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Chapter 3328 | College-preparatory Boarding Schools

 
 
 
Section
Section 3328.01 | Definitions.
 

As used in this chapter:

(A) "Board of trustees" means the board of trustees established for a college-preparatory boarding school in accordance with section 3328.15 of the Revised Code.

(B) "Child with a disability," "IEP," and "school district of residence" have the same meanings as in section 3323.01 of the Revised Code.

(C) "Eligible student" means a student who is entitled to attend school in a participating school district; is at risk of academic failure; is from a family whose income is below two hundred per cent of the federal poverty guidelines, as defined in section 5101.46 of the Revised Code; meets any additional criteria prescribed by agreement between the department of education and workforce and the operator of the college-preparatory boarding school in which the student seeks enrollment; and meets at least two of the following additional conditions:

(1) The student has a record of in-school disciplinary actions, suspensions, expulsions, or truancy.

(2) The student has not attained at least a proficient score on the state achievement assessments in English language arts, reading, or mathematics prescribed under section 3301.0710 of the Revised Code, after those assessments have been administered to the student at least once, or the student has not attained at least a score designated by the board of trustees of the college-preparatory boarding school in which the student seeks enrollment under this chapter on an end-of-course examination in English language arts or mathematics prescribed under section 3301.0712 of the Revised Code.

(3) The student is a child with a disability.

(4) The student has been referred for academic intervention services.

(5) The student's head of household is a single parent. As used in this division and in division (C)(6) of this section, "head of household" means a person who occupies the same household as the student and who is financially responsible for the student.

(6) The student's head of household is not the student's custodial parent.

(7) A member of the student's family has been imprisoned, as defined in section 1.05 of the Revised Code.

(D) "Entitled to attend school" means entitled to attend school in a school district under section 3313.64 or 3313.65 of the Revised Code.

(E) "Formula ADM," "category one through six special education ADM," and "state education aid" have the same meanings as in section 3317.02 of the Revised Code.

(F) "Operator" means the operator of a college-preparatory boarding school selected under section 3328.11 of the Revised Code.

(G) "Participating school district" means either of the following:

(1) The school district in which a college-preparatory boarding school established under this chapter is located;

(2) A school district other than one described in division (G)(1) of this section that, pursuant to procedures adopted by the department under section 3328.04 of the Revised Code, agrees to be a participating school district so that eligible students entitled to attend school in that district may enroll in a college-preparatory boarding school established under this chapter.

Last updated September 11, 2023 at 12:08 PM

Section 3328.02 | Designation as public school; Powers.
 

(A) Each college-preparatory boarding school established under this chapter is a public school and is part of the state's program of education.

(B) Acting through its board of trustees, the school may sue and be sued, acquire facilities as needed, contract for any services necessary for the operation of the school, and enter into contracts with the department of education and workforce pursuant to this chapter. The board of trustees may carry out any act and ensure the performance of any function that is in compliance with the Ohio Constitution, this chapter, other statutes applicable to college-preparatory boarding schools, and the contract entered into under this chapter establishing the school.

(C) Each college-preparatory boarding school shall be established as a public benefit corporation under Chapter 1702. of the Revised Code.

Last updated September 11, 2023 at 12:09 PM

Section 3328.03 | Limitations on obligation of funds.
 

In accordance with Section 22 of Article II, Ohio Constitution, no agreement or contract entered into under this chapter shall create an obligation of state funds for a period longer than two years; however, the general assembly, every two years, may authorize renewal of any such obligation.

Section 3328.04 | Participating school districts.
 

The city, exempted village, or local school district in which a college-preparatory boarding school established under this chapter is located is a participating school district under this chapter. Any other city, exempted village, or local school district may agree to be a participating school district. The department of education and workforce shall adopt procedures for districts to agree to be participating school districts.

Last updated September 11, 2023 at 12:10 PM

Section 3328.11 | Qualifications of operators.
 

