that the curriculum will integrate arts and design into the study of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to foster creative thinking, problem-solving, and new approaches to scientific invention.

(6) Evidence that school leadership supports the curriculum principles of division (C)(5) of this section;

(7) A description of how each school's curriculum was developed using the curriculum principles described in division (C)(5) of this section and approved by a team in accordance with section 3326.09 of the Revised Code;

(8) Evidence that each school will participate in regular STEM-focused professional development and share knowledge of best practices;

(9) Evidence that each school has established partnerships with institutions of higher education and businesses. If the proposal is for a STEAM school, it also shall include evidence of established partnerships with one or more arts organizations.

(10) Assurances that each school has received commitments of sustained and verifiable fiscal and in-kind support from regional education and business entities. If the proposal is for a STEAM school, it also shall include assurances that the school has received commitments of sustained and verifiable fiscal and in-kind support from arts organizations.

(11) A description of how each school's assets will be distributed if the school closes for any reason.

(D) A STEM school that is designated under this section may submit an amended proposal to the STEM committee at any time to offer additional grade levels. Upon approval of the amended proposal by the committee, those grades may be offered by the school.

(E)(1) If a school is designated as a STEM school under this section, it shall maintain that designation for five years unless the STEM committee revokes its designation during that five-year period under division (F) of this section. At the end of that five-year period, the school shall reapply to the STEM committee in order to maintain that designation. The committee shall authorize the continuation of the school's STEM designation if the committee finds that the school is in compliance with this chapter and the provisions of its proposal and any subsequent amendments to that proposal.

If a school chooses not to reapply for designation as a STEM school under division (E)(1) of this section, the committee shall revoke the school's designation at the end of its five-year designation period.

(2) If a school reapplies for its designation as a STEM school under division (E)(1) of this section and the committee has reason to believe that it is not in compliance with this chapter or the provisions of its proposal and any subsequent amendments to that proposal, the committee shall require the school, in collaboration with the department of education and workforce and the Ohio STEM learning network or its successor, to develop a corrective action plan. The school shall implement the corrective action plan and demonstrate exemplary STEM pedagogy and practices within one year of the plan's development. If the school fails to implement the corrective action plan to the satisfaction of the committee at the end of that year, the committee shall revoke the school's designation.

(3) The department shall maintain records of the application status and designation renewal deadlines for each school that has been designated as a STEM school under this section.

(F) If the STEM committee has reason to believe that a school that is designated as a STEM school under this section is not in compliance with this chapter or the provisions of its proposal and any subsequent amendments to that proposal, it may review the school's designation prior to the end of its five-year designation period. If the committee reviews a school's designation under this division, it must require the school to develop a corrective action plan in the same manner as specified in division (E)(2) of this section and implement that plan and demonstrate exemplary STEM pedagogy and practices within one year of the plan's development. If the school fails to implement the corrective action plan to the satisfaction of the committee at the end of that year, the committee shall revoke the school's designation.

(G) If a STEM school wishes to become a STEAM school, it may change its existing proposal to include the items required under divisions (C)(5)(d), (C)(9), and (C)(10) of this section and submit the revised proposal to the STEM committee for approval.

(H) Notwithstanding division (B)(1) of this section, on and after September 30, 2021, a school operated by a joint vocational school district that was designated as a STEM school prior to that date may maintain that designation provided the school continues to comply with this chapter and all provisions of its proposal and any subsequent amendments to that proposal. However, nothing shall prohibit that school from electing to apply for a designation of STEM school equivalent or distinction as a STEM program of excellence under section 3326.032 or 3326.04 of the Revised Code, respectively.

Last updated August 30, 2023 at 9:43 AM

Section 3326.031 | Single governing body may direct group of multiple STEM schools.

• Effective: October 17, 2019
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 166 - 133rd General Assembly

(A) As authorized by the STEM committee, a single governing body may direct a group of multiple STEM schools to operate from multiple facilities located in one or more school districts to be organized and operated in the manner prescribed under this chapter except as specified by this section. Each school within the group shall operate as a separate school but under the direction of a common governing body. The governing body may employ a single treasurer, licensed in the manner prescribed by section 3326.21 of the Revised Code, to manage the fiscal affairs of all of the schools within the group. Each school shall have a chief administrative officer, as required by section 3326.08 of the Revised Code, but the governing body may in its discretion appoint a single individual to be the chief administrative officer of two or more schools in the group. No school within the group shall be organized or funded in the manner prescribed by section 3326.51 of the Revised Code.

(B) The department shall calculate funds under this chapter for each STEM school within a group separately. It shall pay those funds to the governing body of the group. The governing body shall distribute to each STEM school within the group the full amount determined by the department for that school.

(C) In accordance with section 3326.17 of the Revised Code, the department shall issue a separate report card for each STEM school within a group. The department also shall compute a rating for each group of schools and report that rating in a distinct report card for the group.

(D) The department shall assign a separate internal retrieval number to each STEM school within a group.

Section 3326.032 | STEM school equivalent designation.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) The STEM committee may grant a designation of STEM school equivalent to any of the following schools:

(1) A school operated by a joint vocational school district;

(2) A school offering career-technical education programs that is operated by a school district that is a comprehensive career-technical education provider;

(3) A school offering career-technical education programs that is operated by a school district that is a participant in a compact career-technical education provider;

(4) A community school established under Chapter 3314. of the Revised Code;

(5) A chartered nonpublic school.

In order to be eligible for this designation, a school shall submit a proposal that satisfies the requirements of this section.

The committee shall determine the criteria for proposals, establish procedures for the submission of proposals, accept and evaluate proposals, and choose which proposals warrant a school to be designated as a STEM school equivalent.

(B) A proposal for designation as a STEM school equivalent shall include at least the following:

(1) A statement of which of grades kindergarten through twelve will be offered by the school;

(2) Assurances that the school will operate in compliance with this section and the provisions of the proposal as accepted by the committee and that the school will maintain the STEM education practices set forth in the proposal;

(3) Evidence that the school will exhibit school-wide cultural strategies reflecting innovation, an entrepreneurial spirit, inquiry, and collaboration with individual accountability;

(4) Evidence that the school will offer a rigorous, diverse, integrated, and problem- or project-based curriculum to all students enrolled in the school, with the goal to prepare all students for post-secondary learning experiences, the workforce, and citizenship, and that does all of the following:

(a) Emphasizes and supports the role of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in promoting innovation and economic progress;

(b) Emphasizes the use of design thinking as a school-wide approach;

(c) Provides opportunities for students to engage in personalized learning;

(d) Includes the arts and humanities. If the proposal is for a STEAM school equivalent, it also shall include evidence that the curriculum will integrate arts and design into the study of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to foster creative thinking, problem-solving, and new approaches to scientific invention.

(5) Evidence that the school leadership supports the curriculum principles of division (B)(4) of this section;

(6) A description of how the school's curriculum was developed using the principles of division (B)(4) of this section and approved by a team in accordance with section 3326.09 of the Revised Code;

(7) Evidence that the school will participate in regular professional development and share knowledge of best practices;

(8) Evidence that the school has established partnerships with institutions of higher education and businesses. If the proposal is for a STEAM school equivalent, it also shall include evidence of established partnerships with one or more arts organizations.

(9) Assurances that the school has received commitments of sustained and verifiable fiscal and in-kind support from regional education and business entities. If the proposal is for a STEAM school equivalent, it also shall include assurances that the school has received commitments of sustained and verifiable fiscal and in-kind support from arts organizations.

(C)(1) If a school is designated as a STEM school equivalent under this section, it shall maintain that designation for five years unless the STEM committee revokes its designation during that five-year period under division (D) of this section. At the end of that five-year period, the school shall reapply to the STEM committee in order to maintain that designation. The committee shall authorize the continuation of the school's designation as a STEM school equivalent if the committee finds that the school is in compliance with this chapter and the provisions of its proposal and any subsequent amendments to that proposal.

If a school chooses not to reapply for designation as a STEM school equivalent under division (C)(1) of this section, the committee shall revoke the school's designation at the end of its five-year designation period.

(2) If a school reapplies for its designation as a STEM school equivalent under division (C)(1) of this section and the committee has reason to believe that it is not in compliance with this chapter or the provisions of its proposal and any subsequent amendments to that proposal, the committee shall require the school, in collaboration with the department of education and workforce and the Ohio STEM learning network or its successor, to develop a corrective action plan. The school shall implement the corrective action plan and demonstrate exemplary STEM pedagogy and practices within one year of the plan's development. If the school fails to implement the corrective action plan to the satisfaction of the committee at the end of that year, the committee shall revoke the school's designation.

(3) The department shall maintain records of the application status and designation renewal deadlines for each school that has been designated as a STEM school equivalent under this section.

(D) If the STEM committee has reason to believe that a school that is designated as a STEM school equivalent under this section is not in compliance with this chapter or the provisions of its proposal and any subsequent amendments to that proposal, it may review the school's designation prior to the end of its five-year designation period. If the committee reviews a school's designation under this division, it must require the school to develop a corrective action plan in the same manner as specified in division (C)(2) of this section and implement that plan and demonstrate exemplary STEM pedagogy and practices within one year of the plan's development. If the school fails to implement the corrective action plan to the satisfaction of the committee at the end of that year, the committee shall revoke the school's designation.

(E) A school that is designated as a STEM school equivalent under this section shall not be subject to the requirements of Chapter 3326. of the Revised Code, except that the school shall be subject to the requirements of this section and to the curriculum requirements of section 3326.09 of the Revised Code.

Nothing in this section, however, shall relieve a community school of the applicable requirements of Chapter 3314. of the Revised Code. Nor shall anything in this section relieve a school operated by a joint vocational school district, a school operated by a comprehensive career-technical education provider, a school operated by a compact career-technical education provider, or a chartered nonpublic school of any provisions of law outside of this chapter that are applicable to such schools.

(2) A school that is designated as a STEM school equivalent under this section shall not be eligible for operating funding under sections 3326.31 to 3326.37, 3326.39 to 3326.40, and 3326.51 of the Revised Code.

(3) A school that is designated as a STEM school equivalent under this section may apply for any of the grants and additional funds described in section 3326.38 of the Revised Code for which the school is eligible.

(F) If a school that is designated as a STEM school equivalent under this section intends to close or intends to no longer be designated as a STEM school equivalent, it shall notify the STEM committee of that fact.

(G) If a school that is designated as a STEM school equivalent wishes to be designated as a STEAM school equivalent, it may change its existing proposal to include the items required under divisions (B)(4)(d), (B)(8), and (B)(9) of this section and submit the revised proposal to the STEM committee for approval.

Last updated August 30, 2023 at 9:45 AM

Section 3326.04 | STEM or STEAM program of excellence designation.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) The STEM committee shall grant distinctions as STEM programs of excellence to STEM programs operated by joint vocational school districts, comprehensive career-technical education providers, compact career-technical education providers, and educational service centers in accordance with this section.

(B) A joint vocational school district, comprehensive career-technical education provider, compact career-technical education provider, or educational service center may submit a proposal to the STEM committee seeking distinction as a STEM program of excellence. The proposal shall demonstrate to the satisfaction of the STEM committee that the program meets at least the following standards:

(1) Unless the program is designed to serve only students identified as gifted under Chapter 3324. of the Revised Code, the program will serve all students enrolled in the grades for which the program is designed.

(2) The program will provide students with the opportunity to innovate, develop an entrepreneurial spirit, engage in inquiry, and collaborate with individual accountability.

(3) The program will offer a rigorous, diverse, integrated, and problem- or project-based curriculum to students, with the goal to prepare students for post-secondary learning experiences, the workforce, and citizenship, and that does all of the following:

(a) Emphasizes and supports the role of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in promoting innovation and economic progress;

(b) Emphasizes the use of design thinking as a school-wide approach;

(c) Provides opportunities for students to engage in personalized learning;

(d) Includes the arts and humanities. If the proposal is for distinction as a STEAM program of excellence, it also shall include evidence that the curriculum will integrate arts and design into the study of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to foster creative thinking, problem-solving, and new approaches to scientific invention.

(4) The district, provider, or service center leadership supports the curriculum principles of division (B)(3) of this section.

(5) The program's leaders participate in regular STEM-focused professional development and share knowledge of best practices.

(6) The program has established partnerships with institutions of higher education and businesses. If the proposal is for distinction as a STEAM program of excellence, it also shall include evidence of established partnerships with one or more arts organizations.

(7) The program has received commitments of sustained and verifiable fiscal and in-kind support from regional education and business entities. If the proposal is for distinction as a STEAM program of excellence, the program also has received commitments of sustained and verifiable fiscal and in-kind support from arts organizations;

(8) The program's curriculum was developed using the principles described in division (B)(3) of this section and approved by a team in accordance with section 3326.09 of the Revised Code.

(C)(1) If a joint vocational school district, comprehensive career-technical education provider, compact career-technical education provider, or educational service center receives a distinction as a STEM program of excellence under this section, it shall maintain that distinction for five years unless the STEM committee revokes the distinction during that five-year period under division (E) of this section. At the end of that five-year period, the district, provider, or service center shall reapply to the STEM committee in order to maintain that distinction. The committee shall authorize the continuation of the district's, provider's, or service center's distinction as a STEM program of excellence if the committee finds that the district, provider, or service center is in compliance with this chapter and the provisions of its proposal and any subsequent amendments to that proposal.

If a joint vocational school district, comprehensive career-technical education provider, compact career-technical education provider, or educational service center chooses not to reapply for a distinction for a STEM program of excellence under division (C)(1) of this section, the committee shall revoke the district's, provider's, or service center's distinction at the end of its five-year period of distinction.

(2) If a joint vocational school district, comprehensive career-technical education provider, compact career-technical education provider, or educational service center reapplies for distinction as a STEM program of excellence under division (C)(1) of this section and the committee has reason to believe that it is not in compliance with this chapter or the provisions of its proposal and any subsequent amendments to that proposal, the committee shall require the district, provider, or service center, in collaboration with the department of education and workforce and the Ohio STEM learning network or its successor, to develop a corrective action plan. The district, provider, or service center shall implement the corrective action plan and demonstrate exemplary STEM pedagogy and practices within one year of the plan's development. If the district, provider, or service center fails to implement the corrective action plan to the satisfaction of the committee at the end of that year, the committee shall revoke the district's, provider's, or service center's distinction.

(3) The department shall maintain records of the application status and designation renewal deadlines for each joint vocational school district, comprehensive career-technical education provider, compact career-technical education provider, or educational service center that has received a distinction as a STEM program of excellence under this section.

(D) If the STEM committee has reason to believe that a joint vocational school district, comprehensive career-technical education provider, compact career-technical education provider, or educational service center that has received a distinction as a STEM program of excellence under this section is not in compliance with this chapter or the provisions of its proposal and any subsequent amendments to that proposal, it may review the district's, provider's, or service center's distinction prior to the end of the five-year period during which that distinction is effective. If the committee reviews a district's, provider's, or service center's distinction under this division, it must require the district, provider, or service center to develop a corrective action plan in the same manner as specified in division (C)(2) of this section and implement that plan and demonstrate exemplary STEM pedagogy and practices within one year of the plan's development. If the district, provider, or service center fails to implement the corrective action plan to the satisfaction of the committee at the end of that year, the committee shall revoke the district's, provider's, or service center's distinction.

(E) If a joint vocational school district, comprehensive career-technical education provider, compact career-technical education provider, or educational service center that has received distinction for a STEM program of excellence instead wishes to receive a distinction for a STEAM program of excellence, it may change its existing proposal to include the items required under divisions (B)(3)(d), (B)(6), and (B)(7) of this section and submit the revised proposal to the STEM committee for approval.

Last updated August 30, 2023 at 9:47 AM

Section 3326.06 | Nonprofit enterprise to support coordination of efforts.

• Effective: October 16, 2009
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 128th General Assembly

The STEM committee shall work with an Ohio-based nonprofit enterprise selected by the committee to support the strategic and operational coordination of public and private STEM education initiatives and resources focused on curriculum development, instruction, assessment, teacher quality enhancement, leadership recruitment and training, and community engagement. The nonprofit enterprise selected by the STEM committee shall have the proven ability to accumulate resources to enhance education quality across the educational continuum, from preschool to college, shall have experience in large-scale management of science and technology resources, and shall have a documented institutional mission to advance STEM education.

Section 3326.07 | Schools part of state program - dissolution.

• Effective: September 30, 2021
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 110 - 134th General Assembly

Each science, technology, engineering, and mathematics school established under this chapter is a public school, is part of the state's program of education, may contract for any services necessary for the operation of the school, and may continue in operation for as long as the school is in compliance with the provisions of this chapter and with the proposal for its establishment as approved by the STEM committee. If the school closes for any reason, its assets shall be distributed in the manner provided in the proposal for its establishment as required by division (C)(11) of section 3326.03 of the Revised Code.

Last updated August 11, 2021 at 4:05 PM

Section 3326.08 | STEM school administration and oversight.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) The governing body of each science, technology, engineering, and mathematics school shall engage the services of administrative officers, teachers, and nonteaching employees of the STEM school necessary for the school to carry out its mission and shall oversee the operations of the school. The governing body of each STEM school shall engage the services of a chief administrative officer to serve as the school's instructional and administrative leader. The chief administrative officer shall be granted the authority to oversee the recruitment, retention, and employment of teachers and nonteaching employees.

(B) The department of education and workforce shall monitor the oversight of each STEM school exercised by the school's governing body and shall monitor the school's compliance with this chapter and with the proposal for the establishment of the school as it was approved by the STEM committee under section 3326.03 of the Revised Code. Except in the case of a STEM school that is governed and controlled by a school district in accordance with section 3326.51 of the Revised Code, if the department finds that the school is not in compliance with this chapter or with the proposal and the STEM committee has revoked the school's STEM designation under division (E)(1) or (2) or (F) of section 3326.03 of the Revised Code, the department shall consult with the STEM committee, and the committee shall order the school to close on the last day of the school year in which the committee issues its order.

(C) The governing body of each STEM school shall comply with sections 121.22 and 149.43 of the Revised Code.

Last updated August 30, 2023 at 9:48 AM

Section 3326.081 | Suspension of employee pending criminal action.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section, "license" has the same meaning as in section 3319.31 of the Revised Code.

(B) If a person who is employed by a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics school established under this chapter is arrested, summoned, or indicted for an alleged violation of an offense listed in division (C) of section 3319.31 of the Revised Code, if the person holds a license, or an offense listed in division (B)(1) of section 3319.39 of the Revised Code, if the person does not hold a license, the chief administrative officer of the school shall suspend that person from all duties that require the care, custody, or control of a child during the pendency of the criminal action against the person. If the person who is arrested, summoned, or indicted for an alleged violation of an offense listed in division (C) of section 3319.31 or division (B)(1) of section 3319.39 of the Revised Code is the chief administrative officer of the school, the governing body of the school shall suspend the chief administrative officer from all duties that require the care, custody, or control of a child.

(C) When a person who holds a license is suspended in accordance with this section, the chief administrative officer or governing body that imposed the suspension promptly shall report the person's suspension to the department of education and workforce and to the state board of education. The report shall include the offense for which the person was arrested, summoned, or indicted.

Last updated August 30, 2023 at 9:50 AM

Section 3326.082 | Computer science and technology fund.

• Effective: March 23, 2018
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 170 - 132nd General Assembly

(A) The governing body of any science, technology, engineering, or mathematics school established under this chapter may establish a computer science and technology fund to support computer science programs and professional development related to those programs operated by the school. The fund may consist of school moneys that legally may be used for that purpose and that are not otherwise designated for other purposes. It also may consist of private moneys donated to the school or any future state moneys allocated to the school for that purpose. The governing body may use any amount in the fund to leverage or match any additional private donations that may be made to the school for that purpose.

(B) Moneys in the fund may be used for any of the following:

(1) Professional development related to computer science programs;

(2) The delivery of online assessments, including instruction and data that support online assessment readiness;

(3) Wireless connectivity in school buildings;

(4) Network services, such as improving bandwidth capacity and filtering devices;

(5) The purchase of computers, tablets, and equipment.

Section 3326.09 | Team responsible for curriculum development.

• Effective: September 29, 2017
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 49 - 132nd General Assembly

Subject to approval by its governing body or governing authority, the curriculum of each science, technology, engineering, and mathematics school and of each community school or chartered nonpublic school that is designated as a STEM school equivalent under section 3326.032 of the Revised Code shall be developed by a team that consists of at least the school's chief administrative officer, a teacher, a representative of the higher education institution that is a collaborating partner in the STEM school or school designated as a STEM school equivalent, and a member of the public with expertise in the application of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics. In the case of a STEAM school or a STEAM school equivalent, the team also shall include an expert in the integration of arts and design into the STEM fields.

Section 3326.091 | Child sexual abuse prevention.

• Effective: April 4, 2023
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 288 - 134th General Assembly

(A) If a STEM school serves students in any of grades kindergarten through six, the school's curriculum for that grade shall include annual developmentally appropriate instruction in child sexual abuse prevention, including information on available counseling and resources for children who are sexually abused. Such instruction and information provided shall not be connected in any way to any individual, entity, or organization that provides, promotes, counsels, or makes referrals for abortion or abortion-related services. Upon written request of the student's parent or guardian, a student shall be excused from taking instruction in child sexual abuse prevention.

(B)(1) If a STEM school serves students in any of grades seven through twelve, the school's curriculum for those grades shall include developmentally appropriate instruction in sexual violence prevention education, except that upon written request of the student's parent or guardian a student shall be excused from taking instruction in sexual violence prevention.

(2) If the parent or legal guardian of a student less than eighteen years of age who is attending a STEM school submits to the principal of the student's school a written request to examine the sexual violence prevention education instruction materials used at that school, the principal, within forty-eight hours after the request is made, shall allow the parent or guardian to examine those materials at that school.

(3) Each STEM school shall notify the parents and legal guardians of students who receive instruction related to child sexual abuse prevention and sexual violence prevention, as described under divisions (A) and (B)(1) of this section, of all of the following:

(a) That instruction related to child sexual abuse prevention and sexual violence prevention is a required part of the school's curriculum;

(b) That upon request, parents and legal guardians may examine such instructional materials in accordance with division (B)(2) of this section;

(c) That upon written request of the student's parent or guardian, a student shall be excused from taking instruction in child sexual abuse prevention and sexual violence prevention.

Last updated March 10, 2023 at 2:54 PM

Section 3326.10 | Admission procedures.

• Effective: September 30, 2021
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 110 - 134th General Assembly

Each science, technology, engineering, and mathematics school shall adopt admission procedures that specify the following:

(A)(1) Admission shall be open to individuals entitled and eligible to attend school pursuant to section 3313.64 or 3313.65 of the Revised Code in a school district in the state.

(2)(a) Admission may be open on a tuition basis to individuals who are not residents of this state. The school shall not receive state funds under section 3317.022 of the Revised Code for any student who is not a resident of this state.

(b) The school shall charge tuition for a student who is not a resident of this state in an amount determined by the school in accordance with section 3326.101 of the Revised Code.

(B) There will be no discrimination in the admission of students to the school on the basis of race, creed, color, disability, or sex.

(C) The school will comply with all federal and state laws regarding the education of students with disabilities.

(D) Unless the school serves only students identified as gifted under Chapter 3324. of the Revised Code, the school will not limit admission to students on the basis of intellectual ability, measures of achievement or aptitude, or athletic or artistic ability.

(E) The school will assert its best effort to attract a diverse student body that reflects the community, and the school will recruit students from disadvantaged and underrepresented groups.

Last updated October 4, 2021 at 12:51 PM

Section 3326.101 | Tuition for nonresidents.

• Effective: September 30, 2021
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 110 - 134th General Assembly

For each student who is not a resident of this state and is enrolled in a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics school under division (A)(2) of section 3326.10 of the Revised Code, the school shall determine the amount to charge to the student as tuition. This amount shall be not less than the minimum amount paid to the school for a student under section 3317.022 of the Revised Code.

Last updated October 4, 2021 at 12:54 PM

Section 3326.11 | Statutory compliance requirements.

• Effective: October 24, 2024
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 168 (GA 135), House Bill 47 (GA 135), House Bill 214 (GA 135)

Each science, technology, engineering, and mathematics school established under this chapter and its governing body shall comply with sections 9.90, 9.91, 109.65, 121.22, 149.43, 2151.357, 2151.421, 2313.19, 2921.42, 2921.43, 3301.0714, 3301.0715, 3301.0729, 3301.948, 3302.037, 3313.14, 3313.15, 3313.16, 3313.18, 3313.201, 3313.26, 3313.472, 3313.48, 3313.481, 3313.482, 3313.50, 3313.539, 3313.5310, 3313.5318, 3313.5319, 3313.608, 3313.6012, 3313.6013, 3313.6014, 3313.6020, 3313.6021, 3313.6023, 3313.6024, 3313.6025, 3313.6026, 3313.6028, 3313.6029, 3313.61, 3313.611, 3313.614, 3313.615, 3313.617, 3313.618, 3313.6114, 3313.643, 3313.648, 3313.6411, 3313.6413, 3313.66, 3313.661, 3313.662, 3313.666, 3313.667, 3313.668, 3313.669, 3313.6610, 3313.67, 3313.671, 3313.672, 3313.673, 3313.69, 3313.71, 3313.716, 3313.717, 3313.718, 3313.719, 3313.7112, 3313.7117, 3313.721, 3313.753, 3313.80, 3313.801, 3313.814, 3313.816, 3313.817, 3313.818, 3313.819, 3313.86, 3313.89, 3313.96, 3319.073, 3319.077, 3319.078, 3319.0812, 3319.21, 3319.238, 3319.318, 3319.32, 3319.321, 3319.324, 3319.35, 3319.39, 3319.391, 3319.393, 3319.41, 3319.45, 3319.46, 3319.614, 3320.01, 3320.02, 3320.03, 3320.04, 3321.01, 3321.041, 3321.05, 3321.13, 3321.14, 3321.141, 3321.17, 3321.18, 3321.19, 3321.191, 3322.20, 3322.24, 3323.251, 3327.10, 4111.17, 4113.52, 5502.262, 5502.703, and 5705.391 and Chapters 102., 117., 1347., 2744., 3307., 3309., 3365., 3742., 4112., 4123., 4141., and 4167. of the Revised Code as if it were a school district.

The Legislative Service Commission presents the text of this section as a composite of the section as amended by multiple acts of the General Assembly. This presentation recognizes the principle stated in R.C. 1.52(B) that amendments are to be harmonized if reasonably capable of simultaneous operation.

Last updated August 12, 2024 at 1:10 PM

Section 3326.112 | Compliance with standards for financial reporting.

• Effective: September 29, 2013
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 59 - 130th General Assembly

The governing body of each STEM school shall comply with the standards for financial reporting adopted under division (B)(2) of section 3301.07 of the Revised Code.

Section 3326.12 | Schools to comply with R.C. Chapter 3323.

• Effective: June 30, 2007
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 119 - 127th General Assembly

Each science, technology, engineering, and mathematics school and its governing body shall comply with Chapter 3323. of the Revised Code as if it were a school district. The school district in which a STEM school student is entitled to attend school and the student's school district of residence, if different, are not obligated to provide the student with a free appropriate public education under Chapter 3323. of the Revised Code for as long as the student attends a STEM school.

Last updated March 10, 2023 at 2:55 PM

Section 3326.13 | Qualifications and licensure of teachers.

• Effective: November 2, 2018
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 216 - 132nd General Assembly

(A) Teachers employed by a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics school shall be properly certified or licensed teachers, as defined in section 3319.074 of the Revised Code, and shall be licensed under sections 3319.22 to 3319.31 of the Revised Code and rules of the state board of education implementing those sections.

(B) No STEM school shall employ any classroom teacher initially hired on or after July 1, 2013, to provide instruction in physical education unless the teacher holds a valid license issued pursuant to section 3319.22 of the Revised Code for teaching physical education.

Section 3326.14 | State assessment requirements.

• Effective: September 30, 2021
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 110 - 134th General Assembly

Each science, technology, engineering, and mathematics school and its governing body shall administer the assessments required by sections 3301.0710, 3301.0711, and 3301.0712 of the Revised Code, as if it were a school district.

Last updated October 4, 2021 at 1:14 PM

Section 3326.15 | High school credit.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

Each science, technology, engineering, and mathematics school and its governing body shall comply with sections 3313.603 and 3313.6027 of the Revised Code as if it were a school district. However, a STEM school may permit a student to earn units of high school credit based on a demonstration of subject area competency instead of or in combination with completing hours of classroom instruction prior to the adoption by the department of education and workforce of the plan for granting high school credit based on competency, as required by division (J) of that section. Upon adoption of the plan, each STEM school shall comply with that plan and award units of high school credit in accordance with the plan.

Last updated August 30, 2023 at 9:51 AM

Section 3326.16 | Schools to comply with health and safety provisions.

• Effective: June 30, 2007
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 119 - 127th General Assembly

Each science, technology, engineering, and mathematics school and it governing body shall comply with all health and safety provisions of law applicable to school buildings.

Section 3326.17 | Annual report card for each school.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) The department of education and workforce shall issue an annual report card for each science, technology, engineering, and mathematics school that includes all information applicable to school buildings under section 3302.03 of the Revised Code.

(B) Beginning with the report cards issued for the 2020-2021 school year, for each student enrolled in a STEM school that is not a STEM school governed by a STEM school sponsoring district, as defined in section 3326.51 of the Revised Code, the department shall combine data regarding the academic performance of that student with comparable data from the school district in which the student is entitled to attend school pursuant to section 3313.64 or 3313.65 of the Revised Code for the purpose of calculating the performance of the district as a whole on the report card issued for the district under section 3302.03 of the Revised Code.

(C) The department also shall compute a rating for each group of STEM schools that is under the direction of the same governing body, as authorized under section 3326.031 of the Revised Code, and issue a distinct report card for the group as a whole.

(D) Each STEM school and its governing body shall comply with sections 3302.04 and 3302.041 of the Revised Code, except that any action required to be taken by a school district pursuant to those sections shall be taken by the school.

Last updated August 30, 2023 at 9:53 AM

Section 3326.18 | Employees may organize and bargain collectively.

• Effective: June 30, 2007
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 119 - 127th General Assembly

(A) Except as provided under division (B) of this section, employees of a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics school may organize and collectively bargain pursuant to Chapter 4117. of the Revised Code. Notwithstanding division (D)(1) of section 4117.06 of the Revised Code, a unit containing teaching and nonteaching employees employed under this section shall be considered an appropriate unit.

(B) If a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics school is created by converting all or part of an existing school operated by a school district or an existing conversion community school established under Chapter 3314. of the Revised Code, at the time of conversion, the employees assigned to the STEM school shall remain part of any collective bargaining unit in which they were included immediately prior to the conversion and shall remain subject to any collective bargaining agreement for that unit in effect on the first day of July of the year in which the STEM school initially begins operation and shall be subject to any subsequent collective bargaining agreement for that unit, unless a petition is certified as sufficient under division (E) of this section with regard to those employees. Any new employees assigned to the STEM school also shall be included in the unit to which they would have been assigned had the conversion not taken place and shall be subject to the collective bargaining agreement for that unit unless a petition is certified as sufficient under division (E) of this section with regard to those employees.

Notwithstanding division (B) of section 4117.01 of the Revised Code, the board of education of the school district that operated or sponsored the STEM school prior to conversion and not the STEM school shall be regarded, for purposes of Chapter 4117. of the Revised Code, as the "public employer" of the employees assigned to a conversion STEM school subject to a collective bargaining agreement pursuant to this division unless a petition is certified under division (E) of this section with regard to those employees. Only on and after the effective date of a petition certified as sufficient under division (E) of this section shall division (A) of this section apply to those employees and only on and after the effective date of that petition shall Chapter 4117. of the Revised Code apply to the school with regard to those employees.

(C) Notwithstanding sections 4117.03 to 4117.18 of the Revised Code and Section 4 of Amended Substitute Senate Bill No. 133 of the 115th general assembly, the employees assigned to a conversion STEM school who are subject to a collective bargaining agreement pursuant to division (B) of this section shall cease to be subject to that agreement and all subsequent agreements pursuant to that division and shall cease to be part of the collective bargaining unit that is subject to that and all subsequent agreements, if a majority of the employees assigned to the STEM school who are subject to that collective bargaining agreement sign and submit to the state employment relations board a petition requesting all of the following:

(1) That all the employees assigned to the STEM school who are subject to that agreement be removed from the bargaining unit that is subject to that agreement and be designated by the state employment relations board as a new and separate bargaining unit for purposes of Chapter 4117. of the Revised Code;

(2) That the employee organization certified as the exclusive representative of the employees of the bargaining unit from which the employees are to be removed be certified as the exclusive representative of the new and separate bargaining unit for purposes of Chapter 4117. of the Revised Code;

(3) That the STEM school be regarded as the "public employer" of those employees for purposes of Chapter 4117. of the Revised Code.

(D) Notwithstanding sections 4117.03 to 4117.18 of the Revised Code and Section 4 of Amended Substitute Senate Bill No. 133 of the 115th general assembly, the employees assigned to a conversion STEM school who are subject to a collective bargaining agreement pursuant to division (B) of this section shall cease to be subject to that agreement and all subsequent agreements pursuant to that division, shall cease to be part of the collective bargaining unit that is subject to that and all subsequent agreements, and shall cease to be represented by any exclusive representative of that collective bargaining unit, if a majority of the employees assigned to the STEM school who are subject to that collective bargaining agreement sign and submit to the state employment relations board a petition requesting all of the following:

(1) That all the employees assigned to the STEM school who are subject to that agreement be removed from the bargaining unit that is subject to that agreement;

(2) That any employee organization certified as the exclusive representative of the employees of that bargaining unit be decertified as the exclusive representative of the employees assigned to the STEM school who are subject to that agreement;

(3) That the STEM school be regarded as the "public employer" of those employees for purposes of Chapter 4117. of the Revised Code.

(E) Upon receipt of a petition under division (C) or (D) of this section, the state employment relations board shall check the sufficiency of the signatures on the petition. If the signatures are found sufficient, the board shall certify the sufficiency of the petition and so notify the parties involved, including the board of education of the school district that operated or sponsored the STEM school prior to conversion, the STEM school, and any exclusive representative of the bargaining unit. The changes requested in a certified petition shall take effect on the first day of the month immediately following the date on which the sufficiency of the petition is certified under this division.

Section 3326.19 | R.C. Chapter 124 inapplicable to nonteaching employees.

• Effective: June 30, 2007
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 119 - 127th General Assembly

The provisions of Chapter 124. of the Revised Code shall not apply to the employment of nonteaching employees by a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics school.

Last updated March 10, 2023 at 2:56 PM

Section 3326.20 | Transportation for native students.

• Effective: October 16, 2009
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 1 - 128th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section, "native student" means a student entitled to attend school in the school district under section 3313.64 or 3313.65 of the Revised Code.

(B) Unless the proposal for the establishment of a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics school, as it was approved by the STEM committee under section 3326.03 of the Revised Code, otherwise provides for the transportation of students to and from the STEM school, the board of education of each city, local, and exempted village school district shall provide transportation to and from school for its district's native students enrolled in the STEM school in the same manner that section 3327.01 of the Revised Code requires for its native students enrolled in nonpublic schools.

Section 3326.21 | School treasurer - financial records.

• Effective: September 24, 2012
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 316 - 129th General Assembly

(A) Except as provided by section 3326.031 of the Revised Code, each science, technology, engineering, and mathematics school shall have a treasurer who is licensed under section 3301.074 of the Revised Code. The governing body of the school and the treasurer shall comply with sections 3301.072, 3313.22 to 3313.32, 3313.51, and 3315.08 of the Revised Code in the same manner as a school district board of education and a district treasurer.

(B) Financial records of each STEM school shall be maintained in the same manner as are financial records of school districts, pursuant to rules of the auditor of state.

Section 3326.211 | Unauditable science, technology, engineering, and mathematics school.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) If the auditor of state or a public accountant, pursuant to section 117.41 of the Revised Code, declares a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics school to be unauditable, the auditor of state shall provide written notification of that declaration to the school and the department of education and workforce. The auditor of state also shall post the notification on the auditor of state's web site.

(B) If the STEM school's current treasurer held that position during the period for which the school is unauditable, upon receipt of the notification under division (A) of this section, the governing body of the school shall suspend the treasurer until the auditor of state or a public accountant has completed an audit of the school. Suspension of the treasurer may be with or without pay, as determined by the governing body based on the circumstances that prompted the auditor of state's declaration. The governing body shall appoint a person to assume the duties of the treasurer during the period of the suspension. If the appointee is not licensed as a treasurer under section 3301.074 of the Revised Code, the appointee shall be approved by the director of education and workforce before assuming the duties of the treasurer. The state board of education may take action under section 3319.31 of the Revised Code to suspend, revoke, or limit the license of a treasurer who has been suspended under this division.

(C) Not later than forty-five days after receiving the notification under division (A) of this section, the governing body of the STEM school shall provide a written response to the auditor of state. The response shall include the following:

(1) An overview of the process the governing body will use to review and understand the circumstances that led to the school becoming unauditable;

(2) A plan for providing the auditor of state with the documentation necessary to complete an audit of the school and for ensuring that all financial documents are available in the future;

(3) The actions the governing body will take to ensure that the plan described in division (C)(2) of this section is implemented.

(D) If the STEM school fails to make reasonable efforts and continuing progress to bring its accounts, records, files, or reports into an auditable condition within ninety days after being declared unauditable, the auditor of state, in addition to requesting legal action under sections 117.41 and 117.42 of the Revised Code, shall notify the school and the department of the school's failure. If the auditor of state or a public accountant subsequently is able to complete a financial audit of the school, the auditor of state shall notify the school and the department that the audit has been completed.

(E) Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in this chapter or in any other provision of law, upon notification by the auditor of state under division (D) of this section that the STEM school has failed to make reasonable efforts and continuing progress to bring its accounts, records, files, or reports into an auditable condition, the department shall immediately cease all payments to the school under this chapter and any other provision of law. Upon subsequent notification from the auditor of state under that division that the auditor of state or a public accountant was able to complete a financial audit of the school, the department shall release all funds withheld from the school under this section.

Last updated August 30, 2023 at 10:03 AM

Section 3326.22 | Enforcement of truancy laws.

• Effective: June 30, 2007
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 119 - 127th General Assembly

Each science, technology, engineering, and mathematics school and its governing body shall enforce sections 3321.13, 3321.19, and 3321.191 of the Revised Code as if it were a school district with regard to students who are truant or otherwise absent from the school without legitimate excuse.

Section 3326.23 | Annual assurances of schools to department.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

This section does not apply to any science, technology, engineering, and mathematics school that is governed and controlled by a school district in accordance with section 3326.51 of the Revised Code on or after September 30, 2021.

The governing body of each science, technology, engineering, and mathematics school annually shall provide the following assurances in writing to the department of education and workforce not later than ten business days prior to the opening of the school:

(A) That the school has a plan for providing special education and related services to students with disabilities and has demonstrated the capacity to provide those services in accordance with Chapter 3323. of the Revised Code and federal law;

(B) That the school has a plan and procedures for administering the achievement and diagnostic assessments prescribed by sections 3301.0710, 3301.0712, and 3301.0715 of the Revised Code;

(C) That school personnel have the necessary training, knowledge, and resources to properly use and submit information to all databases maintained by the department for the collection of education data, including the education management information system established under section 3301.0714 of the Revised Code;

(D) That all required information about the school has been submitted to the Ohio education directory system or any successor system;

(E) That all classroom teachers are licensed in accordance with sections 3319.22 to 3319.31 of the Revised Code or are engaged to teach pursuant to section 3319.301 of the Revised Code;

(F) That the school's treasurer is in compliance with section 3326.21 of the Revised Code;

(G) That the school has complied with sections 3319.39 and 3319.391 of the Revised Code with respect to all employees and that the school has conducted a criminal records check of each of its governing body members;

(H) That the school holds all of the following:

(1) Proof of property ownership or a lease for the facilities used by the school;

(2) A certificate of occupancy;

(3) Liability insurance for the school, as required by section 3326.11 of the Revised Code;

(4) A satisfactory health and safety inspection;

(5) A satisfactory fire inspection;

(6) A valid food permit, if applicable.

(I) That the governing body has conducted a pre-opening site visit to the school for the school year for which the assurances are provided;

(J) That the school has designated a date it will open for the school year for which the assurances are provided;

(K) That the school has met all of the governing body's requirements for opening and any other requirements of the governing body.

Last updated September 11, 2023 at 4:33 PM

Section 3326.24 | Report of employee conviction or alternative disposition.

• Effective: September 12, 2008
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 428 - 127th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Conduct unbecoming to the teaching profession" shall be as described in rules adopted by the state board of education.

(2) "Intervention in lieu of conviction" means intervention in lieu of conviction under section 2951.041 of the Revised Code.

(3) "License" has the same meaning as in section 3319.31 of the Revised Code.

(4) "Pre-trial diversion program" means a pre-trial diversion program under section 2935.36 of the Revised Code or a similar diversion program under rules of a court.

(B) The chief administrative officer of each science, technology, engineering, and mathematics school, or the president or chairperson of the governing body of the school, if division (C) of this section applies, shall promptly submit to the superintendent of public instruction the information prescribed in division (D) of this section when any of the following conditions applies to an employee of the school who holds a license issued by the state board of education:

(1) The chief administrative officer, president, or chairperson knows that the employee has pleaded guilty to, has been found guilty by a jury or court of, has been convicted of, has been found to be eligible for intervention in lieu of conviction for, or has agreed to participate in a pre-trial diversion program for an offense described in division (B)(2) or (C) of section 3319.31 or division (B)(1) of section 3319.39 of the Revised Code.

(2) The governing body of the school has initiated termination or nonrenewal proceedings against, has terminated, or has not renewed the contract of the employee because the governing body has reasonably determined that the employee has committed an act that is unbecoming to the teaching profession or an offense described in division (B)(2) or (C) of section 3319.31 or division (B)(1) of section 3319.39 of the Revised Code.

(3) The employee has resigned under threat of termination or nonrenewal as described in division (B)(2) of this section.

(4) The employee has resigned because of or in the course of an investigation by the governing body regarding whether the employee has committed an act that is unbecoming to the teaching profession or an offense described in division (B)(2) or (C) of section 3319.31 or division (B)(1) of section 3319.39 of the Revised Code.

(C) If the employee to whom any of the conditions prescribed in divisions (B)(1) to (4) of this section applies is the chief administrative officer of a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics school, the president or chairperson of the governing body of the school shall make the report required under this section.

(D) If a report is required under this section, the chief administrative officer, president, or chairperson shall submit to the superintendent of public instruction the name and social security number of the employee about whom the information is required and a factual statement regarding any of the conditions prescribed in divisions (B)(1) to (4) of this section that applies to the employee.

(E) A determination made by the governing body as described in division (B)(2) of this section or a termination, nonrenewal, resignation, or other separation described in divisions (B)(2) to (4) of this section does not create a presumption of the commission or lack of the commission by the employee of an act unbecoming to the teaching profession or an offense described in division (B)(2) or (C) of section 3319.31 or division (B)(1) of section 3319.39 of the Revised Code.

(F) No individual required to submit a report under division (B) of this section shall knowingly fail to comply with that division.

(G) An individual who provides information to the superintendent of public instruction in accordance with this section in good faith shall be immune from any civil liability that otherwise might be incurred or imposed for injury, death, or loss to person or property as a result of the provision of that information.

Last updated January 13, 2023 at 1:03 PM

Section 3326.241 | Employee investigation report kept in personnel file.

• Effective: September 12, 2008
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 428 - 127th General Assembly

The governing body of each science, technology, engineering, and mathematics school shall require that the reports of any investigation by the governing body of an employee regarding whether the employee has committed an act or offense for which the chief administrative officer of the school or the president or chairperson of the governing body is required to make a report to the superintendent of public instruction under section 3314.40 of the Revised Code be kept in the employee's personnel file. If, after an investigation under division (A) of section 3319.311 of the Revised Code, the superintendent of public instruction determines that the results of that investigation do not warrant initiating action under section 3319.31 of the Revised Code, the governing body shall require the reports of the investigation to be moved from the employee's personnel file to a separate public file.

Section 3326.242 | Application of collective bargaining agreement.

• Effective: September 12, 2008
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 428 - 127th General Assembly

Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in Chapter 4117. of the Revised Code, the provisions of sections 3326.24 and 3326.241 of the Revised Code prevail over any conflicting provisions of a collective bargaining agreement or contract for employment entered into after March 30, 2007.

Section 3326.243 | False report of employee misconduct prohibited.

• Effective: September 12, 2008
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 428 - 127th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section, "license" has the same meaning as in section 3319.31 of the Revised Code.

(B) No employee of a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics school shall do either of the following:

(1) Knowingly make a false report to the chief administrative officer of the school, or the chief administrative officer's designee, alleging misconduct by another employee of the school;

(2) Knowingly cause the chief administrative officer, or the chief administrative officer's designee, to make a false report of the alleged misconduct to the superintendent of public instruction or the state board of education.

(C) Any employee of a STEM school who in good faith reports to the chief administrative officer of the school, or the chief administrative officer's designee, information about alleged misconduct committed by another employee of the school shall be immune from any civil liability that otherwise might be incurred or imposed for injury, death, or loss to person or property as a result of the reporting of that information.

If the alleged misconduct involves a person who holds a license but the chief administrative officer is not required to submit a report to the superintendent of public instruction under section 3326.24 of the Revised Code and the chief administrative officer, or the chief administrative officer's designee, in good faith reports the alleged misconduct to the superintendent of public instruction or the state board, the chief administrative officer, or the chief administrative officer's designee, shall be immune from any civil liability that otherwise might be incurred or imposed for injury, death, or loss to person or property as a result of the reporting of that information.

(D)(1) In any civil action brought against a person in which it is alleged and proved that the person violated division (B) of this section, the court shall award the prevailing party reasonable attorney's fees and costs that the prevailing party incurred in the civil action or as a result of the false report that was the basis of the violation.

(2) If a person is convicted of or pleads guilty to a violation of division (B) of this section, if the subject of the false report that was the basis of the violation was charged with any violation of a law or ordinance as a result of the false report, and if the subject of the false report is found not to be guilty of the charges brought against the subject as a result of the false report or those charges are dismissed, the court that sentences the person for the violation of division (B) of this section, as part of the sentence, shall order the person to pay restitution to the subject of the false report, in an amount equal to reasonable attorney's fees and costs that the subject of the false report incurred as a result of or in relation to the charges.

Section 3326.25 | Criminal records check of private contract employee.

• Effective: September 12, 2008
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 428 - 127th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Designated official" means the chief administrative officer of a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics school, or the chief administrative officer's designee.

(2) "Essential school services" means services provided by a private company under contract with a STEM school that the chief administrative officer of the school has determined are necessary for the operation of the school and that would need to be provided by employees of the school if the services were not provided by the private company.

(3) "License" has the same meaning as in section 3319.31 of the Revised Code.

(B) This section applies to any person who is an employee of a private company under contract with a STEM school to provide essential school services and who will work in the school in a position that does not require a license issued by the state board of education, is not for the operation of a vehicle for pupil transportation, and that involves routine interaction with a child or regular responsibility for the care, custody, or control of a child.

(C) No STEM school shall permit a person to whom this section applies to work in the school, unless one of the following applies to the person:

(1) The person's employer presents proof of both of the following to the designated official:

(a) That the person has been the subject of a criminal records check conducted in accordance with division (D) of this section within the five-year period immediately prior to the date on which the person will begin working in the school;

(b) That the criminal records check indicates that the person has not been convicted of or pleaded guilty to any offense described in division (B)(1) of section 3319.39 of the Revised Code.

(2) During any period of time in which the person will have routine interaction with a child or regular responsibility for the care, custody, or control of a child, the designated official has arranged for an employee of the school to be present in the same room with the child or, if outdoors, to be within a thirty-yard radius of the child or to have visual contact with the child.

(D) Any private company that has been hired or seeks to be hired by a STEM school to provide essential school services may request the bureau of criminal identification and investigation to conduct a criminal records check of any of its employees for the purpose of complying with division (C)(1) of this section. Each request for a criminal records check under this division shall be made to the superintendent of the bureau in the manner prescribed in section 3319.39 of the Revised Code. Upon receipt of a request, the bureau shall conduct the criminal records check in accordance with section 109.572 of the Revised Code as if the request had been made under section 3319.39 of the Revised Code.

Notwithstanding division (H) of section 109.57 of the Revised Code, the private company may share the results of any criminal records check conducted under this division with the designated official for the purpose of complying with division (C)(1) of this section, but in no case shall the designated official release that information to any other person.

Section 3326.26 | Body mass index and weight status category screening.

• Effective: September 24, 2012
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 316 - 129th General Assembly

The governing body of a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics school may screen students in ninth grade for body mass index and weight status category. If a governing body elects to require the screenings, it shall comply with section 3313.674 of the Revised Code in the same manner required of a school district board of education.

Section 3326.27 | Liability for damages due to concussions.

• Effective: April 26, 2013
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 143 - 129th General Assembly

(A) A STEM school, member of a STEM school governing body, or STEM school employee or volunteer, including a coach or referee, is not liable in damages in a civil action for injury, death, or loss to person or property allegedly arising from providing services or performing duties under section 3313.539 of the Revised Code, unless the act or omission constitutes willful or wanton misconduct.

(B) This section does not eliminate, limit, or reduce any other immunity or defense that a STEM school, member of a STEM school governing body, or STEM school employee or volunteer, including a coach or referee, may be entitled to under Chapter 2744. or any other provision of the Revised Code or under the common law of this state.

Section 3326.271 | Civil immunity, decisions not to provide mental health services.

• Effective: April 8, 2019
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 477 - 132nd General Assembly

A STEM school, member of a STEM school governing body, or STEM school employee is not liable in damages in a civil action for injury, death, or loss to person or property allegedly arising from a school employee's decision not to provide or procure mental health services for a suspended or expelled student under division (B)(2) of section 3313.668 of the Revised Code, unless the decision is made with malicious purpose, in bad faith, or in a wanton or reckless manner.

This section does not eliminate, limit, or reduce any other immunity or defense to which a STEM school, member of a STEM school governing body, or STEM school employee may be entitled to under Chapter 2744. or any other provision of the Revised Code or under the common law of this state.

Last updated November 7, 2023 at 3:36 PM

Section 3326.28 | Procurement of epinephrine autoinjectors for STEM schools.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) With the approval of its governing body, a STEM school established under this chapter may procure epinephrine autoinjectors in the manner prescribed by section 3313.7110 of the Revised Code. A STEM school that elects to do so shall comply with all provisions of that section as if it were a school district.

(B)(1) The following are not liable in damages in a civil action for injury, death, or loss to person or property that allegedly arises from an act or omission associated with procuring, maintaining, accessing, or using an epinephrine autoinjector under this section, unless the act or omission constitutes willful or wanton misconduct:

(a) A STEM school;

(b) A member of a STEM school governing body;

(c) A STEM school employee or contractor;

(d) A licensed health professional authorized to prescribe drugs who personally furnishes or prescribes epinephrine autoinjectors, provides a consultation, or issues a protocol pursuant to this section.

(2) This division does not eliminate, limit, or reduce any other immunity or defense that a STEM school or governing body, member of a STEM school governing body, STEM school employee or contractor, or licensed health professional may be entitled to under Chapter 2744. or any other provision of the Revised Code or under the common law of this state.

(C) A STEM school may accept donations of epinephrine autoinjectors from a wholesale distributor of dangerous drugs or a manufacturer of dangerous drugs, as defined in section 4729.01 of the Revised Code, and may accept donations of money from any person to purchase epinephrine autoinjectors.

(D) A STEM school that elects to procure epinephrine autoinjectors under this section shall report to the department of education and workforce each procurement and occurrence in which an epinephrine autoinjector is used from the school's supply of epinephrine autoinjectors.

Last updated September 11, 2023 at 4:34 PM

Section 3326.29 | Liability related to sudden cardiac arrest.

• Effective: March 14, 2017
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 252 - 131st General Assembly

(A) A STEM school, member of a STEM school governing body, or STEM school employee or volunteer, including a coach, is not liable in damages in a civil action for injury, death, or loss to person or property allegedly arising from providing services or performing duties under section 3313.5310 of the Revised Code, unless the act or omission constitutes willful or wanton misconduct.

(B) This section does not eliminate, limit, or reduce any o ther immunity or defense that a STEM school, member of a STEM school governing body, or STEM school employee or volunteer, including a coach, may be entitled to under Chapter 2744. or any other provision of the Revised Code or under the common law of this state.

Section 3326.30 | Procurement of inhalers by STEM school.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section, "inhaler" has the same meaning as in section 3313.7113 of the Revised Code.

(B) With the approval of its governing body, a STEM school may procure inhalers in the manner prescribed by section 3313.7113 of the Revised Code. A STEM school that elects to do so shall comply with all provisions of that section as if it were a school district.

(C) A STEM school, a member of a STEM school governing body, or a STEM school employee or contractor is not liable in damages in a civil action for injury, death, or loss to person or property that allegedly arises from an act or omission associated with procuring, maintaining, accessing, or using an inhaler under this section, unless the act or omission constitutes willful or wanton misconduct.

This division does not eliminate, limit, or reduce any other immunity or defense that a STEM school or governing body, member of a STEM school governing body, or STEM school employee or contractor may be entitled to under Chapter 2744. or any other provision of the Revised Code or under the common law of this state.

(D) A STEM school may accept donations of inhalers from a wholesale distributor of dangerous drugs or a manufacturer of dangerous drugs, as defined in section 4729.01 of the Revised Code, and may accept donations of money from any person to purchase inhalers.

(E) A STEM school that elects to procure inhalers under this section shall report to the department of education and workforce each procurement and occurrence in which an inhaler is used from the school's supply of inhalers.

Last updated September 11, 2023 at 4:35 PM

Section 3326.31 | STEM school funding definitions.

• Effective: September 30, 2021
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 110 - 134th General Assembly

As used in sections 3326.31 to 3326.50 of the Revised Code:

(A) "Formula amount" has the same meaning as in section 3317.02 of the Revised Code.

(B) "IEP" means an individualized education program as defined in section 3323.01 of the Revised Code.

(C) "Resident district" means the school district in which a student is entitled to attend school under section 3313.64 or 3313.65 of the Revised Code.

Last updated August 11, 2021 at 4:08 PM

Section 3326.32 | Report of information required by department.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

Each science, technology, engineering, and mathematics school shall report to the department of education and workforce, in the form and manner required by the department, all of the following information:

(A) The total number of students enrolled in the school who are residents of this state;

(B) The number of students reported under division (A) of this section who are receiving special education and related services pursuant to an IEP;

(C) For each student reported under division (B) of this section, which category specified in divisions (A) to (F) of section 3317.013 of the Revised Code applies to the student;

(D) The full-time equivalent number of students reported under division (A) of this section who are enrolled in career-technical education programs or classes described in each of divisions (A)(1), (2), (3), (4), and (5) of section 3317.014 of the Revised Code that are provided by the STEM school;

(E) The number of students reported under division (A) of this section who are English learners and which category specified in divisions (A) to (C) of section 3317.016 of the Revised Code applies to each student;

(F) The number of students reported under division (A) of this section who are economically disadvantaged, as defined by the department. A student shall not be categorically excluded from the number reported under division (F) of this section based on anything other than family income.

(G) The resident district of each student reported under division (A) of this section;

(H) The total number of students enrolled in the school who are not residents of this state and any additional information regarding these students that the department requires the school to report. The school shall not receive any payments under this chapter for students reported under this division.

(I) Any additional information the department determines necessary to make payments under this chapter.

Last updated September 11, 2023 at 4:35 PM

Section 3326.34 | Costs in excess of threshold catastrophic costs.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

If a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics school established under this chapter incurs costs for a fiscal year for a student receiving special education and related services pursuant to an IEP for a disability described in divisions (B) to (F) of section 3317.013 of the Revised Code that exceed the threshold cost for serving the student as specified in division (B) of section 3317.0214 of the Revised Code, the STEM school may submit to the department of education and workforce documentation, as prescribed by the department, of all its costs for that student. Upon submission of documentation for a student of the type and in the manner prescribed, the department shall pay to the school or, if the school is part of a group of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics schools under section 3326.031 of the Revised Code, to the governing body of that group an amount equal to the school's costs for the student in excess of the threshold costs.

The school shall only report under this section, and the department shall only pay for, the costs of educational expenses and the related services provided to the student in accordance with the student's IEP. Any legal fees, court costs, or other costs associated with any cause of action relating to the student may not be included in the amount.

Last updated September 11, 2023 at 4:38 PM

Section 3326.35 | Payment adjustment for students enrolled only part of the year.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

The department of education and workforce shall adjust the amounts paid under section 3317.022 of the Revised Code to reflect any enrollment of students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics schools for less than the equivalent of a full school year.

Last updated September 11, 2023 at 4:39 PM

Section 3326.36 | Payment adjustment for students participating in college credit plus program.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

The department of education and workforce shall reduce the amounts paid to a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics school or to the governing body of a group of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics schools under section 3317.022 of the Revised Code to reflect payments made to colleges under section 3365.07 of the Revised Code. A student shall be considered enrolled in the school for any portion of the school year the student is attending a college under Chapter 3365. of the Revised Code.

Last updated September 11, 2023 at 4:40 PM

Section 3326.37 | Exclusions from department payments to schools or governing bodies.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

The department of education and workforce shall not pay to a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics school or to the governing body of a group of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics schools any amount for any of the following:

(A) Any student who has graduated from the twelfth grade of a public or nonpublic school;

(B) Any student who is not a resident of the state;

(C) Any student who was enrolled in a STEM school during the previous school year when assessments were administered under section 3301.0711 of the Revised Code but did not take one or more of the assessments required by that section and was not excused pursuant to division (C)(1) or (3) of that section, unless the director of education and workforce grants the student a waiver from the requirement to take the assessment. The director may grant a waiver only for good cause in accordance with rules adopted by the department.

(D) Any student who has attained the age of twenty-two years, except for veterans of the armed services whose attendance was interrupted before completing the recognized twelve-year course of the public schools by reason of induction or enlistment in the armed forces and who apply for enrollment in a STEM school not later than four years after termination of war or their honorable discharge. If, however, any such veteran elects to enroll in special courses organized for veterans for whom tuition is paid under federal law, or otherwise, the department shall not pay to the school or to the governing body any amount for that veteran.

Last updated September 11, 2023 at 4:40 PM

Section 3326.38 | Permitted applications by schools.

• Effective: September 29, 2013
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 59 - 130th General Assembly

A science, technology, engineering, and mathematics school may do both of the following:

(A) Apply to any state or federal agency for grants that a school district or public school may receive under federal or state law or any appropriations act of the general assembly;

(B) Apply to any private entity or foundation for additional funds.

Section 3326.39 | Expenditures of career-technical education funding.

• Effective: September 23, 2022
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 583 - 134th General Assembly

(A) In any fiscal year, a STEM school receiving funds calculated under division (A)(7) of section 3317.022 of the Revised Code shall spend those funds only for the purposes that the department designates as approved for career-technical education expenses. Career-technical education expenses approved by the department shall include only expenses connected to the delivery of career-technical programming to career-technical students. The department shall require the school to report data annually so that the department may monitor the school's compliance with the requirements regarding the manner in which funding received under division (A)(7) of section 3317.022 of the Revised Code may be spent.

(B) All funds received under division (A)(7) of section 3317.022 of the Revised Code shall be spent in the following manner:

(1) At least seventy-five per cent of the funds shall be spent on curriculum development, purchase, and implementation; instructional resources and supplies; industry-based program certification; student assessment, credentialing, and placement; curriculum specific equipment purchases and leases; career-technical student organization fees and expenses; home and agency linkages; work-based learning experiences; professional development; and other costs directly associated with career-technical education programs including development of new programs.

(2) Not more than twenty-five per cent of the funds shall be used for personnel expenditures.

(C) In any fiscal year, a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics school receiving funds under division (H) of section 3317.014 of the Revised Code shall spend those funds only for the following purposes:

(1) Delivery of career awareness programs to students enrolled in grades kindergarten through twelve;

(2) Provision of a common, consistent curriculum to students throughout their primary and secondary education;

(3) Assistance to teachers in providing a career development curriculum to students;

(4) Development of a career development plan for each student that stays with that student for the duration of the student's primary and secondary education;

(5) Provision of opportunities for students to engage in activities, such as career fairs, hands-on experiences, and job shadowing, across all career pathways at each grade level.

The department may deny payment under division (E) of section 3317.014 of the Revised Code to any school that the department determines is using funds paid under division (H) of section 3317.014 of the Revised Code for other purposes.

Last updated July 8, 2022 at 12:15 PM

Section 3326.40 | Expenditure of disadvantaged pupil impact aid.

• Effective: September 30, 2021
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 110 - 134th General Assembly

A STEM school shall spend the funds it receives under division (A)(4) of section 3317.022 of the Revised Code in accordance with section 3317.25 of the Revised Code.

Last updated October 4, 2021 at 1:19 PM

Section 3326.44 | STEM school spending for English learners.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

For fiscal years 2024 and 2025, a STEM school shall spend the funding it receives under division (A)(5) of section 3317.022 of the Revised Code only for services for English learners.

Last updated September 22, 2023 at 1:59 PM

Section 3326.45 | STEM school may contract for provision of services.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) The governing body of a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics school may contract with the governing board of an educational service center or the board of education of a joint vocational school district for the provision of services to the STEM school or to any student enrolled in the school. Services provided under the contract and the amount to be paid for those services shall be mutually agreed to by the parties to the contract, and shall be specified in the contract.

(B) A contract entered into under this section may require an educational service center to provide any one or a combination of the following services to a STEM school:

(1) Supervisory teachers;

(2) In-service and continuing education programs for personnel of the STEM school;

(3) Curriculum services as provided to the client school districts of the service center;

(4) Research and development programs;

(5) Academic instruction for which the service center governing board employs teachers;

(6) Assistance in the provision of special accommodations and classes for students with disabilities.

Services described in division (B) of this section shall be provided to the STEM school in the same manner they are provided to client school districts of the service center, unless otherwise specified in the contract. The contract shall specify whether the service center will receive a per-pupil payment from the department of education and workforce for the provision of these services and, if so, the amount of the per-pupil payment.

(C) For each contract entered into under this section, the department shall deduct the amount owed by the STEM school from the state funds due to the STEM school under this chapter and shall pay that amount to the educational service center or joint vocational school district that is party to the contract.

(D) No contract entered into under this section shall be valid unless a copy is filed with the department by the first day of the school year for which the contract is in effect.

(E) As used in this section, "client school district" means a city, exempted village, or local school district that has entered into an agreement under section 3313.843 or 3313.845 of the Revised Code to receive any services from an educational service center.

Last updated September 11, 2023 at 4:41 PM

Section 3326.49 | Schools may not levy taxes or issue tax-secured bonds.

• Effective: June 30, 2007
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 119 - 127th General Assembly

A science, technology, engineering, and mathematics school may not levy taxes or issue bonds secured by tax revenues.

Section 3326.50 | Schools shall not charge tuition.

• Effective: September 29, 2015
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 64 - 131st General Assembly

Except as provided in division (A)(2) of section 3326.10 of the Revised Code, a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics school shall not charge tuition for any student enrolled in the school.

Section 3326.51 | Government of STEM school by district.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Resident district" has the same meaning as in section 3326.31 of the Revised Code.

(2) "STEM school sponsoring district" means a municipal, city, local, or exempted village school district that governs and controls a STEM school pursuant to this section.

(B) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter to the contrary:

(1) If a proposal for a STEM school submitted under section 3326.03 of the Revised Code proposes that the governing body of the school be the board of education of a municipal, city, local, or exempted village school district that is one of the partners submitting the proposal, and the STEM committee approves that proposal, that school district board shall govern and control the STEM school as one of the schools of its district.

(2) The STEM school sponsoring district shall maintain a separate accounting for the STEM school as a separate and distinct operational unit within the district's finances. The auditor of state, in the course of an annual or biennial audit of the school district serving as the STEM school sponsoring district, shall audit that school district for compliance with the financing requirements of this section.

(3) With respect to students enrolled in a STEM school whose resident district is the STEM school sponsoring district:

(a) The department of education and workforce shall make payments to the school in accordance with section 3317.022 of the Revised Code from the STEM school sponsoring district's state payments.

(b) The STEM school sponsoring district is responsible for providing children with disabilities with a free appropriate public education under Chapter 3323. of the Revised Code.

(c) The STEM school sponsoring district shall provide student transportation in accordance with laws and policies generally applicable to the district.

(4) With respect to students enrolled in the STEM school whose resident district is another school district, the department shall consider the students as open enrollment students and shall make payments to the school in accordance with section 3317.022 of the Revised Code.

(5) A STEM school sponsoring district and its board may assign its district employees to the STEM school, in which case section 3326.18 of the Revised Code shall not apply. The district and board may apply any other resources of the district to the STEM school in the same manner that it applies district resources to other district schools.

(6) Provisions of this chapter requiring a STEM school and its governing body to comply with specified laws as if it were a school district and in the same manner as a board of education shall instead require such compliance by the STEM school sponsoring district and its board of education, respectively, with respect to the STEM school. Where a STEM school or its governing body is required to perform a specific duty or permitted to take a specific action under this chapter, that duty is required to be performed or that action is permitted to be taken by the STEM school sponsoring district or its board of education, respectively, with respect to the STEM school.

(7) No provision of this chapter limits the authority, as provided otherwise by law, of a school district and its board of education to levy taxes and issue bonds secured by tax revenues.

(8) The treasurer of the STEM school sponsoring district or, if the STEM school sponsoring district is a municipal school district, the chief financial officer of the district, shall have all of the respective rights, authority, exemptions, and duties otherwise conferred upon the treasurer or chief financial officer by the Revised Code.

Last updated September 11, 2023 at 4:42 PM

Section 3326.52 | Policies for use of credit card accounts.

• Effective: November 2, 2018
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 312 - 132nd General Assembly

(A) Not later than three months after the effective date of this section, the governing body of a STEM school that holds a credit card account on the effective date of this section shall adopt a written policy for the use of credit card accounts. Otherwise, a governing body shall adopt a written policy before first holding a credit card account.

The policy shall include provisions addressing all of the following:

(1) The officers or positions authorized to use credit card accounts;

(2) The types of expenses for which a credit card account may be used;

(3) The procedure for acquisition, use, and management of a credit card account and presentation instruments related to the account including cards and checks;

(4) The procedure for submitting itemized receipts to the treasurer or the treasurer's designee;

(5) The procedure for credit card issuance, credit card reissuance, credit card cancellation, and the process for reporting lost or stolen credit cards;

(6) The STEM school's credit card account's maximum credit limit or limits;

(7) The actions or omissions by an officer or employee that qualify as misuse of a credit card account.

(B) The name of the STEM school shall appear on each presentation instrument related to the account including cards and checks.

(C) If the treasurer of the STEM school does not retain general possession and control of the credit card account and presentation instruments related to the account including cards and checks, the governing body shall appoint a compliance officer to perform the duties enumerated under division (D) of this section. Except a chief administrator of a STEM school serving as compliance officer, the compliance officer may not use a credit card account. The compliance officer may not authorize an officer or employee to use a credit card account. If the chief administrator acting as compliance officer has authority to use a credit card account, the governing body monthly shall review the credit card account transaction detail and shall sign an attestation stating the governing body reviewed the credit card account transaction detail. The treasurer is not eligible for appointment as compliance officer. The chief administrator is eligible for appointment as compliance officer.

(D) The compliance officer, if applicable, and the governing body at least quarterly shall review the number of cards and accounts issued, the number of active cards and accounts issued, the cards' and accounts' expiration dates, and the cards' and accounts' credit limits.

(E) If the treasurer retains general possession and control of the credit card account and presentation instruments related to the account including cards and checks, and the governing body authorizes an officer or employee to use a credit card, the treasurer may use a system to sign out credit cards to the authorized users. The officer or employee is liable in person and upon any official bond the officer or employee has given to the school to reimburse the school treasury the amount for which the officer or employee does not provide itemized receipts in accordance with the policy described in division (A) of this section.

(F) The use of a credit card account for expenses beyond those authorized by the governing body constitutes misuse of a credit card account. An officer or employee of a STEM school or a public servant as defined under section 2921.01 of the Revised Code who knowingly misuses a credit card account held by the governing body violates section 2913.21 of the Revised Code.

(G) The treasurer or the treasurer's designee annually shall file a report with the governing body detailing all rewards received based on the use of the STEM school's credit card account.

(H) As used in this section, "credit card account" means any bank-issued credit card account, store-issued credit card account, financial institution-issued credit card account, financial depository-issued credit card account, affinity credit card account, or any other card account allowing the holder to purchase goods or services on credit or to transact with the account, and any debit or gift card account related to the receipt of grant moneys. "Credit card account" does not include a procurement card account, gasoline or telephone credit card account, or any other card account where merchant category codes are in place as a system of control for use of the card account.

Section 3326.60 | Procurement of glucagon, qualified immunity.

• Effective: October 3, 2023
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 33 - 135th General Assembly

(A) With the approval of its governing body, a STEM school established under this chapter may procure injectable or nasally administered glucagon in the manner prescribed by section 3313.7115 of the Revised Code. A STEM school that elects to do so shall comply with all provisions of that section as if it were a school district.

(B)(1) The following are not liable in damages in a civil action for injury, death, or loss to person or property that allegedly arises from an act or omission associated with procuring, maintaining, accessing, or using injectable or nasally administered glucagon under this section, unless the act or omission constitutes willful or wanton misconduct:

(a) A STEM school;

(b) A member of a STEM school governing body;

(c) A STEM school employee or contractor;

(d) A licensed health professional authorized to prescribe drugs who personally furnishes or prescribes injectable or nasally administered glucagon, provides a consultation, or issues a protocol pursuant to this section.

(2) This division does not eliminate, limit, or reduce any other immunity or defense that a STEM school or governing body, member of a STEM school governing body, STEM school employee or contractor, or licensed health professional may be entitled to under Chapter 2744. or any other provision of the Revised Code or under the common law of this state.

(C) A STEM school may accept donations of injectable or nasally administered glucagon from a wholesale distributor of dangerous drugs or a manufacturer of dangerous drugs, as defined in section 4729.01 of the Revised Code, and may accept donations of money from any person to purchase the drug.

(D) A STEM school that elects to procure injectable or nasally administered glucagon under this section shall report to the department of education and workforce each procurement and each occurrence in which a dose of the drug is used from the school's supply.

Last updated September 11, 2023 at 4:43 PM

Section 3326.90 | STEM school employees; liability.

• Effective: April 5, 2019
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 66 - 132nd General Assembly

A STEM school, member of a STEM school governing body, or STEM school employee is not liable in damage in a civil action for injury, death, or loss to person or property allegedly arising from a STEM school employee's action or inaction in good faith compliance with section 3321.141 of the Revised Code. This section does not eliminate, limit, or reduce any other immunity or defense that a STEM school, member of a STEM school governing body, or STEM school employee may be entitled to under Chapter 2744. or any other provision of the Revised Code or under the common law of this state.

Section 3326.99 | Penalty.

• Effective: October 6, 2009
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 79 - 128th General Assembly

(A) Whoever violates division (F) of section 3326.24 of the Revised Code shall be punished as follows:

(1) Except as otherwise provided in division (A)(2) of this section, the person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the fourth degree.

(2) The person is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree if both of the following conditions apply:

(a) The employee who is the subject of the report that the person fails to submit was required to be reported for the commission or alleged commission of an act or offense involving the infliction on a child of any physical or mental wound, injury, disability, or condition of a nature that constitutes abuse or neglect of the child;

(b) During the period between the violation of division (F) of section 3326.24 of the Revised Code and the conviction of or plea of guilty by the person for that violation, the employee who is the subject of the report that the person fails to submit inflicts on any child attending a school district, educational service center, public or nonpublic school, or county board of developmental disabilities where the employee works any physical or mental wound, injury, disability, or condition of a nature that constitutes abuse or neglect of the child.

(B) Whoever violates division (B) of section 3326.243 of the Revised Code is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree.