Chapter 3314 | Community Schools

Section 3314.01 | Creation of community school - general powers.

• Effective: November 21, 1997
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 55 - 122nd General Assembly

(A)(1) A board of education may permit all or part of any of the schools under its control, upon request of a proposing person or group and provided the person or group meets the requirements of this chapter, to become a community school.

(2) Any person or group of individuals may propose the creation of a community school pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. No nonpublic chartered or nonchartered school in existence on January 1, 1997, is eligible to become a community school under this chapter.

(B) A community school created under this chapter is a public school, independent of any school district, and is part of the state's program of education. A community 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 a sponsor pursuant to this chapter. The governing authority of a community school 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 community schools, and the contract entered into under this chapter establishing the school.

Section 3314.011 | Designated fiscal officer - bond - licensing.

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

(A) Every community school established under this chapter shall have a designated fiscal officer. Except as provided for in division (C) of this section, the fiscal officer shall be employed by or engaged under a contract with the governing authority of the community school.

(B) Except as otherwise provided in section 3.061 of the Revised Code, the auditor of state shall require that the fiscal officer of any community school, before entering upon duties as fiscal officer of the school, execute a bond in an amount and with surety to be approved by the governing authority of the school, payable to the state, conditioned for the faithful performance of all the official duties required of the fiscal officer. The bond shall be deposited with the governing authority of the school, and a copy thereof, certified by the governing authority, shall be filed with the county auditor.

(C) Prior to assuming the duties of fiscal officer, the fiscal officer designated under this section shall be licensed under section 3301.074 of the Revised Code. Any person serving as a fiscal officer of a community school on March 22, 2013, who is not licensed as a treasurer shall be permitted to serve as a fiscal officer for not more than one year following March 22, 2013. Beginning on that date and thereafter, no community school shall permit any individual to serve as a fiscal officer without a license as required by this section.

(D)(1) The governing authority of a community school may adopt a resolution waiving the requirement that the governing authority is the party responsible to employ or contract with the designated fiscal officer, as prescribed by division (A) of this section, so long as the school's sponsor also approves the resolution. The resolution shall be valid for one year. A new resolution shall be adopted for each year that the governing authority wishes to waive this requirement, so long as the school's sponsor also approves the resolution.

No resolution adopted pursuant to this division may waive the requirement for a community school to have a designated fiscal officer.

(2) If the governing authority adopts a resolution pursuant to division (D)(1) of this section, the school's designated fiscal officer annually shall meet with the governing authority to review the school's financial status.

(3) The governing authority shall submit to the department of education and workforce a copy of each resolution adopted pursuant to division (D)(1) of this section.

Last updated August 21, 2023 at 4:06 PM

Section 3314.012 | Development of report cards.

• Effective: October 24, 2024
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 168 - 135th General Assembly

(A) Except as provided in section 3314.017 of the Revised Code, the department of education and workforce shall issue an annual report card for each community school, regardless of how long the school has been in operation. The report card shall report the academic and financial performance of the school . The report card shall include all information applicable to school buildings under section 3302.03 of the Revised Code. The ratings a community school receives under section 3302.03 of the Revised Code for its first two full school years shall not be considered toward automatic closure of the school under section 3314.35 of the Revised Code or any other matter that is based on report card ratings.

(B) Upon receipt of a copy of a contract between a sponsor and a community school entered into under this chapter, the department shall notify the community school of the specific model report card that will be used for that school.

(C) Report cards shall be distributed to the parents of all students in the community school, to the members of the board of education of the school district in which the community school is located, and to any person who requests one from the department.

Last updated August 15, 2024 at 4:49 PM

Section 3314.013 | Limits on internet- or computer-based community schools.

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

(A) Until May 22, 2013, no internet- or computer-based community school shall operate unless the school was open for instruction as of May 1, 2005. No entity described in division (C)(1) of section 3314.02 of the Revised Code shall enter into a contract to sponsor an internet- or computer-based community school, including a conversion school, between May 1, 2005, and May 22, 2013, except as follows:

(1) The entity may renew a contract that the entity entered into with an internet- or computer-based community school prior to May 1, 2005, if the school was open for operation as of that date.

(2) The entity may assume sponsorship of an existing internet- or computer-based community school that was formerly sponsored by another entity and may enter into a contract with that community school in accordance with section 3314.03 of the Revised Code.

If a sponsor entered into a contract with an internet- or computer-based community school, including a conversion school, but the school was not open for operation as of May 1, 2005, the contract shall be void and the entity shall not enter into another contract with the school until May 22, 2013.

(B)(1) Beginning on July 1, 2013, up to five new internet- or computer-based community schools may open each year, subject to approval of the director of education and workforce under division (B)(2) of this section.

(2) The director shall approve applications for new internet- or computer-based community schools from only those applicants demonstrating experience and quality.

The department of education and workforce shall adopt rules prescribing measures to determine experience and quality of applicants in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code. The measures shall include, but not be limited to, the following considerations:

(a) The sponsor's experience with online schools;

(b) The operator's experience with online schools;

(c) The sponsor's and operator's previous record for student performance;

(d) A preference for operators with previous experience in Ohio.

(3) The department shall notify any new internet- or computer-based community school governed by division (B) of this section of whether the director has approved or disapproved the school's application to open for the 2013-2014 school year not later than July 1, 2013. Notwithstanding the dates prescribed for adoption and signing on sponsor contracts in division (D) of section 3314.02 of the Revised Code, or the date for opening a school for instruction required by division (A)(25) of section 3314.03 of the Revised Code, a new internet- or computer-based community school approved for opening for the 2013-2014 school year under division (B) of this section may open and operate in that school year regardless of whether it has complied with those contract and opening dates. For each school year thereafter, the school shall comply with all applicable provisions of this chapter.

(4) Notwithstanding divisions (B)(1) and (2) of this section, a sponsor rated "exemplary" on its most recent evaluation conducted under section 3314.016 of the Revised Code is permitted to open up to two new internet- or computer-based community schools that will primarily serve students enrolled in a dropout prevention and recovery program each year, not to exceed six new schools in a five-year period.

(C) Nothing in division (A) or (B) of this section prohibits an internet- or computer-based community school from increasing the number of grade levels it offers.

Last updated August 21, 2023 at 4:09 PM

Section 3314.015 | Oversight of sponsors.

• Effective: October 24, 2024
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 168 - 135th General Assembly

(A) The department of education and workforce shall be responsible for the oversight of any and all sponsors of the community schools established under this chapter and shall provide technical assistance to schools and sponsors in their compliance with applicable laws and the terms of the contracts entered into under section 3314.03 of the Revised Code and in the development and start-up activities of those schools. In carrying out its duties under this section, the department shall do all of the following:

(1) In providing technical assistance to proposing parties, governing authorities, and sponsors, conduct training sessions and distribute informational materials;

(2) Approve entities to be sponsors of community schools;

(3) Monitor and evaluate, as required under section 3314.016 of the Revised Code, the effectiveness of any and all sponsors in their oversight of the schools with which they have contracted;

(4) By December thirty-first of each year, issue a report to the governor, the speaker of the house of representatives, the president of the senate, and the chairpersons of the house and senate committees principally responsible for education matters regarding the effectiveness of academic programs, operations, and legal compliance and of the financial condition of all community schools established under this chapter and on the performance of community school sponsors;

(5) From time to time, make legislative recommendations to the general assembly designed to enhance the operation and performance of community schools.

(B)(1) Except as provided in sections 3314.021 and 3314.027 of the Revised Code, no entity shall enter into a preliminary agreement under division (C)(2) of section 3314.02 of the Revised Code or renew an existing contract to sponsor a community school until it has received approval from the department to sponsor community schools under this chapter and has entered into a written agreement with the department regarding the manner in which the entity will conduct such sponsorship.

On and after July 1, 2017, each entity that sponsors a community school in this state, except for an entity described in sections 3314.021 and 3314.027 of the Revised Code, shall attain approval from the department in order to continue sponsoring schools regardless of whether that entity intends to enter into a preliminary agreement or renew an existing contract.

All new and renewed agreements between the department and a sponsor shall contain specific language addressing the parameters under which the department can intervene and potentially revoke sponsorship authority in the event that the sponsor is unwilling or unable to fulfill its obligations. Additionally, each agreement shall set forth any territorial restrictions and limits on the number of schools that entity may sponsor, provide for an annual evaluation process, and include a stipulation permitting the department to modify the agreement under the following circumstances:

(a) Poor fiscal management;

(b) Lack of academic progress.

(2) The initial term of a sponsor's agreement with the department shall be for up to five years.

(a) An agreement entered into with the department pursuant to this section may be renewed for a term of up to ten years using the following criteria:

(i) The academic performance of students enrolled in each community school the entity sponsors, as determined by the department pursuant to division (B)(1)(a) of section 3314.016 of the Revised Code;

(ii) The sponsor's adherence to quality practices, as determined by the department pursuant to division (B)(1)(b) of section 3314.016 of the Revised Code;

(iii) The sponsor's compliance with all applicable laws and administrative rules.

(b) Each agreement between the department and a sponsor shall specify that entities with an overall rating of "exemplary" for at least two consecutive years shall not be subject to the limit on the number of community schools the entity may sponsor or any territorial restrictions on sponsorship, for so long as that entity continues to be rated "exemplary."

(c) The department shall adopt in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code rules containing criteria, procedures, and deadlines for processing applications for approval of sponsors, for oversight of sponsors, for notifying a sponsor of noncompliance with applicable laws and administrative rules under division (F) of this section, for revocation of the approval of sponsors under division (C) of this section, and for entering into written agreements with sponsors. The rules shall require an entity to submit evidence of the entity's ability and willingness to comply with the provisions of division (D) of section 3314.03 of the Revised Code. The rules also shall require all entities approved as sponsors to demonstrate a record of financial responsibility and successful implementation of educational programs. If an entity seeking approval to sponsor community schools in this state sponsors or operates schools in another state, at least one of the schools sponsored or operated by the entity must be comparable to or better than the performance of Ohio schools in need of continuous improvement under section 3302.03 of the Revised Code, as determined by the department.

Subject to section 3314.016 of the Revised Code, an entity that sponsors community schools may enter into preliminary agreements and sponsor up to one hundred schools, provided each school and the contract for sponsorship meets the requirements of this chapter. A sponsor that was rated "exemplary" on its most recent rating under section 3314.016 of the Revised Code may sponsor up to two hundred such schools.

(3) The department shall determine, pursuant to criteria specified in rules adopted in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, whether the mission proposed to be specified in the contract of a community school to be sponsored by a state university board of trustees or the board's designee under division (C)(1)(e) of section 3314.02 of the Revised Code complies with the requirements of that division. Such determination of the department is final.

(4) The department shall determine, pursuant to criteria specified in rules adopted in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, if any tax-exempt entity under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code that is proposed to be a sponsor of a community school is an education-oriented entity for purpose of satisfying the condition prescribed in division (C)(1)(f)(iii) of section 3314.02 of the Revised Code. Such determination of the department is final.

(C) If at any time the department finds that a sponsor is not in compliance or is no longer willing to comply with its contract with any community school or with the department's rules for sponsorship, the department shall conduct a hearing in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code on that matter. If after the hearing, the department has confirmed the original finding, it may revoke the sponsor's approval to sponsor community schools. In that case, the department's office of Ohio school sponsorship, established under section 3314.029 of the Revised Code, may assume the sponsorship of any schools with which the sponsor has contracted until the earlier of the expiration of two school years or until a new sponsor as described in division (C)(1) of section 3314.02 of the Revised Code is secured by the school's governing authority. The office of Ohio school sponsorship may extend the term of the contract in the case of a school for which it has assumed sponsorship under this division as necessary to accommodate the term of the department's authorization to sponsor the school specified in this division. Community schools sponsored under this division shall not apply to the limit on directly authorized community schools under division (A)(3) of section 3314.029 of the Revised Code. However, nothing in this division shall preclude a community school affected by this division from applying for sponsorship under that section.

(D) The decision of the department to disapprove an entity for sponsorship of a community school or to revoke approval for such sponsorship under division (C) of this section, may be appealed by the entity in accordance with section 119.12 of the Revised Code.

(E) The department shall adopt procedures for use by a community school governing authority and sponsor when the school permanently closes and ceases operation, which shall include at least procedures for data reporting to the department, handling of student records, distribution of assets in accordance with section 3314.074 of the Revised Code, and other matters related to ceasing operation of the school.

(F)(1) In lieu of revoking a sponsor's authority to sponsor community schools under division (C) of this section, if the department finds that a sponsor is not in compliance with applicable laws and administrative rules, the department shall declare in a written notice to the sponsor the specific laws or rules, or both, for which the sponsor is noncompliant. A sponsor notified under division (F)(1) of this section shall respond to the department not later than fourteen days after the notification with a proposed plan to remedy the conditions for which the sponsor was found to be noncompliant. The department shall approve or disapprove the plan not later than fourteen days after receiving it. If the plan is disapproved, the sponsor may submit a revised plan to the department not later than fourteen days after receiving notification of disapproval from the department or not later than sixty days after the date the sponsor received notification of noncompliance from the department, whichever is earlier. The department shall approve or disapprove the revised plan not later than fourteen days after receiving it or not later than sixty days after the date the sponsor received notification of noncompliance from the department, whichever is earlier. A sponsor may continue to make revisions by the deadlines prescribed in division (F)(1) of this section to any revised plan that is disapproved by the department until the sixtieth day after the date the sponsor received notification of noncompliance from the department.

If a plan or a revised plan is approved, the sponsor shall implement it not later than sixty days after the date the sponsor received notification of noncompliance from the department or not later than thirty days after the plan is approved, whichever is later. If a sponsor does not respond to the department or implement an approved compliance plan by the deadlines prescribed by division (F)(1) of this section, or if a sponsor does not receive approval of a compliance plan on or before the sixtieth day after the date the sponsor received notification of noncompliance from the department, the department shall declare in written notice to the sponsor that the sponsor is in probationary status, and may limit the sponsor's ability to sponsor additional schools.

(2) A sponsor that has been placed on probationary status under division (F)(1) of this section may apply to the department for its probationary status to be lifted. The application for a sponsor's probationary status to be lifted shall include evidence, occurring after the initial notification of noncompliance, of the sponsor's compliance with applicable laws and administrative rules. Not later than fourteen days after receiving an application from the sponsor, the department shall decide whether or not to remove the sponsor's probationary status.

(G) In carrying out its duties under this chapter, the department shall not impose requirements on community schools or their sponsors that are not permitted by law or duly adopted rules.

(H) This section applies to entities that sponsor conversion community schools and new start-up schools.

(I) Nothing in divisions (C) to (F) of this section prohibits the department from taking any action permitted or required under the written agreement between the department and a sponsoring entity without a hearing on the matter, in the event that the sponsor is unwilling or unable to fulfill its obligations.

Last updated August 15, 2024 at 4:49 PM

Section 3314.016 | Community school sponsor evaluations; sponsoring additional schools.

• Effective: October 24, 2024
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 168 - 135th General Assembly

This section applies to any entity that sponsors a community school, regardless of whether section 3314.021 or 3314.027 of the Revised Code exempts the entity from the requirement to be approved for sponsorship under divisions (A)(2) and (B)(1) of section 3314.015 of the Revised Code. The office of Ohio school sponsorship established under section 3314.029 of the Revised Code shall be rated under division (B) of this section, but divisions (A) and (C) of this section do not apply to the office.

(A) An entity that sponsors a community school shall be permitted to enter into contracts under section 3314.03 of the Revised Code to sponsor additional community schools only if the entity meets all of the following criteria:

(1) The entity is in compliance with all provisions of this chapter requiring sponsors of community schools to report data or information to the department of education and workforce.

(2) The entity is not rated as "ineffective" under division (B)(6) of this section.

(3) Except as set forth in sections 3314.021 and 3314.027 of the Revised Code, the entity has received approval from and entered into an agreement with the department pursuant to section 3314.015 of the Revised Code.

(B)(1) The department shall develop and implement an evaluation system that annually rates and assigns an overall rating to each entity that sponsors a community school. The department, not later than the first day of February of each year, shall post on the department's web site the framework for the evaluation system, including technical documentation that the department intends to use to rate sponsors for the next school year. The department shall solicit public comment on the evaluation system for thirty consecutive days. Not later than the first day of April of each year, the department shall compile and post on the department's web site all public comments that were received during the public comment period. The evaluation system shall be posted on the department's web site by the fifteenth day of July of each school year. Any changes to the evaluation system after that date shall take effect the following year. The evaluation system shall be based on the following components:

(a) Academic performance of students enrolled in community schools sponsored by the same entity. The academic performance component shall be derived from the performance measures prescribed for the state report cards under section 3302.03 or 3314.017 of the Revised Code, and shall be based on the performance of the schools for the school year for which the evaluation is conducted. In addition to the academic performance for a specific school year, the academic performance component shall also include year-to-year changes in the overall sponsor portfolio. For a community school for which no graded performance measures are applicable or available, the department shall use nonreport card performance measures specified in the contract between the community school and the sponsor under division (A)(4) of section 3314.03 of the Revised Code.

(b) Adherence by a sponsor to the quality practices prescribed by the department under division (B)(3) of this section. For a sponsor that was rated "effective" or "exemplary" on its most recent rating, the department may evaluate that sponsor's adherence to quality practices once over a period of three years. If the department elects to evaluate a sponsor once over a period of three years, the most recent rating for a sponsor's adherence to quality practices shall be used when determining an annual overall rating conducted under this section.

(c) Compliance with all applicable laws and administrative rules by an entity that sponsors a community school.

Under the evaluation system prescribed under division (B)(1) of this section, the department shall not assign an overall rating of "ineffective" or lower to an entity that sponsors a community school solely because that entity received no points on one of the components prescribed under that division.

(2) In calculating an academic performance component, the department shall exclude all community schools that have been in operation for not more than two full school years and all community schools described in division (B)(2) of section 3314.35 of the Revised Code. However, the academic performance of the community schools described in division (B)(2) of section 3314.35 of the Revised Code shall be reported, but shall not be used as a factor when determining a sponsoring entity's rating under this section.

(3) The department, in consultation with entities that sponsor community schools, shall prescribe quality practices for community school sponsors and develop an instrument to measure adherence to those quality practices. The quality practices shall be based on standards developed by the national association of charter school authorizers or any other nationally organized community school organization.

(4)(a) The department may permit peer review of a sponsor's adherence to the quality practices prescribed under division (B)(3) of this section. Peer reviewers shall be limited to individuals employed by sponsors rated "effective" or "exemplary" on the most recent ratings conducted under this section.

(b) The department shall require individuals participating in peer review under division (B)(4)(a) of this section to complete training approved or established by the department.

(c) The department may enter into an agreement with another entity to provide training to individuals conducting peer review of sponsors. Prior to entering into an agreement with an entity, the department shall review and approve of the entity's training program.

(5) The director of education and workforce shall adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code prescribing standards for measuring compliance with applicable laws and rules under division (B)(1)(c) of this section.

(6) The department annually shall rate all entities that sponsor community schools as either "exemplary," "effective," "ineffective," or "poor," based on the components prescribed by division (B) of this section, where each component is weighted equally. A separate rating shall be given by the department for each component of the evaluation system.

The department shall publish the ratings between the first day of October and the fifteenth day of November.

Prior to the publication of the final ratings, the department shall designate and provide notice of a period of at least ten business days during which each sponsor may review the information used by the department to determine the sponsor's rating on the components prescribed by division (B)(1) of this section. If the sponsor believes there is an error in the department's evaluation, the sponsor may request adjustments to the rating of any of those components based on documentation previously submitted as part of an evaluation. The sponsor shall provide to the department any necessary evidence or information to support the requested adjustments. The department shall review the evidence and information, determine whether an adjustment is valid, and promptly notify the sponsor of its determination and reasons. If any adjustments to the data could result in a change to the rating on the applicable component or to the overall rating, the department shall recalculate the ratings prior to publication.

The department shall provide training on an annual basis regarding the evaluation system prescribed under this section. The training shall, at a minimum, describe methodology, timelines, and data required for the evaluation system. The first training session shall occur not later than March 2, 2016. Beginning in 2018, the training shall be made available to each entity that sponsors a community school by the fifteenth day of July of each year and shall include guidance on any changes made to the evaluation system.

(7)(a) Entities with an overall rating of "exemplary" for the two most recent years in which the entity was evaluated may take advantage of the following incentives:

(i) Renewal of the written agreement with the department, not to exceed ten years, provided that the entity consents to continued evaluation of adherence to quality practices as described in division (B)(1)(b) of this section;

(ii) The ability to extend the term of the contract between the sponsoring entity and the community school beyond the term described in the written agreement with the department;

(iii) An exemption from the preliminary agreement and contract adoption and execution deadline requirements prescribed in division (D) of section 3314.02 of the Revised Code;

(iv) An exemption from the automatic contract expiration requirement, should a new community school fail to open by the thirtieth day of September of the calendar year in which the community school contract is executed;

(v) No limit on the number of community schools the entity may sponsor;

(vi) No territorial restrictions on sponsorship.

An entity may continue to sponsor any community schools with which it entered into agreements under division (B)(7)(a)(v) or (vi) of this section while rated "exemplary," notwithstanding the fact that the entity later receives a lower overall rating.

(b) Entities with an overall rating of "exemplary" or "effective" for the three most recent years in which the entity was evaluated shall be evaluated by the department once every three years.

(c)(i) Entities that receive an overall rating of "ineffective" shall be prohibited from sponsoring any new or additional community schools during the time in which the sponsor is rated as "ineffective" and shall be subject to a quality improvement plan based on correcting the deficiencies that led to the "ineffective" rating, with timelines and benchmarks that have been established by the department.

(ii) Entities that receive an overall rating of "ineffective" on their three most recent ratings shall have all sponsorship authority revoked. Within thirty days after receiving its third rating of "ineffective," the entity may appeal the revocation of its sponsorship authority to the director, who shall appoint an independent hearing officer to conduct a hearing in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code. The hearing shall be conducted within thirty days after receipt of the notice of appeal. Within forty-five days after the hearing is completed, the director shall determine whether the revocation is appropriate based on the hearing conducted by the independent hearing officer, and if determined appropriate, the revocation shall be confirmed.

(d) Entities that receive an overall rating of "poor" shall have all sponsorship authority revoked. Within thirty days after receiving a rating of "poor," the entity may appeal the revocation of its sponsorship authority to the director, who shall appoint an independent hearing officer to conduct a hearing in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code. The hearing shall be conducted within thirty days after receipt of the notice of appeal. Within forty-five days after the hearing is completed, the director shall determine whether the revocation is appropriate based on the hearing conducted by the independent hearing officer, and if determined appropriate, the revocation shall be confirmed.

(8) For the 2014-2015 school year and each school year thereafter, student academic performance prescribed under division (B)(1)(a) of this section shall include student academic performance data from community schools that primarily serve students enrolled in a dropout prevention and recovery program.

(C) If the governing authority of a community school enters into a contract with a sponsor prior to the date on which the sponsor is prohibited from sponsoring additional schools under division (A) of this section and the school has not opened for operation as of that date, that contract shall be void and the school shall not open until the governing authority secures a new sponsor by entering into a contract with the new sponsor under section 3314.03 of the Revised Code. However, the department's office of Ohio school sponsorship, established under section 3314.029 of the Revised Code, may assume the sponsorship of the school until the earlier of the expiration of two school years or until a new sponsor is secured by the school's governing authority. A community school sponsored by the department under this division shall not be included when calculating the maximum number of directly authorized community schools permitted under division (A)(3) of section 3314.029 of the Revised Code.

(D) When an entity's authority to sponsor schools is revoked pursuant to division (B)(7)(c) or (d) of this section, the office of Ohio school sponsorship shall assume sponsorship of any schools with which the original sponsor has contracted for the remainder of that school year. The office may continue sponsoring those schools until the earlier of:

(1) The expiration of two school years from the time that sponsorship is revoked;

(2) When a new sponsor is secured by the governing authority pursuant to division (C)(1) of section 3314.02 of the Revised Code.

Any community school sponsored under this division shall not be counted for purposes of directly authorized community schools under division (A)(3) of section 3314.029 of the Revised Code.

(E) The department shall recalculate the rating for the 2017-2018 school year for each sponsor of a community school that receives recalculated ratings pursuant to division (I) of section 3314.017 of the Revised Code.

Last updated August 14, 2024 at 9:29 AM

Section 3314.017 | Academic performance rating and report card system.

• Effective: October 24, 2024
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 168 - 135th General Assembly

(A) The department of education and workforce shall prescribe by rules, adopted in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, an academic performance rating and report card system that satisfies the requirements of this section for community schools that primarily serve students enrolled in dropout prevention and recovery programs as described in division (B)(1) of section 3314.35 of the Revised Code, to be used in lieu of the system prescribed under sections 3302.03 and 3314.012 of the Revised Code beginning with the 2012-2013 school year. Each such school shall comply with the testing and reporting requirements of the system as prescribed by the department.

(B) Nothing in this section shall at any time relieve a school from its obligations under the "No Child Left Behind Act of 2001" to make "adequate yearly progress," as both that act and that term are defined in section 3302.01 of the Revised Code, or a school's amenability to the provisions of section 3302.04 or 3302.041 of the Revised Code. The department shall continue to report each school's performance as required by the act and to enforce applicable sanctions under section 3302.04 or 3302.041 of the Revised Code.

(C) The rules adopted by the department shall prescribe the following performance indicators for the rating and report card system required by this section:

(1) Graduation rate for each of the following student cohorts:

(a) The number of students who graduate in four years or less with a regular high school diploma divided by the number of students who form the adjusted cohort for the graduating class;

(b) The number of students who graduate in five years with a regular high school diploma divided by the number of students who form the adjusted cohort for the four-year graduation rate;

(c) The number of students who graduate in six years with a regular high school diploma divided by the number of students who form the adjusted cohort for the four-year graduation rate;

(d) The number of students who graduate in seven years with a regular high school diploma divided by the number of students who form the adjusted cohort for the four-year graduation rate;

(e) The number of students who graduate in eight years with a regular high school diploma divided by the number of students who form the adjusted cohort for the four-year graduation rate.

(2) The percentage of twelfth-grade students currently enrolled in the school who have attained the designated passing score on all of the state high school achievement assessments required under division (B)(1) of section 3301.0710 of the Revised Code or the cumulative performance score on the end-of-course examinations prescribed under division (B)(2) of section 3301.0712 of the Revised Code, whichever applies, and other students enrolled in the school, regardless of grade level, who are within three months of their twenty-second birthday and have attained the designated passing score on all of the state high school achievement assessments or the cumulative performance score on the end-of-course examinations, whichever applies, by their twenty-second birthday;

(3) Annual measurable objectives as defined in section 3302.01 of the Revised Code;

(4) Growth in student achievement in reading, or mathematics, or both as measured by separate nationally norm-referenced assessments that have developed appropriate standards for students enrolled in dropout prevention and recovery programs, adopted or approved by the department.

(D)(1) The department's rules shall prescribe the expected performance levels and benchmarks for each of the indicators prescribed by division (C) of this section based on the data gathered by the department under division (G) of this section and simulations created by the department. Based on a school's level of attainment or nonattainment of the expected performance levels and benchmarks for each of the indicators, the department shall rate each school in one of the following categories:

(a) Exceeds standards;

(b) Meets standards;

(c) Does not meet standards.

(2) The department's rules shall establish all of the following:

(a) Performance levels and benchmarks for the indicators described in divisions (C)(1) to (3) of this section;

(b) Both of the following:

(i) Performance levels and benchmarks for the indicator described in division (C)(4) of this section;

(ii) Standards for awarding a community school described in division (B)(1) of section 3314.35 of the Revised Code an overall designation, which shall be calculated as follows:

(I) Thirty per cent of the score shall be based on the indicators described in division (C)(1) of this section that are applicable to the school year for which the overall designation is granted.

(II) Thirty per cent of the score shall be based on the indicators described in division (C)(4) of this section.

(III) Twenty per cent of the score shall be based on the indicators described in division (C)(2) of this section.

(IV) Twenty per cent of the score shall be based on the indicators described in division (C)(3) of this section.

(3) If both of the indicators described in divisions (C)(1) and (2) of this section improve by ten per cent for two consecutive years, a school shall be rated not less than "meets standards."

The rating and the relevant performance data for each school shall be posted on the department's web site, and a copy of the rating and data shall be provided to the governing authority of the community school.

(E)(1) For the 2012-2013 school year, the department shall issue a report card including the following performance measures, but without a performance rating as described in divisions (D)(1)(a) to (c) of this section, for each community school described in division (B)(1) of section 3314.35 of the Revised Code:

(a) The graduation rates as described in divisions (C)(1)(a) to (c) of this section;

(b) The percentage of twelfth-grade students and other students who have attained a designated passing score on high school achievement assessments as described in division (C)(2) of this section;

(c) The statewide average for the graduation rates and assessment passage rates described in divisions (C)(1)(a) to (c) and (C)(2) of this section;

(d) Annual measurable objectives described in division (C)(3) of this section.

(2) For the 2013-2014 school year, the department shall issue a report card including the following performance measures for each community school described in division (B)(1) of section 3314.35 of the Revised Code:

(a) The graduation rates described in divisions (C)(1)(a) to (d) of this section, including a performance rating as described in divisions (D)(1)(a) to (c) of this section;

(b) The percentage of twelfth-grade students and other students who have attained a designated passing score on high school achievement assessments as described in division (C)(2) of this section, including a performance rating as described in divisions (D)(1)(a) to (c) of this section;

(c) Annual measurable objectives described in division (C)(3) of this section, including a performance rating as described in divisions (D)(1)(a) to (c) of this section;

(d) Both of the following without an assigned rating:

(i) Growth in annual student achievement in reading and mathematics described in division (C)(4) of this section, if available;

(ii) Student outcome data, including postsecondary credit earned, nationally recognized career or technical certification, military enlistment, job placement, and attendance rate.

(3) Beginning with the 2014-2015 school year, and annually thereafter, the department shall issue a report card for each community school described in division (B)(1) of section 3314.35 of the Revised Code that includes all of the following performance measures, including a performance rating for each measure as described in divisions (D)(1)(a) to (c) of this section:

(a) The graduation rates as described in division (C)(1) of this section;

(b) The percentage of twelfth-grade students and other students who have attained a designated passing score on high school achievement assessments as described in division (C)(2) of this section;

(c) Annual measurable objectives described in division (C)(3) of this section, including a performance rating as described in divisions (D)(1)(a) to (c) of this section;

(d) Growth in annual student achievement in reading and mathematics as described in division (C)(4) of this section;

(e) An overall performance designation for the school calculated under rules adopted under division (D)(2) of this section.

The department shall also include student outcome data, including postsecondary credit earned, nationally recognized career or technical certification, military enlistment, job placement, attendance rate, and progress on closing achievement gaps for each school. This information shall not be included in the calculation of a school's performance rating.

(F) Not later than the thirty-first day of July of each year, the department shall submit preliminary report card data for overall academic performance for each performance measure prescribed in division (E)(3) of this section for each community school to which this section applies.

(G) For the purposes of prescribing performance levels and benchmarks under division (D) of this section, the department shall gather and analyze data from prior school years for each community school described in division (B)(1) of section 3314.35 of the Revised Code. Each such school shall cooperate with the department. The department shall consult with stakeholder groups in performing its duties under this division.

(H) The department shall review the performance levels and benchmarks for performance indicators in the report card issued under this section and may revise them based on the data collected under division (G) of this section.

(I) For the purposes of division (F) of section 3314.351 of the Revised Code, the department shall recalculate the ratings for each school under division (E)(3) of this section for the 2017-2018 school year and calculate the ratings under that division for the 2018-2019 school year using the indicators prescribed by division (C) of this section, as it exists on and after July 18, 2019.

Last updated August 14, 2024 at 9:30 AM

Section 3314.018 | Pooling agreements between community schools.

• Effective: June 24, 2008
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 562 - 127th General Assembly

The governing authorities of two or more community schools may enter into a pooling agreement under which the schools may act jointly to do any of the following:

(A) Purchase health insurance for the schools' employees;

(B) Secure liability insurance for the schools;

(C) Purchase other goods or services necessary for the operation of the schools;

(D) Provide transportation to students enrolled in the schools.

Section 3314.019 | Communication with state auditor.

• Effective: February 1, 2016
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 2 - 131st General Assembly

A community school's sponsor shall communicate with the auditor of state regarding an audit of the school or the condition of financial and enrollment records of the school, and shall maintain a presence at any and all meetings with the auditor of state regardless of whether the sponsor has entered into an agreement with another entity to perform all or part of the sponsor's oversight duties.

Section 3314.0110 | Computer science and technology fund.

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

(A) The governing authority of any community 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 community school. The fund may consist of community 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 authority 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 3314.02 | Establishment of community school - conversion and start-up.

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

(A) As used in this chapter:

(1) "Sponsor" means the board of education of a school district or the governing board of an educational service center that agrees to the conversion of all or part of a school or building under division (B) of this section, or an entity listed in division (C)(1) of this section, which has been approved by the department of education and workforce to sponsor community schools or is exempted by section 3314.021 or 3314.027 of the Revised Code from obtaining approval, and with which the governing authority of a community school enters into a contract under section 3314.03 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Pilot project area" means the school districts included in the territory of the former community school pilot project established by former Section 50.52 of Am. Sub. H.B. No. 215 of the 122nd general assembly.

(3) "Challenged school district" means any of the following:

(a) A school district that is part of the pilot project area;

(b) A school district that meets one of the following conditions:

(i) On March 22, 2013, the district was in a state of academic emergency or in a state of academic watch under section 3302.03 of the Revised Code, as that section existed prior to March 22, 2013;

(ii) For two of the 2012-2013, 2013-2014, 2014-2015, and 2015-2016 school years, the district received a grade of "D" or "F" for the performance index score and a grade of "F" for the value-added progress dimension under section 3302.03 of the Revised Code;

(iii) For the 2016-2017, 2017-2018, 2018-2019, 2019-2020, and 2020-2021 school years, the district has received an overall grade of "D" or "F" under division (C)(3) of section 3302.03 of the Revised Code, or, for at least two of the three most recent school years, the district received a grade of "F" for the value-added progress dimension under division (C)(1)(e) of that section;

(iv) For the 2021-2022 school year and for any school year thereafter, the district has received an overall performance rating of less than three stars under division (D)(3) of section 3302.03 of the Revised Code, or, for at least two of the three most recent school years, the district received one star for progress under division (D)(3)(c) of that section.

(c) A big eight school district;

(d) A school district ranked in the lowest five per cent of school districts according to performance index score under section 3302.21 of the Revised Code.

(4) "Big eight school district" means a school district that for fiscal year 1997 had both of the following:

(a) A percentage of children residing in the district and participating in the predecessor of Ohio works first greater than thirty per cent, as reported pursuant to section 3317.10 of the Revised Code;

(b) An average daily membership greater than twelve thousand, as reported pursuant to former division (A) of section 3317.03 of the Revised Code.

(5) "New start-up school" means a community school other than one created by converting all or part of an existing public school or educational service center building, as designated in the school's contract pursuant to division (A)(17) of section 3314.03 of the Revised Code.

(6) "Urban school district" means one of the state's twenty-one urban school districts as defined in division (O) of section 3317.02 of the Revised Code as that section existed prior to July 1, 1998.

(7) "Internet- or computer-based community school" means a community school established under this chapter in which the enrolled students work primarily from their residences on assignments in nonclassroom-based learning opportunities provided via an internet- or other computer-based instructional method that does not rely on regular classroom instruction or via comprehensive instructional methods that include internet-based, other computer-based, and noncomputer-based learning opportunities unless a student receives career-technical education under section 3314.086 of the Revised Code.

A community school that operates mainly as an internet- or computer-based community school and provides career-technical education under section 3314.086 of the Revised Code shall be considered an internet- or computer-based community school, even if it provides some classroom-based instruction, so long as it provides instruction via the methods described in this division.

(8) "Operator" or "management company" means either of the following:

(a) An individual or organization that manages the daily operations of a community school pursuant to a contract between the operator or management company and the school's governing authority;

(b) A nonprofit organization that provides programmatic oversight and support to a community school under a contract with the school's governing authority and that retains the right to terminate its affiliation with the school if the school fails to meet the organization's quality standards.

(9) "Alliance municipal school district" has the same meaning as in section 3311.86 of the Revised Code.

(B)(1) Any person or group of individuals may initially propose under this division the conversion of all or a portion of a public school to a community school. The proposal shall be made to the board of education of the city, local, exempted village, or joint vocational school district in which the public school is proposed to be converted.

(2) Any person or group of individuals may initially propose under this division the conversion of all or a portion of a building operated by an educational service center to a community school. The proposal shall be made to the governing board of the service center.

On or after July 1, 2017, except as provided in section 3314.027 of the Revised Code, any educational service center that sponsors a community school shall be approved by and enter into a written agreement with the department as described in section 3314.015 of the Revised Code.

(3) Upon receipt of a proposal, and after an agreement has been entered into pursuant to section 3314.015 of the Revised Code, a board may enter into a preliminary agreement with the person or group proposing the conversion of the public school or service center building, indicating the intention of the board to support the conversion to a community school. A proposing person or group that has a preliminary agreement under this division may proceed to finalize plans for the school, establish a governing authority for the school, and negotiate a contract with the board. Provided the proposing person or group adheres to the preliminary agreement and all provisions of this chapter, the board shall negotiate in good faith to enter into a contract in accordance with section 3314.03 of the Revised Code and division (C) of this section.

(4) The sponsor of a conversion community school proposed to open in an alliance municipal school district shall be subject to approval by the department of education and workforce for sponsorship of that school using the criteria established under division (A) of section 3311.87 of the Revised Code.

Division (B)(4) of this section does not apply to a sponsor that, on or before September 29, 2015, was exempted under section 3314.021 or 3314.027 of the Revised Code from the requirement to be approved for sponsorship under divisions (A)(2) and (B)(1) of section 3314.015 of the Revised Code.

(5) A school established in accordance with division (B) of this section that later enters into a sponsorship contract with an entity that is not a school district or educational service center shall, at the time of entering into the new contract, be deemed a community school established in accordance with division (C) of this section.

(C)(1) Provided all other conditions of sponsorship and governance are satisfied, any person or group of individuals may propose under this division the establishment of a new start-up school regardless of the school's proposed location. The proposal may be made to any of the following entities:

(a) The board of education of the district in which the school is proposed to be located;

(b) The board of education of any joint vocational school district with territory in the county in which is located the majority of the territory of the district in which the school is proposed to be located;

(c) The board of education of any other city, local, or exempted village school district having territory in the same county where the district in which the school is proposed to be located has the major portion of its territory;

(d) The governing board of any educational service center, regardless of the location of the proposed school, may sponsor a new start-up school if all of the following are satisfied:

(i) If applicable, it satisfies the requirements of division (E) of section 3311.86 of the Revised Code;

(ii) It is approved to do so by the department;

(iii) It enters into an agreement with the department under section 3314.015 of the Revised Code.

(e) A sponsoring authority designated by the board of trustees of any of the thirteen state universities listed in section 3345.011 of the Revised Code or the board of trustees itself as long as a mission of the proposed school to be specified in the contract under division (A)(2) of section 3314.03 of the Revised Code and as approved by the department under division (B)(3) of section 3314.015 of the Revised Code will be the practical demonstration of teaching methods, educational technology, or other teaching practices that are included in the curriculum of the university's teacher preparation program approved by the chancellor of higher education;

(f) Any qualified tax-exempt entity under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code as long as all of the following conditions are satisfied:

(i) The entity has been in operation for at least five years prior to applying to be a community school sponsor.

(ii) The entity has assets of at least five hundred thousand dollars and a demonstrated record of financial responsibility.

(iii) The department has determined that the entity is an education-oriented entity under division (B)(4) of section 3314.015 of the Revised Code and the entity has a demonstrated record of successful implementation of educational programs.

(iv) The entity is not a community school.

(g) The mayor of a city in which the majority of the territory of a school district to which section 3311.60 of the Revised Code applies is located, regardless of whether that district has created the position of independent auditor as prescribed by that section. The mayor's sponsorship authority under this division is limited to community schools that are located in that school district. Such mayor may sponsor community schools only with the approval of the city council of that city, after establishing standards with which community schools sponsored by the mayor must comply, and after entering into a sponsor agreement with the department as prescribed under section 3314.015 of the Revised Code. The mayor shall establish the standards for community schools sponsored by the mayor not later than one hundred eighty days after July 15, 2013, and shall submit them to the department upon their establishment. The department shall approve the mayor to sponsor community schools in the district, upon receipt of an application by the mayor to do so. Not later than ninety days after the department's approval of the mayor as a community school sponsor, the department shall enter into the sponsor agreement with the mayor.

Any entity described in division (C)(1) of this section may enter into a preliminary agreement pursuant to division (C)(2) of this section with the proposing person or group, provided that entity has been approved by and entered into a written agreement with the department pursuant to section 3314.015 of the Revised Code.

(2) A preliminary agreement indicates the intention of an entity described in division (C)(1) of this section to sponsor the community school. A proposing person or group that has such a preliminary agreement may proceed to finalize plans for the school, establish a governing authority as described in division (E) of this section for the school, and negotiate a contract with the entity. Provided the proposing person or group adheres to the preliminary agreement and all provisions of this chapter, the entity shall negotiate in good faith to enter into a contract in accordance with section 3314.03 of the Revised Code.

(3) A new start-up school that is established in a school district described in either division (A)(3)(b) or (d) of this section may continue in existence once the school district no longer meets the conditions described in either division, provided there is a valid contract between the school and a sponsor.

(4) A copy of every preliminary agreement entered into under this division shall be filed with the director of education and workforce.

(D) A majority vote of the board of a sponsoring entity and a majority vote of the members of the governing authority of a community school shall be required to adopt a contract and convert the public school or educational service center building to a community school or establish the new start-up school. Beginning September 29, 2005, adoption of the contract shall occur not later than the fifteenth day of March, and signing of the contract shall occur not later than the fifteenth day of May, prior to the school year in which the school will open. The governing authority shall notify the department of education and workforce when the contract has been signed. Subject to sections 3314.013 and 3314.016 of the Revised Code, an unlimited number of community schools may be established in any school district provided that a contract is entered into for each community school pursuant to this chapter.

(E)(1) As used in this division, "immediate relatives" are limited to spouses, children, parents, grandparents, and siblings, as well as in-laws residing in the same household as the person serving on the governing authority.

Each new start-up community school established under this chapter shall be under the direction of a governing authority which shall consist of a board of not less than five individuals.

(2)(a) No person shall serve on the governing authority or operate the community school under contract with the governing authority under any of the following circumstances:

(i) The person owes the state any money or is in a dispute over whether the person owes the state any money concerning the operation of a community school that has closed.

(ii) The person would otherwise be subject to division (B) of section 3319.31 of the Revised Code with respect to refusal, limitation, or revocation of a license to teach, if the person were a licensed educator.

(iii) The person has pleaded guilty to or been convicted of theft in office under section 2921.41 of the Revised Code, or has pleaded guilty to or been convicted of a substantially similar offense in another state.

(b) No person shall serve on the governing authority or engage in the financial day-to-day management of the community school under contract with the governing authority unless and until that person has submitted to a criminal records check in the manner prescribed by section 3319.39 of the Revised Code.

(c) Each sponsor of a community school shall annually verify that a finding for recovery has not been issued by the auditor of state against any individual or individuals who propose to create a community school or any member of the governing authority, the operator, or any employee of each community school with responsibility for fiscal operations or authorization to expend money on behalf of the school.

(3) No person shall serve on the governing authorities of more than five start-up community schools at the same time unless both of the following apply:

(a) The person serves in a volunteer capacity and receives no compensation under division (E)(5) of this section from any governing authority on which the person serves.

(b) For any school that has an operator, the operator is a nonprofit organization.

(4)(a) For a community school established under this chapter that is not sponsored by a school district or an educational service center, no present or former member, or immediate relative of a present or former member, of the governing authority shall be an owner, employee, or consultant of the community school's sponsor or operator, unless at least one year has elapsed since the conclusion of the person's membership on the governing authority.

(b) For a community school established under this chapter that is sponsored by a school district or an educational service center, no present or former member, or immediate relative of a present or former member, of the governing authority shall:

(i) Be an officer of the district board or service center governing board that serves as the community school's sponsor, unless at least one year has elapsed since the conclusion of the person's membership on the governing authority;

(ii) Serve as an employee of, or a consultant for, the department, division, or section of the sponsoring district or service center that is directly responsible for sponsoring community schools, or have supervisory authority over such a department, division, or section, unless at least one year has elapsed since the conclusion of the person's membership on the governing authority.

(5) The governing authority of a start-up or conversion community school may provide by resolution for the compensation of its members. However, no individual who serves on the governing authority of a start-up or conversion community school shall be compensated more than one hundred twenty-five dollars per meeting of that governing authority and no such individual shall be compensated more than a total amount of five thousand dollars per year for all governing authorities upon which the individual serves. Each member of the governing authority may be paid compensation for attendance at an approved training program, provided that such compensation shall not exceed sixty dollars a day for attendance at a training program three hours or less in length and one hundred twenty-five dollars a day for attendance at a training program longer than three hours in length.

(6) No person who is the employee of a school district or educational service center shall serve on the governing authority of any community school sponsored by that school district or service center.

(7) Each member of the governing authority of a community school shall annually file a disclosure statement setting forth the names of any immediate relatives or business associates employed by any of the following within the previous three years:

(a) The sponsor or operator of that community school;

(b) A school district or educational service center that has contracted with that community school;

(c) A vendor that is or has engaged in business with that community school.

(8) No person who is a member of a school district board of education shall serve on the governing authority of any community school.

(F)(1) A new start-up school that is established prior to August 15, 2003, in an urban school district that is not also a big-eight school district may continue to operate after that date and the contract between the school's governing authority and the school's sponsor may be renewed, as provided under this chapter, after that date.

(2) A community school that was established prior to June 29, 1999, and is located in a county contiguous to the pilot project area and in a school district that was not a challenged school district may continue to operate after that date, provided the school complies with all provisions of this chapter. The contract between the school's governing authority and the school's sponsor may be renewed.

(3) Any educational service center that, on June 30, 2007, sponsors a community school that is not located in a county within the territory of the service center or in a county contiguous to such county may continue to sponsor that community school on and after June 30, 2007, and may renew its contract with the school.

(4) The department of education and workforce shall not restrict the establishment of a new start-up community school to those located in a challenged school district as was required by this section prior to September 30, 2021.

Last updated August 10, 2023 at 10:09 AM

Section 3314.021 | Requirements for sponsorship.

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

(A) This section applies to any entity that is exempt from taxation under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and that satisfies the conditions specified in divisions (C)(1)(f)(ii) and (iii) of section 3314.02 of the Revised Code but does not satisfy the condition specified in division (C)(1)(f)(i) of that section.

(B) Notwithstanding division (C)(1)(f)(i) of section 3314.02 of the Revised Code, and subject to division (D)(2) of this section, an entity described in division (A) of this section may do both of the following without obtaining the department of education and workforce's initial approval of its sponsorship under divisions (A)(2) and (B)(1) of section 3314.015 of the Revised Code:

(1) Succeed the board of trustees of a state university located in the pilot project area or that board's designee as the sponsor of a community school established under this chapter;

(2) Continue to sponsor that school in conformance with the terms of the contract between the board of trustees or its designee and the governing authority of the community school and renew that contract as provided in division (E) of section 3314.03 of the Revised Code.

(C) The entity that succeeds the board of trustees or the board's designee as sponsor of a community school under division (B) of this section also may enter into contracts to sponsor other community schools regardless of the proposed school's location, without obtaining the department's initial approval of its sponsorship of those schools under divisions (A)(2) and (B)(1) of section 3314.015 of the Revised Code as long as the contracts conform with and the entity complies with all other requirements of this chapter.

(D)(1) Regardless of the entity's authority to sponsor community schools without the initial approval of the department, the entity is under the continuing oversight of the department in accordance with rules adopted under section 3314.015 of the Revised Code.

(2) If an entity described in division (A) of this section receives a rating below "effective" under division (B) of section 3314.016 of the Revised Code for two or more consecutive years, that entity shall receive approval from the department to sponsor community schools and enter into a written agreement with the department in accordance with division (B)(1) of section 3314.015 of the Revised Code prior to entering into any further preliminary agreements under division (C)(2) of section 3314.02 of the Revised Code or renewing any existing contract to sponsor a community school.

(E)(1) As used in division (E) of this section:

(a) "Board of trustees" means a board of trustees of a state university located in the pilot project area.

(b) "Rating" means a sponsor rating under section 3314.016 of the Revised Code.

(2) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in division (B)(7)(b) of section 3314.016 of the Revised Code, for the purposes of that division, the department shall consider an entity that succeeded a board of trustees as the sponsor of a community school in accordance with division (B)(1) of this section to have received the same rating for the 2016-2017 school year as the board of trustees, provided all of the following apply:

(a) The department assigned the board of trustees a rating of either "effective" or "exemplary" for the 2016-2017 school year.

(b) The department did not assign the entity its own rating for the 2016-2017 school year.

(c) The department assigned the entity its own rating for the 2017-2018 school year.

Last updated August 21, 2023 at 4:14 PM

Section 3314.022 | Contract for provisions of services for disabled student.

• Effective: October 12, 2016
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 158 - 131st General Assembly

The governing authority of any community school established under this chapter may contract with the governing authority of another community school, the board of education of a school district, the governing board of an educational service center, a county board of developmental disabilities, or the administrative authority of a nonpublic school for provision of services for any disabled student enrolled at the school. Any school district board of education or educational service center governing board shall negotiate with a community school governing authority that seeks to contract for the provision of services for a disabled student under this section in the same manner as it would with the board of education of a school district that seeks to contract for such services.

Section 3314.023 | Monitoring, oversight, and technical assistance; school closure.

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

A sponsor shall provide monitoring, oversight, and technical assistance to each school that it sponsors. In order to provide monitoring, oversight, and technical assistance, a representative of the sponsor of a community school shall meet with the governing authority or fiscal officer of the school and shall review the financial and enrollment records of the school at least once every month. Not later than ten days after each review, the sponsor shall provide the governing authority and fiscal officer with a written report regarding the review. Copies of those financial and enrollment records shall be furnished to the community school sponsor and operator, members of the governing authority, and the fiscal officer designated in section 3314.011 of the Revised Code on a monthly basis.

If a community school closes or is permanently closed, the designated fiscal officer shall deliver all financial and enrollment records to the school's sponsor within thirty days of the school's closure. If the fiscal officer fails to provide the records in a timely manner, or fails to faithfully perform any of the fiscal officer's other duties, the sponsor has the right of action against the fiscal officer to compel delivery of all financial and enrollment records of the school and shall, if necessary, seek recovery of any funds owed as a result of any finding of recovery by the auditor of state against the fiscal officer.

For purposes of this chapter, "monitoring, oversight, and technical assistance" shall include the following:

(A) Monitoring the community school's compliance with all laws applicable to the school and with the terms of the contract;

(B) Monitoring and evaluating the academic and fiscal performance and the organization and operation of the community school on at least an annual basis. The evaluation of a school's academic and fiscal performance shall be based on the performance requirements specified in the contract between the sponsor and the governing authority under section 3314.03 of the Revised Code, the state report cards issued for the school under section 3302.03 or 3314.017 of the Revised Code, and any other analysis conducted by the department of education and workforce.

(C) Reporting on an annual basis the results of the evaluation conducted under division (D)(2) of section 3314.03 of the Revised Code to the department of education and workforce and to the parents of students enrolled in the community school;

(D) Providing technical assistance to the community school in complying with laws applicable to the school and terms of the contract;

(E) Taking steps to intervene in the school's operation to correct problems in the school's overall performance, declaring the school to be on probationary status pursuant to section 3314.073 of the Revised Code, suspending the operation of the school pursuant to section 3314.072 of the Revised Code, or terminating the contract of the school pursuant to section 3314.07 of the Revised Code as determined necessary by the sponsor;

(F) Having in place a plan of action to be undertaken in the event the community school experiences financial difficulties or closes prior to the end of a school year.

(G) Other activities designed to specifically benefit the community school the entity sponsors.

Last updated August 21, 2023 at 4:15 PM

Section 3314.024 | Detailed accounting by management company; categories of expenses.

• Effective: February 1, 2016
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 2 - 131st General Assembly

(A) A management company that receives more than twenty per cent of the annual gross revenues of a community school shall provide a detailed accounting including the nature and costs of goods and services it provides to the community school. This information shall be reported using the categories and designations set forth in divisions (B) and (C) of this section, as applicable.

(B) The detailed accounting shall include the following categories of expenses for each designation as set forth in division (C) of this section:

(1) Aggregate salaries and wages;

(2) Aggregate employee benefits;

(3) Professional and technical services;

(4) Property services;

(5) Utilities;

(6) Contracted craft or trade services;

(7) Tuition paid to other districts;

(8) Transportation;

(9) Other purchased services;

(10) Supplies;

(11) Land;

(12) Buildings;

(13) Improvements other than buildings;

(14) Equipment;

(15) All other capital outlay;

(16) Principal;

(17) Interest;

(18) Judgments;

(19) Other direct and indirect costs.

(C) The expenses set forth in division (B) of this section shall be disaggregated according to the following designations, as applicable:

(1) Regular instruction;

(2) Special instruction;

(3) Vocational instruction;

(4) Other instruction;

(5) Support services;

(6) Noninstructional activities.

(D) The information provided pursuant to this section shall be subject to verification through examination of community school records during the course of the regular financial audit of the community school.

Section 3314.025 | Report on expenditures to provide monitoring, oversight, and technical assistance.

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

(A) Beginning with the 2016-2017 school year, each sponsor of a community school shall submit, not later than the fifteenth day of August of each year, a report to the department of education and workforce, using the format and manner prescribed by the department as set forth in division (B) of this section, describing the amount and type of expenditures made to provide monitoring, oversight, and technical assistance to the community schools it sponsors. The report shall also be submitted to the governing authority of the community school.

(B) Not later than ninety days after February 1, 2016, the department shall establish requirements and a reporting procedure to aid each sponsor in complying with division (A) of this section. The department shall require that each report include at least the following types of expenditures made to provide oversight, monitoring, and technical assistance to the community school it sponsors:

(1) Employee salaries, wages, benefits, and other compensation;

(2) All purchased or contracted services;

(3) Materials and supplies;

(4) Equipment, furniture, and fixtures;

(5) Facilities;

(6) Other expenditures.

(C) The report submitted under this section shall be a factor when evaluating a sponsor's compliance with applicable law and administrative rules as prescribed under division (B)(1)(c) of section 3314.016 of the Revised Code. The report also may be used as a factor when evaluating a sponsor's adherence to quality practices as prescribed under division (B)(1)(b) of that section.

Last updated August 21, 2023 at 4:16 PM

Section 3314.027 | Community school sponsorship.

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

Notwithstanding the requirement for initial approval of sponsorship by the department of education and workforce prescribed in divisions (A)(2) and (B)(1) of section 3314.015 of the Revised Code and any geographical restriction or mission requirement prescribed in division (C)(1) of section 3314.02 of the Revised Code, an entity that has entered into a contract to sponsor a community school on April 8, 2003, may continue to sponsor the school in conformance with the terms of that contract and also may enter into new contracts to sponsor community schools after April 8, 2003, as long as the contracts conform to and the entity complies with all other provisions of this chapter.

Regardless of the entity's authority to sponsor community schools without the initial approval of the department, each entity described in this section is under the continuing oversight of the department in accordance with rules adopted under section 3314.015 of the Revised Code.

If an entity to which this section applies receives a rating below "effective" under division (B) of section 3314.016 of the Revised Code for two or more consecutive years, that entity shall receive approval from the department of education and workforce to sponsor community schools and enter into a written agreement with the department in accordance with division (B)(1) of section 3314.015 of the Revised Code prior to entering into any further preliminary agreements under division (C)(2) of section 3314.02 of the Revised Code or renewing any existing contract to sponsor a community school.

Last updated August 21, 2023 at 4:17 PM

Section 3314.028 | Conditions for continued operation.

• Effective: December 28, 2009
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 290 - 128th General Assembly

(A) Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, beginning in the 2009-2010 school year, a community school that meets the following conditions may operate from the facility in which the school was located in the 2008-2009 school year and shall not be required to locate to another school district:

(1) The school was located in the facility for at least the three school years prior to the 2009-2010 school year.

(2) The school's sponsor is a school district that is adjacent to the school district in which the school is located.

(3) The school's education program emphasizes serving students identified as gifted under Chapter 3324. of the Revised Code.

(4) The school has been rated in need of continuous improvement or higher under section 3302.03 of the Revised Code for the previous three school years.

(B) Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, a community school described in division (A) of this section may operate as a conversion school.

(C) Notwithstanding any provision of this chapter to the contrary, in accordance with section 3314.03 of the Revised Code, the governing authority of a community school described in division (A) of this section may enter into a contract for the 2010-2011 school year and later with a different sponsor that is one of the following entities, provided the school was rated in need of continuous improvement or better under section 3302.03 of the Revised Code for the 2008-2009 school year and the sponsor described in division (A)(2) of this section approves the change in sponsorship:

(1) The board of education of a city, exempted village, local, or joint vocational school district;

(2) The governing board of an educational service center;

(3) A sponsoring authority designated by the board of trustees of a state university listed in section 3345.011 of the Revised Code or the board of trustees itself.

Section 3314.029 | Ohio school sponsorship program.

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

This section establishes the Ohio school sponsorship program. The department of education and workforce shall establish an office of Ohio school sponsorship to perform the department's duties prescribed by this section.

(A)(1) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this chapter, any person, group of individuals, or entity may apply to the department for direct authorization to establish a community school and, upon approval of the application, may establish the school. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this chapter, the governing authority of an existing community school, upon the expiration or termination of its contract with the school's sponsor entered into under section 3314.03 of the Revised Code, may apply to the department for direct authorization to continue operating the school and, upon approval of the application, may continue to operate the school. The department may establish a format and deadlines for an application.

Each application submitted to the department shall include the following:

(a) Evidence that the applicant will be able to comply with division (C) of this section;

(b) A statement indicating that the applicant agrees to comply with all applicable provisions of this chapter, including the requirement to be established as a nonprofit corporation or public benefit corporation in accordance with division (A)(1) of section 3314.03 of the Revised Code;

(c) A statement attesting that no unresolved finding of recovery has been issued by the auditor of state against any person, group of individuals, or entity that is a party to the application and that no person who is party to the application has been a member of the governing authority of any community school that has permanently closed and against which an unresolved finding of recovery has been issued by the auditor of state. In the case of an application submitted by the governing authority of an existing community school, a person who is party to the application shall include each individual member of that governing authority.

(d) A statement that the school will be nonsectarian in its programs, admission policies, employment practices, and all other operations, and will not be operated by a sectarian school or religious institution;

(e) A statement of whether the school is to be created by converting all or part of an existing public school or educational service center building or is to be a new start-up school. If it is a converted public school or service center building, the statement shall include a specification of any duties or responsibilities of an employer that the board of education or service center governing board that operated the school or building before conversion is delegating to the governing authority of the community school with respect to all or any specified group of employees, provided the delegation is not prohibited by a collective bargaining agreement applicable to such employees.

(f) A statement that the school's teachers will be licensed in the manner prescribed by division (A)(10) of section 3314.03 of the Revised Code;

(g) A statement that the school will comply with all of the provisions of law enumerated in divisions (A)(11)(d) and (e) of section 3314.03 of the Revised Code and of division (A)(11)(h) of that section, if applicable;

(h) A statement that the school's graduation and curriculum requirements will comply with division (A)(11)(f) of section 3314.03 of the Revised Code;

(i) A description of each of the following:

(i) The school's mission and educational program, the characteristics of the students the school is expected to attract, the ages and grade levels of students, and the focus of the curriculum;

(ii) The school's governing authority, which shall be in compliance with division (E) of section 3314.02 of the Revised Code;

(iii) The school's admission and dismissal policies, which shall be in compliance with divisions (A)(5) and (6) of section 3314.03 of the Revised Code;

(iv) The school's business plan, including a five-year financial forecast;

(v) In the case of an application to establish a community school, the applicant's resources and capacity to establish and operate the school;

(vi) The school's academic goals to be achieved and the method of measurement that will be used to determine progress toward those goals, which shall include the statewide achievement assessments;

(vii) The facilities to be used by the school and their locations;

(viii) A description of the learning opportunities that will be offered to students including both classroom-based and nonclassroom-based learning opportunities that are in compliance with criteria for student participation established by the department under division (H)(2) of section 3314.08 of the Revised Code.

(2) Subject to division (A)(3) of this section, the department may approve or deny an application, taking into consideration the standards for quality authorizing, capacity requirements, financial constraints, or any other criteria it determines necessary and appropriate. The department shall assign each applicant school a rating established for a new start-up community school or an existing community school, as applicable.

The department shall annually publish on its web site the criteria it uses to approve or deny an application submitted pursuant to this section.

(3) For each of five school years, beginning with the school year that begins in the calendar year in which this section takes effect, the department may approve up to twenty applications for community schools to be established or to continue operation under division (A) of this section; however, of the twenty applications that may be approved each school year, only up to five may be for the establishment of new schools.

(4) Notwithstanding division (A)(2) of this section, the department may deny an application submitted by the governing authority of an existing community school, if a previous sponsor of that school did not renew its contract or terminated its contract with the school entered into under section 3314.03 of the Revised Code.

(5) In the case of a proposed new community school to be located in an alliance municipal school district, the department shall not approve the application of that community school unless both of the following apply:

(a) The department approves the application using the requirements of divisions (A)(1)(a) to (h) of this section and the criteria developed under division (A)(2) of this section.

(b) The department has determined that the applicant has requested and received a recommendation from the alliance in the manner prescribed by divisions (E)(1) and (2) of section 3311.86 of the Revised Code.

As used in this section, "alliance municipal school district" and "alliance" have the same meanings as in section 3311.86 of the Revised Code.

(B) The department and the governing authority of each community school authorized under this section shall enter into a contract under section 3314.03 of the Revised Code. Notwithstanding division (A)(13) of that section, the contract with an existing community school may begin at any time during the academic year. The length of the initial contract of any community school under this section may be for any term up to five years. The contract may be renewed in accordance with division (E) of that section. The contract may provide for the school's governing authority to pay a fee for oversight and monitoring of the school that does not exceed three per cent of the total amount of payments for operating expenses that the school receives from the state.

(C) The department may require a community school authorized under this section to post and file with the director of education and workforce a bond payable to the state or to file with the director a guarantee, which shall be used to pay the state any moneys owed by the community school in the event the school closes.

(D) Except as otherwise provided in this section, a community school authorized under this section shall comply with all applicable provisions of this chapter. The department may take any action that a sponsor may take under this chapter to enforce the school's compliance with this division and the terms of the contract entered into under division (B) of this section.

(E) Not later than December 31, 2012, and annually thereafter, the department shall issue a report on the program, including information about the number of community schools participating in the program and their compliance with the provisions of this chapter. In its fifth report, the department shall include a complete evaluation of the program and recommendations regarding the program's continuation. Each report shall be provided to the general assembly, in accordance with section 101.68 of the Revised Code, and to the governor.

Last updated August 21, 2023 at 4:22 PM

Section 3314.0210 | Property purchased by operator or management company.

• Effective: February 1, 2016
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 2 - 131st General Assembly

When an operator or management company purchases furniture, computers, software, equipment, or other personal property for use in the operation of a community school under this chapter with state funds that were paid to the operator or management company by the community school as payment for services rendered, such property is property of that school and is not property of the operator or management company.

When a community school permanently closes and ceases its operation as a community school, any property that was acquired by the operator or management company of the school in the manner described in this section shall be distributed in accordance with division (E) of section 3314.015 and section 3314.074 of the Revised Code.

Section 3314.0211 | Eligiblity for merger.

• Effective: October 24, 2024
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 168 - 135th General Assembly

(A) No community school to which either of the following applies shall be eligible to merge with one or more other community schools under this section:

(1) The school has met the performance criteria for required closure specified in division (A) of section 3314.35 or division (A) of section 3314.351 of the Revised Code for at least one of the two most recent school years.

(2) The school has been notified of the sponsor's intent to terminate or not renew the school's contract pursuant to section 3314.07 of the Revised Code.

(B) Two or more community schools may merge upon the adoption of a resolution by the governing authority of each school involved in the merger. Any merger shall take effect on the first day of July of the year specified in the resolution.

(C) Not less than sixty days prior to the effective date of a merger under division (B) of this section, each community school involved in the merger shall do both of the following:

(1) Provide a copy of the resolution to the school's sponsor;

(2) Notify the department of education and workforce of all of the following:

(a) The impending merger;

(b) The effective date of the merger;

(c) The school that will be designated as the surviving school in accordance with section 1702.41 of the Revised Code;

(d) The entity that will sponsor the surviving school.

(D) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Revised Code, the governing authority of the surviving community school shall enter into a new contract with the school's sponsor under section 3314.03 of the Revised Code.

(E) No sponsor shall do either of the following:

(1) Assign the sponsor's existing contract with a merging community school to the sponsor of the surviving community school;

(2) Assume an existing contract from the sponsor of a community school involved in a merger under division (B) of this section.

Division (E) of this section shall not apply to the office of Ohio school sponsorship established under section 3314.029 of the Revised Code.

(F)(1) The department shall issue a report card under section 3302.03 or 3314.017 of the Revised Code for the surviving community school.

(2) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in division (A) of section 3314.012 of the Revised Code, all report card ratings associated with the surviving school, whether issued before or after the merger, shall be used for purposes of section 3314.35 or 3314.351 of the Revised Code and any other matter that is based on report card ratings or measures.

(G) Nothing in this section shall exempt a community school from closure under section 3314.35 or 3314.351 of the Revised Code.

Last updated August 15, 2024 at 4:50 PM

Section 3314.03 | Specifications of contract between sponsor and governing authority - specifications of comprehensive plan.

• Effective: October 24, 2024
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 168 (GA 135), House Bill 250 (GA 135), House Bill 214 (GA 135)

A copy of every contract entered into under this section shall be filed with the director of education and workforce. The department of education and workforce shall make available on its web site a copy of every approved, executed contract filed with the director under this section.

(A) Each contract entered into between a sponsor and the governing authority of a community school shall specify the following:

(1) That the school shall be established as either of the following:

(a) A nonprofit corporation established under Chapter 1702. of the Revised Code, if established prior to April 8, 2003;

(b) A public benefit corporation established under Chapter 1702. of the Revised Code, if established after April 8, 2003.

(2) The education program of the school, including the school's mission, the characteristics of the students the school is expected to attract, the ages and grades of students, and the focus of the curriculum;

(3) The academic goals to be achieved and the method of measurement that will be used to determine progress toward those goals, which shall include the statewide achievement assessments;

(4) Performance standards, including but not limited to all applicable report card measures set forth in section 3302.03 or 3314.017 of the Revised Code, by which the success of the school will be evaluated by the sponsor;

(5) The admission standards of section 3314.06 of the Revised Code and, if applicable, section 3314.061 of the Revised Code;

(6)(a) Dismissal procedures;

(b) A requirement that the governing authority adopt an attendance policy that includes a procedure for automatically withdrawing a student from the school if the student without a legitimate excuse fails to participate in seventy-two consecutive hours of the learning opportunities offered to the student.

(7) The ways by which the school will achieve racial and ethnic balance reflective of the community it serves;

(8) Requirements for financial audits by the auditor of state. The contract shall require financial records of the school to be maintained in the same manner as are financial records of school districts, pursuant to rules of the auditor of state. Audits shall be conducted in accordance with section 117.10 of the Revised Code.

(9) An addendum to the contract outlining the facilities to be used that contains at least the following information:

(a) A detailed description of each facility used for instructional purposes;

(b) The annual costs associated with leasing each facility that are paid by or on behalf of the school;

(c) The annual mortgage principal and interest payments that are paid by the school;

(d) The name of the lender or landlord, identified as such, and the lender's or landlord's relationship to the operator, if any.

(10) Qualifications of employees, including both of the following:

(a) A requirement that the school's classroom teachers be licensed in accordance with sections 3319.22 to 3319.31 of the Revised Code, except that a community school may engage noncertificated persons to teach up to twelve hours or forty hours per week pursuant to section 3319.301 of the Revised Code;

(b) A prohibition against the school employing an individual described in section 3314.104 of the Revised Code in any position.

(11) That the school will comply with the following requirements:

(a) The school will provide learning opportunities to a minimum of twenty-five students for a minimum of nine hundred twenty hours per school year.

(b) The governing authority will purchase liability insurance, or otherwise provide for the potential liability of the school.

(c) The school will be nonsectarian in its programs, admission policies, employment practices, and all other operations, and will not be operated by a sectarian school or religious institution.

(d) The school will comply with sections 9.90, 9.91, 109.65, 121.22, 149.43, 2151.357, 2151.421, 2313.19, 3301.0710, 3301.0711, 3301.0712, 3301.0715, 3301.0729, 3301.948, 3302.037, 3313.472, 3313.50, 3313.539, 3313.5310, 3313.5318, 3313.5319, 3313.608, 3313.609, 3313.6012, 3313.6013, 3313.6014, 3313.6020, 3313.6024, 3313.6025, 3313.6026, 3313.6028, 3313.6029, 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, 3313.718, 3313.719, 3313.7112, 3313.7117, 3313.721, 3313.753, 3313.80, 3313.814, 3313.816, 3313.817, 3313.818, 3313.819, 3313.86, 3313.89, 3313.96, 3319.073, 3319.077, 3319.078, 3319.0812, 3319.238, 3319.318, 3319.321, 3319.324, 3319.39, 3319.391, 3319.393, 3319.41, 3319.46, 3319.614, 3320.01, 3320.02, 3320.03, 3320.04, 3321.01, 3321.041, 3321.13, 3321.14, 3321.141, 3321.17, 3321.18, 3321.19, 3322.20, 3322.24, 3323.251, 3327.10, 4111.17, 4113.52, 5502.262, 5502.703, and 5705.391 and Chapters 117., 1347., 2744., 3365., 3742., 4112., 4123., 4141., and 4167. of the Revised Code as if it were a school district and will comply with section 3301.0714 of the Revised Code in the manner specified in section 3314.17 of the Revised Code.

(e) The school shall comply with Chapter 102. and section 2921.42 of the Revised Code.

(f) The school will comply with sections 3313.61, 3313.611, 3313.614, 3313.617, 3313.618, and 3313.6114 of the Revised Code, except that for students who enter ninth grade for the first time before July 1, 2010, the requirement in sections 3313.61 and 3313.611 of the Revised Code that a person must successfully complete the curriculum in any high school prior to receiving a high school diploma may be met by completing the curriculum adopted by the governing authority of the community school rather than the curriculum specified in Title XXXIII of the Revised Code or any rules of the department. Beginning with students who enter ninth grade for the first time on or after July 1, 2010, the requirement in sections 3313.61 and 3313.611 of the Revised Code that a person must successfully complete the curriculum of a high school prior to receiving a high school diploma shall be met by completing the requirements prescribed in section 3313.6027 and division (C) of section 3313.603 of the Revised Code, unless the person qualifies under division (D) or (F) of that section. Each school shall comply with the plan for awarding high school credit based on demonstration of subject area competency, and beginning with the 2017-2018 school year, with the updated plan that permits students enrolled in seventh and eighth grade to meet curriculum requirements based on subject area competency adopted by the department under divisions (J)(1) and (2) of section 3313.603 of the Revised Code. Beginning with the 2018-2019 school year, the school shall comply with the framework for granting units of high school credit to students who demonstrate subject area competency through work-based learning experiences, internships, or cooperative education developed by the department under division (J)(3) of section 3313.603 of the Revised Code.

(g) The school governing authority will submit within four months after the end of each school year a report of its activities and progress in meeting the goals and standards of divisions (A)(3) and (4) of this section and its financial status to the sponsor and the parents of all students enrolled in the school.

(h) The school, unless it is an internet- or computer-based community school, will comply with section 3313.801 of the Revised Code as if it were a school district.

(i) If the school is the recipient of moneys from a grant awarded under the federal race to the top program, Division (A), Title XIV, Sections 14005 and 14006 of the "American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009," Pub. L. No. 111-5, 123 Stat. 115, the school will pay teachers based upon performance in accordance with section 3317.141 and will comply with section 3319.111 of the Revised Code as if it were a school district.

(j) If the school operates a preschool program that is licensed by the department under sections 3301.52 to 3301.59 of the Revised Code, the school shall comply with sections 3301.50 to 3301.59 of the Revised Code and the minimum standards for preschool programs prescribed in rules adopted by the department under section 3301.53 of the Revised Code.

(k) The school will comply with sections 3313.6021 and 3313.6023 of the Revised Code as if it were a school district unless it is either of the following:

(i) An internet- or computer-based community school;

(ii) A community school in which a majority of the enrolled students are children with disabilities as described in division (B)(2) of section 3314.35 of the Revised Code.

(l) The school will comply with section 3321.191 of the Revised Code, unless it is an internet- or computer-based community school that is subject to section 3314.261 of the Revised Code.

(12) Arrangements for providing health and other benefits to employees;

(13) The length of the contract, which shall begin at the beginning of an academic year. No contract shall exceed five years unless such contract has been renewed pursuant to division (E) of this section.

(14) The governing authority of the school, which shall be responsible for carrying out the provisions of the contract;

(15) A financial plan detailing an estimated school budget for each year of the period of the contract and specifying the total estimated per pupil expenditure amount for each such year.

(16) Requirements and procedures regarding the disposition of employees of the school in the event the contract is terminated or not renewed pursuant to section 3314.07 of the Revised Code;

(17) Whether the school is to be created by converting all or part of an existing public school or educational service center building or is to be a new start-up school, and if it is a converted public school or service center building, specification of any duties or responsibilities of an employer that the board of education or service center governing board that operated the school or building before conversion is delegating to the governing authority of the community school with respect to all or any specified group of employees provided the delegation is not prohibited by a collective bargaining agreement applicable to such employees;

(18) Provisions establishing procedures for resolving disputes or differences of opinion between the sponsor and the governing authority of the community school;

(19) A provision requiring the governing authority to adopt a policy regarding the admission of students who reside outside the district in which the school is located. That policy shall comply with the admissions procedures specified in sections 3314.06 and 3314.061 of the Revised Code and, at the sole discretion of the authority, shall do one of the following:

(a) Prohibit the enrollment of students who reside outside the district in which the school is located;

(b) Permit the enrollment of students who reside in districts adjacent to the district in which the school is located;

(c) Permit the enrollment of students who reside in any other district in the state.

(20) A provision recognizing the authority of the department to take over the sponsorship of the school in accordance with the provisions of division (C) of section 3314.015 of the Revised Code;

(21) A provision recognizing the sponsor's authority to assume the operation of a school under the conditions specified in division (B) of section 3314.073 of the Revised Code;

(22) A provision recognizing both of the following:

(a) The authority of public health and safety officials to inspect the facilities of the school and to order the facilities closed if those officials find that the facilities are not in compliance with health and safety laws and regulations;

(b) The authority of the department as the community school oversight body to suspend the operation of the school under section 3314.072 of the Revised Code if the department has evidence of conditions or violations of law at the school that pose an imminent danger to the health and safety of the school's students and employees and the sponsor refuses to take such action.

(23) A description of the learning opportunities that will be offered to students including both classroom-based and non-classroom-based learning opportunities that is in compliance with criteria for student participation established by the department under division (H)(2) of section 3314.08 of the Revised Code;

(24) The school will 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 sponsor of the school.

(25) Beginning in the 2006-2007 school year, the school will open for operation not later than the thirtieth day of September each school year, unless the mission of the school as specified under division (A)(2) of this section is solely to serve dropouts. In its initial year of operation, if the school fails to open by the thirtieth day of September, or within one year after the adoption of the contract pursuant to division (D) of section 3314.02 of the Revised Code if the mission of the school is solely to serve dropouts, the contract shall be void.

(26) Whether the school's governing authority is planning to seek designation for the school as a STEM school equivalent under section 3326.032 of the Revised Code;

(27) That the school's attendance and participation policies will be available for public inspection;

(28) That the school's attendance and participation records shall be made available to the department, auditor of state, and school's sponsor to the extent permitted under and in accordance with the "Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974," 88 Stat. 571, 20 U.S.C. 1232g, as amended, and any regulations promulgated under that act, and section 3319.321 of the Revised Code;

(29) If a school operates using the blended learning model, as defined in section 3301.079 of the Revised Code, all of the following information:

(a) An indication of what blended learning model or models will be used;

(b) A description of how student instructional needs will be determined and documented;

(c) The method to be used for determining competency, granting credit, and promoting students to a higher grade level;

(d) The school's attendance requirements, including how the school will document participation in learning opportunities;

(e) A statement describing how student progress will be monitored;

(f) A statement describing how private student data will be protected;

(g) A description of the professional development activities that will be offered to teachers.

(30) A provision requiring that all moneys the school's operator loans to the school, including facilities loans or cash flow assistance, must be accounted for, documented, and bear interest at a fair market rate;

(31) A provision requiring that, if the governing authority contracts with an attorney, accountant, or entity specializing in audits, the attorney, accountant, or entity shall be independent from the operator with which the school has contracted.

(32) A provision requiring the governing authority to adopt an enrollment and attendance policy that requires a student's parent to notify the community school in which the student is enrolled when there is a change in the location of the parent's or student's primary residence.

(33) A provision requiring the governing authority to adopt a student residence and address verification policy for students enrolling in or attending the school.

(B) The community school shall also submit to the sponsor a comprehensive plan for the school. The plan shall specify the following:

(1) The process by which the governing authority of the school will be selected in the future;

(2) The management and administration of the school;

(3) If the community school is a currently existing public school or educational service center building, alternative arrangements for current public school students who choose not to attend the converted school and for teachers who choose not to teach in the school or building after conversion;

(4) The instructional program and educational philosophy of the school;

(5) Internal financial controls.

When submitting the plan under this division, the school shall also submit copies of all policies and procedures regarding internal financial controls adopted by the governing authority of the school.

(C) A contract entered into under section 3314.02 of the Revised Code between a sponsor and the governing authority of a community school may provide for the community school governing authority to make payments to the sponsor, which is hereby authorized to receive such payments as set forth in the contract between the governing authority and the sponsor. The total amount of such payments for monitoring, oversight, and technical assistance of the school shall not exceed three per cent of the total amount of payments for operating expenses that the school receives from the state.

(D) The contract shall specify the duties of the sponsor which shall be in accordance with the written agreement entered into with the department under division (B) of section 3314.015 of the Revised Code and shall include the following:

(1) Monitor the community school's compliance with all laws applicable to the school and with the terms of the contract;

(2) Monitor and evaluate the academic and fiscal performance and the organization and operation of the community school on at least an annual basis;

(3) Provide technical assistance to the community school in complying with laws applicable to the school and terms of the contract;

(4) Take steps to intervene in the school's operation to correct problems in the school's overall performance, declare the school to be on probationary status pursuant to section 3314.073 of the Revised Code, suspend the operation of the school pursuant to section 3314.072 of the Revised Code, or terminate the contract of the school pursuant to section 3314.07 of the Revised Code as determined necessary by the sponsor;

(5) Have in place a plan of action to be undertaken in the event the community school experiences financial difficulties or closes prior to the end of a school year.

(E) Upon the expiration of a contract entered into under this section, the sponsor of a community school may, with the approval of the governing authority of the school, renew that contract for a period of time determined by the sponsor, but not ending earlier than the end of any school year, if the sponsor finds that the school's compliance with applicable laws and terms of the contract and the school's progress in meeting the academic goals prescribed in the contract have been satisfactory. Any contract that is renewed under this division remains subject to the provisions of sections 3314.07, 3314.072, and 3314.073 of the Revised Code.

(F) If a community school fails to open for operation within one year after the contract entered into under this section is adopted pursuant to division (D) of section 3314.02 of the Revised Code or permanently closes prior to the expiration of the contract, the contract shall be void and the school shall not enter into a contract with any other sponsor. A school shall not be considered permanently closed because the operations of the school have been suspended pursuant to section 3314.072 of the Revised Code.

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 1:07 PM

Section 3314.031 | Publication of information regarding management or operation of community schools.

• Effective: February 1, 2016
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 2 - 131st General Assembly

(A) Beginning March 31, 2016, the department shall do the following:

(1) Maintain and annually publish an accurate record of the names and identifying information of all entities that have entered into a contract with the governing authority of a community school to manage or operate that school;

(2) Receive from the governing authority of each community school a copy of the contract between a governing authority and its operator. A copy of each contract shall be made available on the department's web site.

(B) Not later than November 15, 2016, and not later than the fifteenth day of November for each year thereafter, the department shall develop and publish an annual performance report for all operators of community schools in the state based on their performance for the previous school year. The report shall be made available on the department's web site.

(C) The department shall include the performance report obtained pursuant to division (B) of this section in the department's annual report required by division (A)(4) of section 3314.015 of the Revised Code.

(D) For purposes of this section, "operator" has the same meaning as in division (A)(8) of section 3314.02 of the Revised Code.

Section 3314.032 | Contents of contract between governing authority and operator.

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

(A) On and after February 1, 2016, any new or renewed contract between the governing authority of a community school and an operator shall include at least the following:

(1) Criteria to be used for early termination of the operator contract;

(2) Required notification procedures and timeline for early termination or nonrenewal of the operator contract;

(3) A stipulation of which entity owns all community school facilities and property including, but not limited to, equipment, furniture, fixtures, instructional materials and supplies, computers, printers, and other digital devices purchased by the governing authority or operator. Any stipulation regarding property ownership shall comply with the requirements of section 3314.0210 of the Revised Code.

(B)(1) The operator with which the governing authority of a community school contracts for services shall not lease any parcel of real property to that community school until an independent professional in the real estate field verifies via addendum that at the time the lease was agreed to, the lease was commercially reasonable.

(2) The independent professional described in division (B)(1) of this section shall be immune from civil liability for any decision rendered pursuant to this section.

(C) Beginning with the 2016-2017 school year, the governing authority of a community school, with the assistance of the school's designated fiscal officer, shall adopt an annual budget by the thirty-first day of October of each year.

The department of education and workforce shall develop a format for annual budgets of community schools. The format shall prescribe inclusion of the following information in a school's budget:

(1) Administrative costs for the community school as a whole;

(2) Instructional services costs for each category of service provided directly to students, compiled and reported in terms of average expenditure per pupil receiving the service;

(3) The cost of instructional support services, such as services provided by a speech-language pathologist, classroom aide, multimedia aide, or librarian, provided directly to students;

(4) The cost of administrative support services, such as the cost of personnel that develop the curriculum and the cost of personnel supervising or coordinating the delivery of the instructional services;

(5) The cost of support or extracurricular services costs for services directly provided to students;

(6) The cost of services provided directly to students by a nonlicensed employee related to support or extracurricular services, such as janitorial services, cafeteria services, or services of a sports trainer;

(7) The cost of administrative services related to support or extracurricular services, such as the cost of any licensed or unlicensed employees that develop, supervise, coordinate, or otherwise are involved in administrating or aiding the delivery of services.

(D) The governing authority of a community school shall be the sole entity responsible for the adoption of the school's annual budget, but the governing authority shall adopt such budget with the assistance of the school's designated fiscal officer.

Last updated January 30, 2024 at 8:57 AM

Section 3314.034 | Conditions which would prohibit contract with new sponsor.

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

(A) Subject to division (B) of this section, and except as described in division (E) of this section, any community school to which either of the following conditions apply shall be prohibited from entering into a contract with a new sponsor:

(1) The community school has received, on the most recent report card issued for that school under section 3302.03 of the Revised Code, either of the following:

(a) A grade of "D" or "F" for the performance index score, under division (C)(1)(b) of section 3302.03 of the Revised Code, and an overall grade of "D" or "F" for the value-added progress dimension or another measure of student academic progress if adopted by the department of education and workforce, under division (C)(1)(e) of that section;

(b) A performance rating of less than three stars for achievement under division (D)(3)(b) of section 3302.03 of the Revised Code and a performance rating of less than three stars for progress under division (D)(3)(c) of that section.

(2) The community school is one in which a majority of the students are enrolled in a dropout prevention and recovery program, and it has received a rating of "does not meet standards" for the annual student growth measure and combined graduation rates on the most recent report card issued for the school under section 3314.017 of the Revised Code.

(B) A community school to which division (A) of this section applies may enter into a contract with a new sponsor if all of the following conditions are satisfied:

(1) The proposed sponsor received a rating of "effective" or higher pursuant to division (B)(6) of section 3314.016 of the Revised Code on its most recent evaluation conducted according to that section, or the proposed sponsor is the office of Ohio school sponsorship established in section 3314.029 of the Revised Code.

(2) The community school submits a request to enter into a new contract with a sponsor.

(3) The community school has not submitted a prior request that was granted.

(4) The department grants the school's request pursuant to division (C) of this section.

(C)(1) A school shall submit a request to change sponsors under this section not later than on the fifteenth day of February of the year in which the school wishes to do so. If a community school to which division (A)(1) of this section applies submits a request to the department to enter into a contract with a new sponsor and a majority of the school's students are children with disabilities receiving special education and related services under Chapter 3323. of the Revised Code, the department shall at least consider the school's performance as measured against the average performance of all other community schools that primarily serve children with disabilities.

(2) The department shall grant or deny the request not later than thirty days after the department receives it. If the department denies the request, the community school may submit an appeal to the director of education and workforce who shall hold a hearing in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code. The community school shall file its notice of appeal to the director not later than ten days after receiving the decision from the department. The director shall conduct the hearing not later than thirty days after receiving the school's notice of appeal and act upon the determination of the hearing officer not later than the twenty-fifth day of June of the year in which the school wishes to change sponsors.

(D) Factors to be considered during a hearing held pursuant to division (C) of this section include, but are not limited to, the following:

(1) The school's impact on the students and the community or communities it serves;

(2) The quality and quantity of academic and administrative support the school receives from its current sponsor to help the school to improve;

(3) The sponsor's annual evaluations of the community school under division (D)(2) of section 3314.03 of the Revised Code for the previous three years;

(4) The academic performance of the school, taking into account the demographic information of the students enrolled in the school;

(5) The academic performance of alternative schools that serve comparable populations of students as those served by the community school;

(6) The fiscal stability of the school;

(7) The results of any audits of the school by the auditor of state;

(8) The length of time the school has been under the oversight of its current sponsor;

(9) The number of times the school has changed sponsors prior to the current request;

(10) Parent and student satisfaction rates as demonstrated by surveys, if available.

(E) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this section, if a community school in which a majority of the enrolled students are children with disabilities receiving special education and related services in accordance with Chapter 3323. of the Revised Code meets both of the following criteria, the school may enter into a contract with a new sponsor, provided that the new sponsor satisfies the criteria in division (B)(1) of this section:

(1) The school received, on its most recent report card issued under section 3302.03 of the Revised Code, a performance rating of at least three stars for progress under division (D)(3)(c) of that section.

(2) As calculated for the most recent school year under section 3302.035 of the Revised Code, the school's performance index score for students with disabilities was higher than the performance index score for students with disabilities of the school district in which the school is located.

Last updated August 21, 2023 at 1:48 PM

Section 3314.035 | Publication of names of members of governing authority.

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

Each community school shall post on the school's web site the name of each member of the school's governing authority. Each community school also shall provide, upon request, the name and address of each member of the governing authority to the sponsor of the school and the department of education and workforce.

Last updated August 21, 2023 at 1:55 PM

Section 3314.036 | Employment of attorney.

• Effective: February 1, 2016
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 2 - 131st General Assembly

The governing authority of a community school shall employ an attorney, who shall be independent from the school's sponsor or the operator with which the school has contracted, for any services related to the negotiation of the community school's contract with the sponsor or the school's contract with the operator.

Section 3314.037 | Training on public records and open meetings laws.

• Effective: February 1, 2016
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 2 - 131st General Assembly

The members of the governing authority of a community school, the designated fiscal officer of the school, the chief administrative officer and other administrative employees of the school, and all individuals performing supervisory or administrative services for the school under a contract with the operator of the school shall complete training on an annual basis on the public records and open meetings laws, so that they may comply with those laws as prescribed by division (A)(11)(d) of section 3314.03 of the Revised Code.

Section 3314.038 | Children residing in residential center; reporting.

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

Each community school shall annually submit to the department of education and workforce and auditor of state a report of each instance under which a student who is enrolled in that community school resides in a children's residential center as defined under section 5103.05 of the Revised Code.

Last updated August 21, 2023 at 2:05 PM

Section 3314.039 | Compilation and publication of information on community schools.

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

The department of education and workforce shall compile and publish the following information, for each year since the 2010-2011 school year, in a simple, easily accessible location on its web site:

(A) A single document identifying each community school that has closed during each year and the reason for the closure of each school;

(B) A single document for each entity that submitted an application to sponsor schools that contains the following, where applicable:

(1) The entity's application and most recent evaluation;

(2) A designation of whether the entity's application was approved or denied;

(3) All documentation used in determining whether to approve or deny the entity's application;

(4) A short statement describing the rationale used in approving or denying the entity's application.

(C) A single document containing the following information:

(1) A list of all sponsor ratings for each school year for which ratings are available;

(2) A list of each sponsor that is prohibited, as of the thirty-first day of December of each school year, from sponsoring new schools;

(3) A list of each sponsor that sponsors or has sponsored a school that is or was subject to closure, and the reason for that closure.

(D) The department shall update the document required pursuant to division (A) of this section on an annual basis.

Last updated August 21, 2023 at 2:07 PM

Section 3314.0310 | Child sexual abuse prevention.

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

(A) If a community school serves students in any of grades kindergarten through six, the school's curriculum for those grades 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 community 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 community 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 community 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 in 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 2:53 PM

Section 3314.04 | Exemption from state laws and rules.

• Effective: June 30, 1997
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 215 - 122nd General Assembly

Except as otherwise specified in this chapter and in the contract between a community school and a sponsor, such school is exempt from all state laws and rules pertaining to schools, school districts, and boards of education, except those laws and rules that grant certain rights to parents.

Section 3314.041 | Distributing statement concerning state-prescribed testing and compulsory attendance law to parents.

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

The governing authority of each community school and any operator of such school shall distribute to parents of students of the school upon their enrollment in the school the following statement in writing:

"The .............. (here fill in name of the school) school is a community school established under Chapter 3314. of the Revised Code. The school is a public school and students enrolled in and attending the school are required to take proficiency tests and other examinations prescribed by law. In addition, there may be other requirements for students at the school that are prescribed by law. Students who are exempt from the compulsory attendance law for the purpose of home education pursuant to section 3321.042 of the Revised Code shall no longer be exempt for that purpose upon their enrollment in a community school. For more information about this matter contact the school administration or the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce."

Last updated August 21, 2023 at 2:09 PM

Section 3314.042 | Compliance with standards of financial reporting.

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

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

Section 3314.043 | Indemnification from management companies for losses due to conflict of interest.

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

In the case there exists any business or familial relationship between a governing authority of a community school or any of its officers or employees and a management company contracted by the school or any of that company's officers or employees, other than the operator agreement itself, the management company shall agree to indemnify the school for financial losses to the community school up to the amount of the moneys received by the management company.

Section 3314.05 | Specification of use and acquisition of facilities.

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

(A) The contract between the community school and the sponsor shall specify the facilities to be used for the community school and the method of acquisition. Except as provided in divisions (B)(3) and (4) of this section, no community school shall be established in more than one school district under the same contract.

(B) Division (B) of this section shall not apply to internet- or computer-based community schools.

(1) A community school may be located in multiple facilities under the same contract only if the limitations on availability of space prohibit serving all the grade levels specified in the contract in a single facility or division (B)(2), (3), or (4) of this section applies to the school. The school shall not offer the same grade level classrooms in more than one facility.

(2) A community school may be located in multiple facilities under the same contract and, notwithstanding division (B)(1) of this section, may assign students in the same grade level to multiple facilities, as long as all of the following apply:

(a) The governing authority has entered into and maintains a contract with an operator of the type described in division (A)(8)(b) of section 3314.02 of the Revised Code.

(b) The contract with that operator qualified the school to be established pursuant to division (A) of former section 3314.016 of the Revised Code.

(c) The school's rating under section 3302.03 of the Revised Code does not fall below a combination of any of the following for two or more consecutive years:

(i) A rating of "in need of continuous improvement" under section 3302.03 of the Revised Code, as that section existed prior to March 22, 2013;

(ii) For the 2012-2013, 2013-2014, 2014-2015, and 2015-2016 school years, a rating of "C" for both the performance index score under division (A)(1)(b) or (B)(1)(b) and the value-added dimension under division (A)(1)(e) or (B)(1)(e) of section 3302.03 of the Revised Code; or if the building serves only grades ten through twelve, the building received a grade of "C" for the performance index score under division (A)(1)(b) or (B)(1)(b) of section 3302.03 of the Revised Code;

(iii) For the 2016-2017, 2017-2018, 2018-2019, 2019-2020, 2020-2021 school years, an overall grade of "C" under division (C)(3) of section 3302.03 of the Revised Code or an overall performance designation of "meets standards" under division (E)(3)(e) of section 3314.017 of the Revised Code;

(iv) For the 2021-2022 school year and any school year thereafter, an overall performance rating of three stars under division (D)(3) of section 3302.03 of the Revised Code or an overall performance designation of "meets standards" under division (E)(3)(e) of section 3314.017 of the Revised Code.

(3) On and after September 30, 2021, a new start-up community school may be established in two school districts under the same contract regardless of the proposed location of either district if both of the following apply:

(a) The school operates not more than one facility in each school district and, in accordance with division (B)(1) of this section, the school does not offer the same grade level classrooms in both facilities; and

(b) Transportation between the two facilities does not require more than thirty minutes of direct travel time as measured by school bus.

(4) A community school may be located in multiple facilities under the same contract and, notwithstanding division (B)(1) of this section, may assign students in the same grade level to multiple facilities, as long as both of the following apply:

(a) The facilities are all located in the same county or in any county adjacent to the county in which the community school's primary facility is located.

(b) Either of the following conditions are satisfied:

(i) The community school is sponsored by a board of education of a city, local, or exempted village school district having territory in the same county where the facilities of the community school are located or in any county adjacent to the county in which the community school's primary facility is located;

(ii) The community school is managed by an operator.

In the case of a community school to which division (B)(4) of this section applies and that maintains facilities in more than one school district, the school's governing authority shall designate one of those districts to be considered the school's primary location and the district in which the school is located for the purposes of division (A)(19) of section 3314.03 and divisions (C) and (H) of section 3314.06 of the Revised Code and for all other purposes of this chapter and shall notify the department of that designation.

(5) Any facility used for a community school shall meet all health and safety standards established by law for school buildings.

(C) In the case where a community school is proposed to be located in a facility owned by a school district or educational service center, the facility may not be used for such community school unless the district or service center board owning the facility enters into an agreement for the community school to utilize the facility. Use of the facility may be under any terms and conditions agreed to by the district or service center board and the school.

(D) Two or more separate community schools may be located in the same facility.

(E) In the case of a community school that is located in multiple facilities, beginning July 1, 2012, the department shall assign a unique identification number to the school and to each facility maintained by the school. Each number shall be used for identification purposes only. Nothing in this division shall be construed to require the department to calculate the amount of funds paid under this chapter, or to compute any data required for the report cards issued under section 3314.012 of the Revised Code, for each facility separately. The department shall make all such calculations or computations for the school as a whole.

(F)(1) In the case of a community school that exists prior to September 30, 2021, to which division (B)(3) of this section applies, if only one of the school districts in which the school is established was located in a challenged school district prior to September 30, 2021, that district continues to be considered the school's primary location and the district in which the school is located for the purposes of division (A)(19) of section 3314.03 and divisions (C) and (H) of section 3314.06 of the Revised Code and for all other purposes of this chapter unless and until the school's governing authority designates a different school district as the school's primary location in accordance with division (F)(2) of this section. If both of the school districts in which the school is established were challenged school districts on that date, and the primary location was already designated by the school's governing authority pursuant to the requirements of this section as it existed prior to September 30, 2021, that designation remains unless and until the school's governing authority designates a different primary location.

(2)(a) On and after September 30, 2021, when a new start-up community school is established in two school districts under the same contract, the school's governing authority shall designate one of those districts to be considered the school's primary location and the district in which the school is located for the purposes of division (A)(19) of section 3314.03 and divisions (C) and (H) of section 3314.06 of the Revised Code and for all other purposes of this chapter and shall notify the department of education and workforce of that designation.

(b) A community school governing authority that elects to modify a community school's primary location, whether in accordance with division (F)(1) of this section or otherwise, shall notify the department of that modification.

Last updated August 10, 2023 at 11:19 AM

Section 3314.051 | Disposal of real property acquired from school district.

• Effective: September 29, 2011
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 153 - 129th General Assembly

(A) When the governing authority of a community school that acquired real property from a school district pursuant to former division (G)(2) of section 3313.41 of the Revised Code decides to dispose of that property, it first shall offer that property for sale to the school district board of education from which it acquired the property, at a price that is not higher than the appraised fair market value of that property. If the district board does not accept the offer within sixty days after the offer is made, the community school may dispose of the property in another lawful manner.

(B) When a community school that acquired real property from a school district pursuant to former division (G)(2) of section 3313.41 of the Revised Code permanently closes, in distributing the school's assets under section 3314.074 of the Revised Code, that property first shall be offered for sale to the school district board of education from which the community school acquired the property, at a price that is not higher than the appraised fair market value of that property. If the district board does not accept the offer within sixty days after the offer is made, the property may be disposed in another lawful manner.

Section 3314.06 | Admission procedures.

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

The governing authority of each community school established under this chapter shall adopt admission procedures that specify the following:

(A) That, except as otherwise provided in this section, admission to the school shall be open to any individual age five to twenty-two entitled to attend school pursuant to section 3313.64 or 3313.65 of the Revised Code in a school district in the state.

Additionally, except as otherwise provided in this section, admission to the school may be open on a tuition basis to any individual age five to twenty-two who is not a resident 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.

An individual younger than five years of age may be admitted to the school in accordance with division (A)(2) of section 3321.01 of the Revised Code. The school shall receive funds for an individual admitted under that division in the manner provided under section 3317.022 of the Revised Code.

If the school operates a program that uses the Montessori method endorsed by the American Montessori society, the Montessori accreditation council for teacher education, or the association Montessori internationale as its primary method of instruction, admission to the school may be open to individuals younger than five years of age but the school shall not receive funds under section 3317.022 of the Revised Code for those individuals. Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this chapter, individuals younger than five years of age who are enrolled in a Montessori program shall be offered at least four hundred fifty-five hours of learning opportunities per school year.

If the school operates a preschool program that is licensed by the department of education and workforce under sections 3301.52 to 3301.59 of the Revised Code, admission to the school may be open to individuals who are younger than five years of age, but the school shall not receive funds under this chapter for those individuals.

(B)(1) That admission to the school may be limited to students who have attained a specific grade level or are within a specific age group; to students that meet a definition of "at-risk," as defined in the contract; to residents of a specific geographic area within the district, as defined in the contract; or to separate groups of autistic students and nondisabled students, as authorized in section 3314.061 of the Revised Code and as defined in the contract.

(2) For purposes of division (B)(1) of this section, "at-risk" students may include those students identified as gifted students under section 3324.03 of the Revised Code.

(C) Whether enrollment is limited to students who reside in the district in which the school is located or is open to residents of other districts, as provided in the policy adopted pursuant to the contract.

(D)(1) That there will be no discrimination in the admission of students to the school on the basis of race, creed, color, disability, or sex except that:

(a) The governing authority may do either of the following for the purpose described in division (G) of this section:

(i) Establish a single-gender school for either sex;

(ii) Establish single-gender schools for each sex under the same contract, provided substantially equal facilities and learning opportunities are offered for both boys and girls. Such facilities and opportunities may be offered for each sex at separate locations.

(b) The governing authority may establish a school that simultaneously serves a group of students identified as autistic and a group of students who are not disabled, as authorized in section 3314.061 of the Revised Code. However, unless the total capacity established for the school has been filled, no student with any disability shall be denied admission on the basis of that disability.

(2) That upon admission of any student with a disability, the community school will comply with all federal and state laws regarding the education of students with disabilities.

(E) That the school may not limit admission to students on the basis of intellectual ability, measures of achievement or aptitude, or athletic ability, except that a school may limit its enrollment to students as described in division (B) of this section.

(F) That the community school will admit the number of students that does not exceed the capacity of the school's programs, classes, grade levels, or facilities.

(G) That the purpose of single-gender schools that are established shall be to take advantage of the academic benefits some students realize from single-gender instruction and facilities and to offer students and parents residing in the district the option of a single-gender education.

(H) That, except as otherwise provided under division (B) of this section or section 3314.061 of the Revised Code, if the number of applicants exceeds the capacity restrictions of division (F) of this section, students shall be admitted by lot from all those submitting applications, except preference shall be given to students attending the school the previous year and to students who reside in the district in which the school is located. Preference may be given to siblings of students attending the school the previous year. Preference also may be given to students who are the children of full-time staff members employed by the school, provided the total number of students receiving this preference is less than five per cent of the school's total enrollment.

Notwithstanding divisions (A) to (H) of this section, in the event the racial composition of the enrollment of the community school is violative of a federal desegregation order, the community school shall take any and all corrective measures to comply with the desegregation order.

Last updated August 21, 2023 at 2:13 PM

Section 3314.061 | Community schools serving autistic and nondisabled students.

• Effective: September 29, 2007
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 119 - 127th General Assembly

A governing authority may establish a community school under this chapter that is limited to providing simultaneously special education and related services to a specified number of students identified as autistic and regular educational programs to a specified number of students who are not disabled. The contract between the governing authority and the school's sponsor shall specify the target ratio of number of autistic students to number of nondisabled students in the school's population, the total number of autistic students that may be enrolled in the school, and the total number of nondisabled students that may be enrolled in the school. A school established in accordance with this section is subject to division (H) of section 3314.06 of the Revised Code, except that because the governing authority establishes a separate capacity for autistic students and nondisabled students, if the number of applicants among the group of autistic students or the group of students with disabilities exceeds the capacity restrictions for that group, students shall be admitted by lot from all those of that same group submitting applications. However, unless the total capacity established for the school has been filled, no student with any disability shall be denied admission on the basis of that disability.

Section 3314.07 | Expiration, termination or nonrenewal of contract for community school.

• Effective: February 1, 2016
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 2 - 131st General Assembly

(A) The expiration of the contract for a community school between a sponsor and a school shall be the date provided in the contract. A successor contract may be entered into pursuant to division (E) of section 3314.03 of the Revised Code unless the contract is terminated or not renewed pursuant to this section.

(B)(1) A sponsor may choose not to renew a contract at its expiration or may choose to terminate a contract prior to its expiration for any of the following reasons:

(a) Failure to meet student performance requirements stated in the contract;

(b) Failure to meet generally accepted standards of fiscal management;

(c) Violation of any provision of the contract or applicable state or federal law;

(d) Other good cause.

(2) A sponsor may choose to terminate a contract prior to its expiration if the sponsor has suspended the operation of the contract under section 3314.072 of the Revised Code.

(3) Not later than the fifteenth day of January in the year in which the sponsor intends to terminate or take actions not to renew the community school's contract, the sponsor shall notify the school of the proposed action in writing. The notice shall include the reasons for the proposed action in detail, the effective date of the termination or nonrenewal, and a statement that the school may, within fourteen days of receiving the notice, request an informal hearing before the sponsor. Such request must be in writing. The informal hearing shall be held within fourteen days of the receipt of a request for the hearing. Not later than fourteen days after the informal hearing, the sponsor shall issue a written decision either affirming or rescinding the decision to terminate or not renew the contract.

(4) The termination of a contract under this section shall be effective upon the occurrence of the later of the following events:

(a) The date the sponsor notifies the school of its decision to terminate the contract as prescribed in division (B)(3) of this section;

(b) If an informal hearing is requested under division (B)(3) of this section and as a result of that hearing the sponsor affirms its decision to terminate the contract, the effective date of the termination specified in the notice issued under division (B)(3) of this section.

(5) Any community school whose contract is terminated or not renewed under division (B) (1)(a) or (b) of this section shall close permanently at the end of the current school year or on a date specified in the notification of termination or nonrenewal under division (B)(3) of this section. Any community school whose contract is terminated or not renewed for failure to meet student performance requirements stated in the contract, or for failure to meet generally accepted standards of fiscal management under this division shall not enter into a contract with any other sponsor.

(C) A child attending a community school whose contract has been terminated, nonrenewed, or suspended or that closes for any reason shall be admitted to the schools of the district in which the child is entitled to attend under section 3313.64 or 3313.65 of the Revised Code. Any deadlines established for the purpose of admitting students under section 3313.97 or 3313.98 of the Revised Code shall be waived for students to whom this division pertains.

(D) If a community school does not intend to renew a contract with its sponsor, the community school shall notify its sponsor in writing of that fact at least one hundred eighty days prior to the expiration of the contract. Such a community school may enter into a contract with a new sponsor in accordance with section 3314.03 of the Revised Code upon the expiration of the previous contract.

(E) A sponsor of a community school and the officers, directors, or employees of such a sponsor are immune from civil liability for any action authorized under this chapter or the contract entered into with the school under section 3314.03 of the Revised Code that is taken to fulfill the sponsor's responsibility to oversee and monitor the school. The sponsor and its officers, directors, or employees are not liable in damages in a tort or other civil action for harm allegedly arising from any of the following:

(1) A failure of the community school or any of its officers, directors, or employees to perform any statutory or common law duty or responsibility or any other legal obligation;

(2) An action or omission of the community school or any of its officers, directors, or employees that results in harm.

(3) A failure of the community school or any of its officers, directors, or employees to meet the obligations of any contract or other obligation entered into on behalf of the community school and another party.

(F) As used in this section:

(1) "Harm" means injury, death, or loss to person or property.

(2) "Tort action" means a civil action for damages for injury, death, or loss to person or property other than a civil action for damages for a breach of contract or another agreement between persons.

Section 3314.071 | Liability on contracts.

• Effective: June 29, 1999
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 282 - 123rd General Assembly

Any contract entered into by the governing authority or any officer or director of a community school, including the contract required by sections 3314.02 and 3314.03 of the Revised Code, is deemed to be entered into by such individuals in their official capacities as representatives of the community school. No officer, director, or member of the governing authority of a community school incurs any personal liability by virtue of entering into any contract on behalf of the school.

Section 3314.072 | Suspending operation of noncomplying school.

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

The provisions of this section are enacted to promote the public health, safety, and welfare by establishing procedures under which the governing authorities of community schools established under this chapter will be held accountable for their compliance with the terms of the contracts they enter into with their school's sponsors and the law relating to the school's operation. Suspension of the operation of a school imposed under this section is intended to encourage the governing authority's compliance with the terms of the school's contract and the law and is not intended to be an alteration of the terms of that contract.

(A) If a sponsor of a community school established under this chapter suspends the operation of that school pursuant to procedures set forth in this section, the governing authority shall not operate that school while the suspension is in effect. Any such suspension shall remain in effect until the sponsor notifies the governing authority that it is no longer in effect. The contract of a school of which operation is suspended under this section also may be subject to termination or nonrenewal under section 3314.07 of the Revised Code.

(B) If at any time conditions at the school do not comply with a health and safety standard established by law for school buildings, the sponsor shall immediately suspend the operation of the school pursuant to procedures set forth in division (D) of this section. If the sponsor fails to take action to suspend the operation of a school to which this division applies, the department of education and workforce may take such action.

(C)(1) For any of the reasons prescribed in divisions (B)(1)(a) to (d) of section 3314.07 of the Revised Code, the sponsor of a community school established under this chapter may suspend the operation of the school only if it first issues to the governing authority notice of the sponsor's intent to suspend the operation of the contract. Such notice shall explain the reasons for the sponsor's intent to suspend operation of the contract and shall provide the school's governing authority with five business days to submit to the sponsor a proposal to remedy the conditions cited as reasons for the suspension.

(2) The sponsor shall promptly review any proposed remedy timely submitted by the governing authority and either approve or disapprove the remedy. If the sponsor disapproves the remedy proposed by the governing authority, if the governing authority fails to submit a proposed remedy in the manner prescribed by the sponsor, or if the governing authority fails to implement the remedy as approved by the sponsor, the sponsor may suspend operation of the school pursuant to procedures set forth in division (D) of this section.

(D)(1) If division (B) of this section applies or if the sponsor of a community school established under this chapter decides to suspend the operation of a school as permitted in division (C)(2) of this section, the sponsor shall promptly send written notice to the governing authority stating that the operation of the school is immediately suspended, and explaining the specific reasons for the suspension. The notice shall state that the governing authority has five business days to submit a proposed remedy to the conditions cited as reasons for the suspension or face potential contract termination.

(2) Upon receipt of the notice of suspension prescribed under division (D)(1) of this section, the governing authority shall immediately notify the employees of the school and the parents of the students enrolled in the school of the suspension and the reasons therefore, and shall cease all school operations on the next business day.

(E)(1) Beginning with the 2013-2014 school year, if the sponsor of a community school suspends the operation of that school pursuant to procedures set forth in this section, the school's contract with the sponsor under section 3314.03 of the Revised Code shall become void, if the governing authority of the school fails to provide a proposal to remedy the conditions cited by the sponsor as reasons for the suspension, to the satisfaction of the sponsor, by the thirtieth day of September of the school year immediately following the school year in which the operation of school was suspended.

(2) If, prior to September 29, 2013, the sponsor of a community school has suspended the operation of the school, the contract with the sponsor under section 3314.03 of the Revised Code shall become void if the governing authority of the school fails to provide by September 30, 2014, a proposal to remedy the conditions cited by the sponsor as reasons for the suspension, to the satisfaction of the sponsor.

Last updated August 21, 2023 at 2:23 PM

Section 3314.073 | Declaring school to be in probationary status.

• Effective: April 8, 2003
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 364 - 124th General Assembly

(A) In lieu of termination of a contract or suspension of the operation of a school as provided for in sections 3314.07 and 3314.072 of the Revised Code, respectively, after consultation with the governing authority of a community school under its sponsorship, if a sponsor finds that any of the conditions prescribed in division (B)(1) of section 3314.07 of the Revised Code apply to the school, the sponsor may declare in written notice to the governing authority that the school is in a probationary status which shall not extend beyond the end of the current school year. The notice shall specify the conditions that warrant probationary status. The sponsor may declare a school to be in such status only if it has received from the governing authority reasonable assurances to the satisfaction of the sponsor that the governing authority can and will take actions necessary to remedy the conditions that have warranted such probationary status as specified by the sponsor.

(B) The sponsor shall monitor the actions taken by the governing authority to remedy the conditions that have warranted probationary status as specified by the sponsor and may take over the operation of the school as provided in the contract or may take steps to terminate the contract with the governing authority or to suspend operation of the school if the sponsor at any time finds that the governing authority is no longer able or willing to remedy those conditions to the satisfaction of the sponsor.

Section 3314.074 | Distributing assets of school permanently closed.

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

Divisions (A) and (B) of this section apply only to the extent permitted under Chapter 1702. of the Revised Code.

(A) If any community school established under this chapter permanently closes and ceases its operation as a community school, the assets of that school shall be distributed first to the retirement funds of employees of the school, employees of the school, and private creditors who are owed compensation, and then any remaining funds shall be paid to the department of education and workforce for redistribution to the school districts in which the students who were enrolled in the school at the time it ceased operation were entitled to attend school under section 3313.64 or 3313.65 of the Revised Code. The amount distributed to each school district shall be proportional to the district's share of the total enrollment in the community school. For any community school that closes after fiscal year 2021, any remaining funds shall be paid to the department and deposited into the state general revenue fund.

(B) If a community school closes and ceases to operate as a community school and the school has received computer hardware or software from the former Ohio SchoolNet commission or the former eTech Ohio commission, such hardware or software shall be turned over to the department, which shall redistribute the hardware and software, to the extent such redistribution is possible, to school districts in conformance with the provisions of the programs as they were operated and administered by the former eTech Ohio commission.

(C) If the assets of the school are insufficient to pay all persons or entities to whom compensation is owed, the prioritization of the distribution of the assets to individual persons or entities within each class of payees may be determined by decree of a court in accordance with this section and Chapter 1702. of the Revised Code.

(D) A community school that engages in a merger or consolidation pursuant to division (B) of section 1702.41 of the Revised Code and becomes a single public benefit corporation shall not be required to distribute assets pursuant to divisions (A), (B), and (C) of this section, provided that the governing authority of the community school created by the merger or consolidation enters into a contract for sponsorship under section 3314.03 of the Revised Code with an entity rated "effective" or higher by the department pursuant to section 3314.016 of the Revised Code.

Last updated August 21, 2023 at 2:43 PM

Section 3314.08 | Annual enrollment reports; payments from department.

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

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "IEP" has the same meaning as in section 3323.01 of the Revised Code.

(2) "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.

(B) The department of education and workforce shall adopt rules requiring the governing authority of each community school established under this chapter to annually report all of the following:

(1) The number of students enrolled in grades one through twelve and the full-time equivalent number of students enrolled in kindergarten in the school who are not receiving special education and related services pursuant to an IEP;

(2) The number of enrolled students in grades one through twelve and the full-time equivalent number of enrolled students in kindergarten, who are receiving special education and related services pursuant to an IEP;

(3) The number of students reported under division (B)(2) of this section receiving special education and related services pursuant to an IEP for a disability described in each of divisions (A) to (F) of section 3317.013 of the Revised Code;

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

(5) The number of students reported under divisions (B)(1) and (2) of this section who are not reported under division (B)(4) of this section but who are enrolled in career-technical education programs or classes described in each of divisions (A)(1) to (5) of section 3317.014 of the Revised Code at a joint vocational school district or another district in the career-technical planning district to which the school is assigned;

(6) The number of students reported under divisions (B)(1) and (2) of this section who are category one to three English learners described in each of divisions (A) to (C) of section 3317.016 of the Revised Code;

(7) The number of students reported under divisions (B)(1) and (2) 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 (B)(7) of this section based on anything other than family income.

(8) For each student, the city, exempted village, or local school district in which the student is entitled to attend school under section 3313.64 or 3313.65 of the Revised Code.

(9) The number of students enrolled in a preschool program operated by the school that is licensed by the department under sections 3301.52 to 3301.59 of the Revised Code who are not receiving special education and related services pursuant to an IEP.

A school district board and a community school governing authority shall include in their respective reports under division (B) of this section any child admitted in accordance with division (A)(2) of section 3321.01 of the Revised Code.

A governing authority of a community school shall not include in its report under divisions (B)(1) to (9) of this section any student for whom tuition is charged under division (F) of this section.

(C)(1)(a) If a community school's 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 exceed the threshold cost for serving the student as specified in division (B) of section 3317.0214 of the Revised Code, the school may submit to the director of education and workforce documentation, as prescribed by the director, 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 community school an amount equal to the school's costs for the student in excess of the threshold costs.

(b) The community school shall report under division (C)(1)(a) of this section, and the department shall pay for, only the costs of educational expenses and the related services provided to the student in accordance with the student's individualized education program. 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.

(2) In any fiscal year, a community school receiving funds 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.

(3) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in section 3313.90 of the Revised Code, except as provided in division (C)(5) of this section, all funds received under division (A)(7) of section 3317.022 of the Revised Code shall be spent in the following manner:

(a) 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.

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

(4) A community 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.

(5) The department may waive the requirement in division (C)(3) of this section for any community school that exclusively provides one or more career-technical workforce development programs in arts and communications that are not equipment-intensive, as determined by the department.

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

(D) A board of education sponsoring a community school may utilize local funds to make enhancement grants to the school or may agree, either as part of the contract or separately, to provide any specific services to the community school at no cost to the school.

(E) A community school may not levy taxes or issue bonds secured by tax revenues.

(F) No community school shall charge tuition for the enrollment of any student who is a resident of this state. A community school may charge tuition for the enrollment of any student who is not a resident of this state.

(G)(1)(a) A community school may borrow money to pay any necessary and actual expenses of the school in anticipation of the receipt of any portion of the payments to be received by the school pursuant to section 3317.022 of the Revised Code. The school may issue notes to evidence such borrowing. The proceeds of the notes shall be used only for the purposes for which the anticipated receipts may be lawfully expended by the school.

(b) A school may also borrow money for a term not to exceed fifteen years for the purpose of acquiring facilities.

(2) The state is not liable for debt incurred by the governing authority of a community school.

(H) The department shall adjust the amounts paid under section 3317.022 of the Revised Code to reflect any enrollment of students in community schools for less than the equivalent of a full school year. The department shall adopt in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code rules governing the payments to community schools under section 3317.022 of the Revised Code including initial payments in a school year and adjustments and reductions made in subsequent periodic payments to community schools as provided under section 3317.022 of the Revised Code. For purposes of this division:

(1) A student shall be considered enrolled in the community school for any portion of the school year the student is participating at a college under Chapter 3365. of the Revised Code.

(2) A student shall be considered to be enrolled in a community school for the period of time beginning on the later of the date on which the school both has received documentation of the student's enrollment from a parent and the student has commenced participation in learning opportunities as defined in the contract with the sponsor, or thirty days prior to the date on which the student is entered into the education management information system established under section 3301.0714 of the Revised Code. For purposes of applying this division and divisions (H)(3) and (4) of this section to a community school student, "learning opportunities" shall be defined in the contract, which shall describe both classroom-based and non-classroom-based learning opportunities and shall be in compliance with criteria and documentation requirements for student participation which shall be established by the department. Any student's instruction time in non-classroom-based learning opportunities shall be certified by an employee of the community school. A student's enrollment shall be considered to cease on the date on which any of the following occur:

(a) The community school receives documentation from a parent terminating enrollment of the student.

(b) The community school is provided documentation of a student's enrollment in another public or private school.

(c) The community school ceases to offer learning opportunities to the student pursuant to the terms of the contract with the sponsor or the operation of any provision of this chapter.

Except as otherwise specified in this paragraph, beginning in the 2011-2012 school year, any student who completed the prior school year in an internet- or computer-based community school shall be considered to be enrolled in the same school in the subsequent school year until the student's enrollment has ceased as specified in division (H)(2) of this section. The department shall continue paying amounts for the student under section 3317.022 of the Revised Code without interruption at the start of the subsequent school year. However, if the student without a legitimate excuse fails to participate in the first seventy-two consecutive hours of learning opportunities offered to the student in that subsequent school year, the student shall be considered not to have re-enrolled in the school for that school year and the department shall recalculate the payments to the school for that school year to account for the fact that the student is not enrolled.

(3) The department shall determine each community school student's percentage of full-time equivalency based on the percentage of learning opportunities offered by the community school to that student, reported either as number of hours or number of days, is of the total learning opportunities offered by the community school to a student who attends for the school's entire school year. However, no internet- or computer-based community school shall be credited for any time a student spends participating in learning opportunities beyond ten hours within any period of twenty-four consecutive hours. Whether it reports hours or days of learning opportunities, each community school shall offer not less than nine hundred twenty hours of learning opportunities during the school year.

(4) With respect to the calculation of full-time equivalency under division (H)(3) of this section, the department shall waive the number of hours or days of learning opportunities not offered to a student because the community school was closed during the school year due to disease epidemic, hazardous weather conditions, law enforcement emergencies, inoperability of school buses or other equipment necessary to the school's operation, damage to a school building, or other temporary circumstances due to utility failure rendering the school building unfit for school use, so long as the school was actually open for instruction with students in attendance during that school year for not less than the minimum number of hours required by this chapter. The department shall treat the school as if it were open for instruction with students in attendance during the hours or days waived under this division.

(I) The department of education and workforce shall reduce the amounts paid under section 3317.022 of the Revised Code to reflect payments made to colleges under section 3365.07 of the Revised Code.

(J)(1) No student shall be considered enrolled in any internet- or computer-based community school or, if applicable to the student, in any community school that is required to provide the student with a computer pursuant to division (C) of section 3314.22 of the Revised Code, unless both of the following conditions are satisfied:

(a) The student possesses or has been provided with all required hardware and software materials and all such materials are operational so that the student is capable of fully participating in the learning opportunities specified in the contract between the school and the school's sponsor as required by division (A)(23) of section 3314.03 of the Revised Code;

(b) The school is in compliance with division (A) of section 3314.22 of the Revised Code, relative to such student.

(2) In accordance with policies adopted by the department of education and workforce, in consultation with the auditor of state, the department shall reduce the amounts otherwise payable under section 3317.022 of the Revised Code to any community school that includes in its program the provision of computer hardware and software materials to any student, if such hardware and software materials have not been delivered, installed, and activated for each such student in a timely manner or other educational materials or services have not been provided according to the contract between the individual community school and its sponsor.

The director and the auditor of state shall jointly establish a method for auditing any community school to which this division pertains to ensure compliance with this section.

The director, auditor of state, and the governor shall jointly make recommendations to the general assembly for legislative changes that may be required to assure fiscal and academic accountability for such schools.

(K)(1) If the department determines that a review of a community school's enrollment is necessary, such review shall be completed and written notice of the findings shall be provided to the governing authority of the community school and its sponsor within ninety days of the end of the community school's fiscal year, unless extended for a period not to exceed thirty additional days for one of the following reasons:

(a) The department and the community school mutually agree to the extension.

(b) Delays in data submission caused by either a community school or its sponsor.

(2) If the review results in a finding that additional funding is owed to the school, such payment shall be made within thirty days of the written notice. If the review results in a finding that the community school owes moneys to the state, the following procedure shall apply:

(a) Within ten business days of the receipt of the notice of findings, the community school may appeal the department's determination to the director.

(b) The director shall conduct an informal hearing on the matter within thirty days of receipt of such an appeal and shall issue a decision within fifteen days of the conclusion of the hearing.

(c) Any decision made by the director under this division is final.

(3) If it is decided that the community school owes moneys to the state, the department shall deduct such amount from the school's future payments in accordance with guidelines issued by the director.

(L) The department shall not pay to a community school under section 3317.022 of the Revised Code any amount for any of the following:

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

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

(3) Any student who was enrolled in the community 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 grants the student a waiver from the requirement to take the assessment and a parent is not paying tuition for the student pursuant to section 3314.26 of the Revised Code. The director may grant a waiver only for good cause in accordance with rules adopted by the department.

(4) 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 community 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 a community school under section 3317.022 of the Revised Code any amount for that veteran.

Last updated October 16, 2023 at 11:03 AM

Section 3314.081 | Annual allocation of federal moneys.

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

To the extent permitted by federal law, the department of education and workforce shall include community 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.

Last updated August 21, 2023 at 2:44 PM

Section 3314.082 | Community schools; application for funds.

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

A community school shall be considered a school district and its governing authority shall be considered a board of education for the purpose of applying to any state or federal agency for grants that a school district may receive under federal or state law or any appropriations act of the general assembly. The governing authority of a community school may apply to any private entity for additional funds.

Section 3314.083 | Deducting excess costs of providing special education and related services to student with a disability.

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

If the department of education and workforce pays a joint vocational school district under division (C)(3) of section 3317.16 of the Revised Code for excess costs of providing special education and related services to a student with a disability who is enrolled in a community school, as calculated under division (C)(1) of that section, the department shall deduct the amount of that payment from the amount calculated for payment to the community school under section 3317.022 of the Revised Code.

Last updated August 21, 2023 at 2:44 PM

Section 3314.084 | Reporting rules for community school students living in home.

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

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Formula ADM" has the same meaning as in section 3317.03 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Home" has the same meaning as in section 3313.64 of the Revised Code.

(3) "School district of residence" has the same meaning as in section 3323.01 of the Revised Code; however, a community school established under this chapter is not a "school district of residence" for purposes of this section.

(B) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in section 3314.08 or 3317.03 of the Revised Code, all of the following apply in the case of a child who is enrolled in a community school and is also living in a home:

(1) For purposes of the report required under division(B) of section 3314.08 of the Revised Code, the community school shall report the name of the child's school district of residence.

(2) The child's school district of residence shall count the child in that district's formula ADM.

(3) The school district in which the home that the child is living in is located shall not count the child in that district's formula ADM.

(4) The department shall make the payments prescribed in section 3317.022 of the Revised Code, as applicable, to the community school.

Last updated November 12, 2024 at 11:14 AM

Section 3314.086 | Community schools; career-technical education.

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

A community school established under this chapter, including an internet- or computer-based community school, may provide career-technical education in the manner prescribed by section 3313.90 of the Revised Code. The community school may contract with any public agency, board, or bureau or with any private individual or firm for the purchase of any career-technical education or vocational rehabilitation service for any student enrolled in the community school and may pay for such services with funds received under section 3317.022 of the Revised Code.

Last updated August 4, 2021 at 2:55 PM

Section 3314.087 | Simultaneous enrollment in career-technical program.

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

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Career-technical program" means career-technical programs or classes described in division (A)(1), (2), (3), (4), or (5) of section 3317.014 of the Revised Code in which a student is enrolled.

(2) "Category one through five career-technical education ADM," and "FTE basis" have the same meanings as in section 3317.02 of the Revised Code.

(3) "Resident school district" means the city, exempted village, or local school district in which a student is entitled to attend school under section 3313.64 or 3313.65 of the Revised Code.

(B) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this chapter or Chapter 3317. of the Revised Code, a student enrolled in a community school may simultaneously enroll in the career-technical program operated by the career-technical planning district to which the student's resident district belongs. On an FTE basis, the student's resident school district shall count the student in the category one through five career-technical education ADM for the proportion of the time the student is enrolled in a career-technical program of the career-technical planning district to which the student's resident district belongs and, accordingly, the department of education and workforce shall calculate funds under Chapter 3317. of the Revised Code for the resident district attributable to the student for the proportion of time the student attends the career-technical program. The community school shall count the student in its enrollment report under section 3314.08 of the Revised Code and shall report to the department the proportion of time that the student attends classes at the community school. The department shall pay the community school the amount computed for the student under section 3317.022 of the Revised Code in proportion to the fraction of the time on an FTE basis that the student attends classes at the community school. "Full-time equivalency" for a community school student, as defined in division (H) of section 3314.08 of the Revised Code, does not apply to the student.

Last updated November 7, 2023 at 3:24 PM

Section 3314.089 | Community school career-technical education spending.

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

(A) In any fiscal year, a community school receiving funds calculated under division (A)(8) 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)(8) of section 3317.022 of the Revised Code may be spent.

(B) Except as provided in division (C) of this section, all funds received under division (A)(8) 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) The department may waive the requirements in division (B) of this section for any community school that exclusively provides one or more career-technical workforce development programs in arts and communications that are not equipment-intensive, as determined by the department.

(D) In any fiscal year, a community school receiving funds under division (H) of section 3317.014 of the Revised Code shall spend those funds only on 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 November 9, 2021 at 11:53 AM

Section 3314.09 | Transportation of native students provided by board of each school district.

• Effective: April 8, 2003
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 364 - 124th General Assembly

(A) As used in this section and section 3314.091 of the Revised Code, "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) Except as provided in section 3314.091 of the Revised Code, 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 in accordance with section 3327.01 of the Revised Code.

Section 3314.091 | Transportation of native students provided by community school - agreement.

• Effective: April 30, 2024
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 101 - 135th General Assembly

(A) A school district is not required to provide transportation for any native student enrolled in a community school if the district board of education has entered into an agreement with the community school's governing authority that designates the community school as responsible for providing or arranging for the transportation of the district's native students to and from the community school. For any such agreement to be effective, it must be certified by the director of education and workforce as having met all of the following requirements:

(1) It is submitted to the department of education and workforce by a deadline which shall be established by the department.

(2) In accordance with divisions (C)(1) and (2) of this section, it specifies qualifications, such as residing a minimum distance from the school, for students to have their transportation provided or arranged.

(3) The transportation provided by the community school is subject to all provisions of the Revised Code and all rules adopted under the Revised Code pertaining to pupil transportation.

(4) The sponsor of the community school also has signed the agreement.

(B)(1) For the school year that begins on July 1, 2007, a school district is not required to provide transportation for any native student enrolled in a community school, if the community school during the previous school year transported the students enrolled in the school or arranged for the students' transportation, even if that arrangement consisted of having parents transport their children to and from the school, but did not enter into an agreement to transport or arrange for transportation for those students under division (A) of this section, and if the governing authority of the community school by July 15, 2007, submits written notification to the district board of education stating that the governing authority is accepting responsibility for providing or arranging for the transportation of the district's native students to and from the community school.

(2) Except as provided in division (B)(4) of this section, for any school year subsequent to the school year that begins on July 1, 2007, a school district is not required to provide transportation for any native student enrolled in a community school if the governing authority of the community school, by the first day of August, submits written notification to the district board of education stating that the governing authority is accepting responsibility for providing or arranging for the transportation of the district's native students to and from the community school. If the governing authority of the community school has previously accepted responsibility for providing or arranging for the transportation of a district's native students to and from the community school, under division (B)(1) or (2) of this section, and has since relinquished that responsibility under division (B)(3) of this section, the governing authority shall not accept that responsibility again unless the district board consents to the governing authority's acceptance of that responsibility.

(3) A governing authority's acceptance of responsibility under division (B)(1) or (2) of this section shall cover an entire school year, and shall remain in effect for subsequent school years unless the governing authority submits written notification to the district board that the governing authority is relinquishing the responsibility. However, a governing authority shall not relinquish responsibility for transportation before the end of a school year, and shall submit the notice relinquishing responsibility by the thirty-first day of January, in order to allow the school district reasonable time to prepare transportation for its native students enrolled in the school.

(4)(a) For any school year that begins on or after July 1, 2014, a school district is not required to provide transportation for any native student enrolled in a community