(A) In accordance with the procedures prescribed in division (B) of this section, the department of education and workforce shall select a private nonprofit corporation that meets the following qualifications to operate each college-preparatory boarding school established under this chapter:

(1) The corporation has experience operating a school or program similar to the schools authorized under this chapter.

(2) The school or program described in division (A)(1) of this section has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the department success in improving the academic performance of students.

(3) The corporation has demonstrated to the satisfaction of the department that the corporation has the capacity to secure private funds for the development of the school authorized under this chapter.

(B)(1) Not later than sixty days after September 29, 2011, the department shall issue a request for proposals from private nonprofit corporations qualified to operate a college-preparatory boarding school established under this chapter. If the department subsequently determines that the establishment of one or more additional college-preparatory boarding schools is advisable, the department shall issue requests for proposals from private nonprofit corporations qualified to operate those additional schools.

In all cases, the department shall select the school's operator from among the qualified responders within one hundred eighty days after the issuance of the request for proposals. If no qualified responder submits a proposal, the department may issue another request for proposals.

(2) Each proposal submitted to the department shall contain the following information:

(a) The proposed location of the college-preparatory boarding school, which may differ from any location recommended by the department in the request for proposals;

(b) A plan for offering grade six in the school's initial year of operation and a plan for increasing the grade levels offered by the school in subsequent years;

(c) Any other information about the proposed educational program, facilities, or operations of the school considered necessary by the department.

(C) No college-preparatory boarding school established under this chapter shall open for operation prior to the 2013-2014 school year.

Last updated September 11, 2023 at 12:11 PM

Section 3328.12 | Operator contracts.
 

The department of education and workforce shall enter into a contract with the operator of each college-preparatory boarding school established under this chapter. The contract shall stipulate the following:

(A) The school's board of trustees shall oversee the acquisition of a facility for the school.

(B) The operator shall operate the school in accordance with the terms of the proposal accepted by the department under section 3328.11 of the Revised Code, including the plan for increasing the grade levels offered by the school.

(C) The school shall comply with the provisions of this chapter.

(D) The school shall comply with any other provisions of law specified in the contract and the rules adopted by the department under section 3328.50 of the Revised Code.

(E) The school shall comply with the bylaws adopted by the board of trustees under section 3328.13 of the Revised Code.

(F) The school shall meet the academic goals and other performance standards specified in the contract.

(G) The school shall have a fiscal officer who meets standards established for the purposes of this division by the department.

(H) In accordance with procedures specified in the contract, the department shall monitor the operation, programs, and facilities of the school, including conducting on-site visits of the school.

(I) The department may take actions, as specified in the contract, to resolve issues of noncompliance by the school of the provisions of this chapter, the contract, the bylaws adopted by the board of trustees, or rules adopted by the department. Such specified actions shall include procedures for notice of noncompliance and an appeal process.

(J) The department or the operator may terminate the contract in accordance with the procedures specified in the contract, which shall include at least a requirement that the party seeking termination give prior notice of the intent to terminate the contract and a requirement that the party receiving such notice be granted an opportunity to redress any grievances cited in the notice prior to the termination.

(K) If the school closes for any reason, the school's board of trustees shall execute the closing in the manner specified in the contract.

Last updated September 11, 2023 at 12:13 PM

Section 3328.13 | Adoption of bylaws.
 

The board of trustees of each college-preparatory boarding school established under this chapter shall adopt bylaws for the oversight and operation of the school that are consistent with the provisions of this chapter, the rules adopted under section 3328.50 of the Revised Code, and the contract between the operator and the department of education and workforce. The bylaws shall include procedures for the appointment of future members of the school's board of trustees upon expiration of the terms of the initial members, which procedures shall comply with section 3328.15 of the Revised Code. The bylaws also shall include standards for the admission of students to the school and their dismissal from the school. The bylaws shall be subject to the approval of the department.

Last updated September 11, 2023 at 12:13 PM

Section 3328.14 | Adoption of outreach program.
 

The board of trustees of a college-preparatory boarding school established under this chapter shall adopt a program of outreach to inform every city, local, and exempted village school district about the school and the procedures for admission to the school and for becoming a participating school district.

Section 3328.15 | Governance; Board of trustees.
 

(A) Each college-preparatory boarding school established under this chapter shall be governed by a board of trustees consisting of up to twenty-five members. Five of those members shall be appointed by the governor, with the advice and consent of the senate. The governor's appointments may be based on nonbinding recommendations made by the director of education and workforce. Of the remaining members, initial members shall be appointed by the school's operator and future members shall be appointed pursuant to the bylaws adopted under section 3328.13 of the Revised Code. The governor, operator, or any other person or entity who appoints a member of the board of trustees under this section or the bylaws adopted under section 3328.13 of the Revised Code may remove that member from the board at any time.

(B) The terms of office of the initial members shall be as follows:

(1) Two members appointed by the governor shall serve for an initial term of three years.

(2) Two members appointed by the governor shall serve for an initial term of two years.

(3) One member appointed by the governor shall serve for an initial term of one year.

(4) One-third of the members appointed by the operator, rounded down to the nearest whole number, shall serve for an initial term of three years.

(5) One-third of the members appointed by the operator, rounded down to the nearest whole number, shall serve for an initial term of two years.

(6) One-third of the members appointed by the operator, rounded down to the nearest whole number, shall serve for an initial term of one year.

(7) Any remaining members appointed by the operator shall serve for an initial term of one year.

Thereafter the terms of office of all members shall be for three years.

The beginning date and ending date of terms of office shall be as prescribed by the school's operator, unless modified in the bylaws adopted under section 3328.13 of the Revised Code.

(C) Vacancies on the board shall be filled in the same manner as the initial appointments. A member appointed to an unexpired term shall serve for the remainder of that term and may be reappointed subject to division (D) of this section.

(D) No member may serve for more than three consecutive three-year terms.

(E) The officers of the board shall be selected by and from among the members of the board.

(F) Compensation for the members of the board, if any, shall be as prescribed in the bylaws adopted under section 3328.13 of the Revised Code.

(G) It shall be construed that any contract entered into by the board of trustees or any officer or trustee of a college-preparatory boarding school, including, but not limited to, an agreement or contract required by section 3318.08, 3318.60, or 3318.61 of the Revised Code, is entered into by such individuals in their official capacities as representatives of the college-preparatory boarding school. No officer, trustee, or member of the board of trustees of a college-preparatory boarding school incurs any personal liability by virtue of section 3318.08, 3318.60, or 3318.61 of the Revised Code or the entering into any contract on behalf of the school.

Last updated September 11, 2023 at 12:14 PM

Section 3328.16 | Designated fiscal officer.
 

(A) Each college-preparatory boarding school established under this chapter shall have a designated fiscal officer. The auditor of state may require by rule that the fiscal officer of any college-preparatory boarding school, before entering upon duties as fiscal officer, execute a bond in an amount and with surety to be approved by the school's board of trustees, payable to the state, conditioned for the faithful performance of all the official duties required of the fiscal officer. Any such bond shall be deposited with the school's board of trustees, and a copy of the bond shall be certified by the board and filed with the county auditor.

(B) Before assuming the duties of fiscal officer, the fiscal officer designated under this section shall be licensed as a treasurer under section 3301.074 of the Revised Code. No college-preparatory boarding school shall allow a person to serve as fiscal officer who is not licensed as required by this division.

Section 3328.17 | Collective bargaining rights.
 

Employees of a college-preparatory boarding school established under this chapter 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 may be considered an appropriate unit.

Section 3328.18 | Suspension of employees.
 

(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 college-preparatory boarding school established under this chapter or its operator 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 administrator of the school in which that person works 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 administrator of the school, the board of trustees of the school shall suspend the chief administrator 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 administrator or board 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 September 12, 2023 at 1:36 PM

Section 3328.19 | Conduct unbecoming to the teaching profession; report to superintendent.
 

(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 administrator of each college-preparatory boarding school established under this chapter, or the president or chairperson of the board of trustees 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 a person employed to work in the school who holds a license issued by the state board of education:

(1) The chief administrator, or 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 board of trustees of the school, or the operator, has initiated termination or nonrenewal proceedings against, has terminated, or has not renewed the contract of the employee because the board or operator 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 board or operator 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 administrator of the school, the president or chairperson of the board of trustees of the school shall make the report required under this section.

(D) If a report is required under this section, the chief administrator, or 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 apply to the employee.

(E) A determination made by the board or operator 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.

Section 3328.191 | Reports kept in employee personnel file.
 

The board of trustees of each college-preparatory boarding school established under this chapter shall require that the reports of any investigation by the board or by the school's operator of an employee who works in the school, regarding whether the employee has committed an act or offense for which the chief administrator of the school or the president or chairperson of the board is required to make a report to the superintendent of public instruction under section 3328.19 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 board shall require the reports of the investigation to be moved from the employee's personnel file to a separate public file.

Section 3328.192 | Prevalence of statutory provisions over contract agreements.
 

Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in Chapter 4117. of the Revised Code, the provisions of sections 3328.19 and 3328.191 of the Revised Code prevail over any conflicting provisions of a collective bargaining agreement or contract for employment entered into on or after the effective date of this section.

Section 3328.193 | False statements.
 

(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 college-preparatory boarding school established under this chapter or its operator shall do either of the following:

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

(2) Knowingly cause the chief administrator, or the chief administrator'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 college-preparatory boarding school established under this chapter or its operator who in good faith reports to the chief administrator of the school, or the chief administrator's designee, information about alleged misconduct committed by another employee of the school or operator 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 administrator is not required to submit a report to the superintendent of public instruction under section 3328.19 of the Revised Code and the chief administrator, or the chief administrator's designee, in good faith reports the alleged misconduct to the superintendent of public instruction or the state board, the chief administrator, or the chief administrator'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 3328.20 | Qualifications for employees providing essential school services.
 

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Designated official" means the chief administrator of a college-preparatory boarding school established under this chapter, or the chief administrator's designee.

(2) "Essential school services" means services provided by a private company under contract with a college-preparatory boarding school established under this chapter that the chief administrator of the school has determined are necessary for the operation of the school and that would need to be provided by persons employed by the school or its operator 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 college-preparatory boarding school established under this chapter 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 college-preparatory boarding school established under this chapter 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 college-preparatory boarding school established under this chapter 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 3328.21 | Admission of students.
 

(A) Any eligible student may apply for admission to a college-preparatory boarding school established under this chapter in a grade level offered by the school that is appropriate for the student and shall be admitted to the school in that grade level to the extent the student's admission is within the capacity of the school as established by the school's board of trustees, subject to division (B) of this section. If more eligible students apply for admission than the number of students permitted by the capacity established by the board of trustees, admission shall be by lot.

(B) In the first year of operation, each school established under this chapter shall offer only grade six and shall not admit more than eighty students to the school. In each subsequent year of operation, the school may add additional grade levels as specified in the contract under section 3328.12 of the Revised Code, but at no time shall the school's total student population exceed four hundred students.

Section 3328.22 | Educational program.
 

The educational program of a college-preparatory boarding school established under this chapter shall include at least all of the following:

(A) A remedial curriculum for students in grades lower than grade nine;

(B) A college-preparatory curriculum for high school students that, at a minimum, shall comply with sections 3313.603 and 3313.6027 of the Revised Code as that section applies to school districts;

(C) Extracurricular activities, including athletic and cultural activities;

(D) College admission counseling;

(E) Health and mental health services;

(F) Tutoring services;

(G) Community services opportunities;

(H) A residential student life program.

Last updated January 18, 2022 at 1:35 PM

Section 3328.23 | Students with disabilities.
 

(A) A college-preparatory boarding school established under this chapter shall comply with Chapter 3323. of the Revised Code as if the school were a school district. For each child with a disability enrolled in the school for whom an IEP has been developed, the school shall verify in the manner prescribed by the department of education and workforce that the school is providing the services required under the child's IEP.

(B) The school district in which a child with a disability enrolled in the college-preparatory boarding school is entitled to attend school and the child'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 child is enrolled in the college-preparatory boarding school.

Last updated September 12, 2023 at 1:37 PM

Section 3328.24 | Compliance with specified laws.
 

A college-preparatory boarding school established under this chapter and its board of trustees shall comply with sections 102.02, 3301.0710, 3301.0711, 3301.0712, 3301.0714, 3301.0729, 3301.948, 3302.037, 3313.5318, 3313.5319, 3313.6013, 3313.6021, 3313.6024, 3313.6025, 3313.6026, 3313.6029, 3313.617, 3313.618, 3313.6114, 3313.6411, 3313.6413, 3313.668, 3313.669, 3313.6610, 3313.7112, 3313.7117, 3313.721, 3313.89, 3319.073, 3319.077, 3319.078, 3319.318, 3319.324, 3319.39, 3319.391, 3319.393, 3319.46, 3320.01, 3320.02, 3320.03, 3323.251, and 5502.262, and Chapter 3365. of the Revised Code as if the school were a school district and the school's board of trustees were a district board of education.

Last updated August 11, 2023 at 2:08 PM

Section 3328.241 | Civil immunity, decisions not to provide mental health services.
 

A college-preparatory boarding school, member of a college-preparatory boarding school board of trustees, or college-preparatory boarding 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 college-preparatory boarding school, member of a college-preparatory boarding school board of trustees, or college-preparatory boarding 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 3:41 PM

Section 3328.25 | Qualifications for diploma.
 

(A) The board of trustees of a college-preparatory boarding school established under this chapter shall grant a diploma to any student enrolled in the school to whom all of the following apply:

(1) The student has successfully completed the school's high school curriculum or the IEP developed for the student by the school pursuant to section 3323.08 of the Revised Code or has qualified under division (D) or (F) of section 3313.603 of the Revised Code, provided that the school shall not require a student to remain in school for any specific number of semesters or other terms if the student completes the required curriculum early.

(2) Subject to section 3313.614 of the Revised Code, the student has met the assessment requirements of division (A)(2)(a) or (b) of this section, as applicable.

(a) If the student entered ninth grade prior to July 1, 2014, the student either:

(i) Has attained at least the applicable scores designated under division (B)(1) of section 3301.0710 of the Revised Code on all the assessments prescribed by that division unless division (M) of section 3313.61 of the Revised Code applies to the student;

(ii) Has satisfied the alternative conditions prescribed in section 3313.615 of the Revised Code.

(b) If the person entered ninth grade on or after July 1, 2014, the student has met the requirement prescribed by section 3313.618 of the Revised Code, except to the extent that the student is excused from some portion of that section pursuant to division (M) of section 3313.61 of the Revised Code.

(3) The student is not eligible to receive an honors diploma granted under division (B) of this section.

No diploma shall be granted under this division to anyone except as provided in this division.

(B) In lieu of a diploma granted under division (A) of this section, the board of trustees shall grant an honors diploma, in the same manner that boards of education of school districts grant honors diplomas under division (B) of section 3313.61 of the Revised Code, to any student enrolled in the school who accomplishes all of the following:

(1) Successfully completes the school's high school curriculum or the IEP developed for the student by the school pursuant to section 3323.08 of the Revised Code;

(2) Subject to section 3313.614 of the Revised Code, has met the assessment requirements of division (B)(2)(a) or (b) of this section, as applicable.

(a) If the student entered ninth grade prior to July 1, 2014, the student either:

(i) Has attained at least the applicable scores designated under division (B)(1) of section 3301.0710 of the Revised Code on all the assessments prescribed under that division;

(ii) Has satisfied the alternative conditions prescribed in section 3313.615 of the Revised Code.

(b) If the person entered ninth grade on or after July 1, 2014, the student has met the requirement prescribed by section 3313.618 of the Revised Code.

(3) Has met the additional criteria for granting an honors diploma prescribed by the state board under division (B) of section 3313.61 of the Revised Code for the granting of honors diplomas by school districts.

An honors diploma shall not be granted to a student who is subject to the requirements prescribed in division (C) of section 3313.603 of the Revised Code but elects the option of division (D) or (F) of that section. No honors diploma shall be granted to anyone failing to comply with this division, and not more than one honors diploma shall be granted to any student under this division.

(C) A diploma or honors diploma awarded under this section shall be signed by the presiding officer of the board of trustees. Each diploma shall bear the date of its issue and be in such form as the board of trustees prescribes.

(D) Upon granting a diploma to a student under this section, the presiding officer of the board of trustees shall provide notice of receipt of the diploma to the board of education of the city, exempted village, or local school district where the student is entitled to attend school when not residing at the college-preparatory boarding school. The notice shall indicate the type of diploma granted.

Section 3328.26 | Annual report card.
 

(A) The department of education and workforce shall issue an annual report card for each college-preparatory boarding school established under this chapter that includes all information applicable to school buildings under section 3302.03 of the Revised Code.

(B) For each student enrolled in the school, 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 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) Each college-preparatory boarding school and its operator 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 September 12, 2023 at 1:54 PM

Section 3328.27 | Compliance with standards for financial reporting.
 

The board of trustees of each college-preparatory boarding school shall comply with the standards for financial reporting adopted under division (B)(2) of section 3301.07 of the Revised Code.

Section 3328.29 | Procurement of epinephrine autoinjectors for college-preparatory boarding schools.
 

(A) With the approval of its board of trustees, a college-preparatory boarding school established under this chapter may procure epinephrine autoinjectors in the manner prescribed by section 3313.7110 of the Revised Code. A college-preparatory boarding 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 college-preparatory boarding school;

(b) A member of a college-preparatory boarding school board of trustees;

(c) A college-preparatory boarding 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 college-preparatory boarding school or board of trustees, member of a college-preparatory boarding school board of trustees, college-preparatory boarding 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 college-preparatory boarding 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 college-preparatory boarding 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 a school's supply of epinephrine autoinjectors.

Last updated September 12, 2023 at 1:39 PM

Section 3328.30 | Procurement of inhalers by college-preparatory boarding school.
 

(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 board of trustees, a college-preparatory boarding school may procure inhalers in the manner prescribed by section 3313.7113 of the Revised Code. A college-preparatory boarding school that elects to do so shall comply with all provisions of that section as if it were a school district.

(C) A college-preparatory boarding school, a member of a college-preparatory boarding school board of trustees, or a college-preparatory boarding 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 college-preparatory boarding school or board of trustees, member of a college-preparatory boarding school board of trustees, or college-preparatory boarding 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 college-preparatory boarding 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 college-preparatory boarding 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 a school's supply of inhalers.

Last updated September 12, 2023 at 1:55 PM

Section 3328.31 | Reports to department.
 

Each college-preparatory boarding school established under this chapter shall report to the department of education and workforce, in the form and manner prescribed by the department, the following information:

(A) The total number of students enrolled in the school;

(B) The number of students enrolled in the school who are receiving special education and related services pursuant to an IEP;

(C) The city, exempted village, or local school district in which each student reported under division (A) of this section is entitled to attend school;

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

Last updated September 12, 2023 at 1:40 PM

Section 3328.32 | Inclusion of college-preparatory boarding school students in ADM.
 

Each child enrolled in a college-preparatory boarding school established under this chapter shall be included in the formula ADM and total ADM of the district in which the child is entitled to attend school, as reported under section 3317.03 of the Revised Code.

Last updated August 2, 2021 at 11:16 AM

Section 3328.34 | Department payments; per-pupil boarding amount.
 

(A) For each child enrolled in a college-preparatory boarding school, as reported under section 3328.31 of the Revised Code, the department of education and workforce shall pay to the school the sum of the amount eighty-five per cent of the operating expenditure per pupil of the city, local, or exempted village school district in which the child is entitled to attend school plus the per-pupil boarding amount specified in division (B) of this section.

As used in this division, a district's "operating expenditure per pupil" is the total amount of state payments and other nonfederal revenue spent by the district for operating expenses during the previous fiscal year, divided by the district's enrolled ADM, as that term is defined in section 3317.02 of the Revised Code, for the previous fiscal year.

(B) For the first fiscal year in which a college-preparatory boarding school may be established under this chapter, the "per-pupil boarding amount" is twenty-five thousand dollars. For each fiscal year thereafter, that amount shall be adjusted by the rate of inflation, as measured by the consumer price index (all urban consumers, all items) prepared by the bureau of labor statistics of the United States department of labor, for the previous twelve-month period.

(C) The department may accept funds from federal and state noneducation support services programs for the purpose of funding the per pupil boarding amount prescribed in division (B) of this section. Notwithstanding any other provision of the Revised Code, the department shall coordinate and streamline any noneducation program requirements in order to eliminate redundant or conflicting requirements, licensing provisions, and oversight by government programs or agencies. The applicable regulatory entities shall, to the maximum extent possible, use reports and financial audits provided by the auditor of state and coordinated by the department to eliminate or reduce contract and administrative reviews. Regulatory entities other than the department may suggest reasonable additional items to be included in such reports and financial audits to meet any requirements of federal law. Reporting paperwork prepared for the department shall be shared with and accepted by other state and local entities to the maximum extent feasible.

(D)(1) Notwithstanding division (A) of this section, if, in any fiscal year, a college-preparatory boarding school receives federal funds for the purpose of supporting the school's operations, the amount of those federal funds shall be deducted from the total per-pupil boarding amount for all enrolled students paid by the department to the school for that fiscal year, unless the school's board of trustees and the department determine otherwise in a written agreement. Any portion of the total per-pupil boarding amount for all enrolled students remaining after the deduction of the federal funds shall be paid by the department to the school from state funds appropriated to the department.

(2) Notwithstanding division (A) of this section, if, in any fiscal year, the department receives federal funds for the purpose of supporting the operations of a college-preparatory boarding school, the department shall use those federal funds, not including any portion of those funds designated for administration, to pay the school the total per-pupil boarding amount for all enrolled students for that fiscal year. Any portion of the total per-pupil boarding amount for all enrolled students remaining after the use of the federal funds shall be paid by the department to the school from state funds appropriated to the department.

(3) If any federal funds are used for the purpose prescribed in division (D)(1) or (2) of this section, the department shall comply with all requirements upon which the acceptance of the federal funds is conditioned, including any requirements set forth in the funding application submitted by the school or the department and, to the extent sufficient funds are appropriated by the general assembly, any requirements regarding maintenance of effort in expenditures.

Last updated September 12, 2023 at 1:41 PM

Section 3328.35 | Federal funding.
 

To the extent permitted by federal law, the department of education and workforce shall include college-preparatory boarding schools established under this chapter in its annual allocation of federal moneys under Title I of the "Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965," 20 U.S.C. 6301, et seq. The department may apply for any other federal moneys that may be used to support the operations of college-preparatory boarding schools established under this chapter.

Last updated September 12, 2023 at 1:42 PM

Section 3328.36 | Status as school district and board of education.
 

A college-preparatory boarding school established under this chapter shall be considered a school district and its board of trustees shall be considered a board of education for the purpose of applying 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. The college-preparatory boarding school may apply to any private entity to receive and accept funds.

Section 3328.37 | Unauditable college-preparatory boarding school.
 

(A) If the auditor of state or a public accountant, under section 117.41 of the Revised Code, declares a college-preparatory boarding school established under this chapter 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 college-preparatory boarding school's current fiscal officer held that position during the period for which the school is unauditable, upon receipt of the notification under division (A) of this section, the board of trustees of the school shall suspend the fiscal officer until the auditor of state or a public accountant has completed an audit of the school, except that if the fiscal officer is employed by the school's operator, the operator shall suspend the fiscal officer for that period. Suspension of the fiscal officer may be with or without pay, as determined by the entity imposing the suspension based on the circumstances that prompted the auditor of state's declaration. The entity imposing the suspension shall appoint a person to assume the duties of the fiscal officer 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 fiscal officer. 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 fiscal officer 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 board of trustees of the college-preparatory boarding school shall provide a written response to the auditor of state. The response shall include the following:

(1) An overview of the process the board 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 board will take to ensure that the plan described in division (C)(2) of this section is implemented.

(D) If the college-preparatory boarding 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 college-preparatory boarding 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 September 12, 2023 at 1:42 PM

Section 3328.38 | Procurement of glucagon, qualified immunity.
 

(A) With the approval of its board of trustees, a college-preparatory boarding 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 college-preparatory boarding 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 college-preparatory boarding school;

(b) A member of a college-preparatory boarding school board of trustees;

(c) A college-preparatory boarding 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 college-preparatory boarding school or board of trustees, member of a college-preparatory boarding school board of trustees, college-preparatory boarding 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 college-preparatory boarding 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 college-preparatory boarding 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 12, 2023 at 1:45 PM

Section 3328.41 | Transportation of students.
 

(A) Each participating school district shall be responsible for providing transportation on a weekly basis for each student enrolled in a college-preparatory boarding school established under this chapter who is entitled to attend school in the district to and from that college-preparatory boarding school.

The district may provide the transportation itself, contract with another entity to provide the transportation, or enter into an agreement with the board of trustees of the college-preparatory boarding school under which the board will provide the transportation and the district will pay the board an amount specified in the agreement for that provision.

(B) Transportation provided under this section is subject to all provisions of the Revised Code, and all rules adopted under the Revised Code, pertaining to the construction, design, equipment, and operation of school buses and other vehicles transporting students to and from school. The drivers and mechanics of the vehicles are subject to all provisions of the Revised Code, and all rules adopted under the Revised Code, pertaining to drivers and mechanics of such vehicles.

Section 3328.45 | Termination.
 

(A) If the department of education and workforce determines that a college-preparatory boarding school established under this chapter is not in compliance with any provision of this chapter or the terms of the contract entered into under section 3328.12 of the Revised Code, or that the school has failed to meet the academic goals or performance standards specified in that contract, the department may initiate the termination procedures specified in the contract. No termination shall take effect prior to the end of a school year. Upon the effective date of a termination, the school shall close.

(B) If a college-preparatory boarding school is required to close under division (A) of this section or closes for any other reason, the school's board of trustees shall execute the closing as provided in the contract under section 3328.12 of the Revised Code.

Last updated September 12, 2023 at 1:47 PM

Section 3328.50 | Adoption of rules.
 

The department of education and workforce shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code prescribing procedures necessary for the implementation of this chapter.

Last updated September 12, 2023 at 1:57 PM

Section 3328.52 | Policies for use of credit card accounts.
 

(A) Not later than three months after the effective date of this section, the board of trustees of a college-preparatory boarding 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 board 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 fiscal officer or the fiscal officer'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 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 college-preparatory boarding school shall appear on each presentation instrument related to the account including cards and checks.

(C) If the fiscal officer of the college-preparatory boarding 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 board shall appoint a compliance officer to perform the duties enumerated under division (D) of this section. Except a chief administrator of college-preparatory boarding 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 board monthly shall review the credit card account transaction detail and shall sign an attestation stating the board reviewed the credit card account transaction detail. The fiscal officer 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 board 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 fiscal officer retains general possession and control of the credit card account and presentation instruments related to the account including cards and checks, and the board authorizes an officer or employee to use a credit card, the fiscal officer 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 board constitutes misuse of a credit card account. An officer or employee of a college-preparatory boarding 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 board violates section 2913.21 of the Revised Code.

(G) The fiscal officer or the fiscal officer's designee annually shall file a report with the board detailing all rewards received based on the use of the college-preparatory boarding 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 3328.99 | Penalties.
 

(A) Whoever violates division (F) of section 3328.19 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 3328.19 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 3328.193 of the Revised Code is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree.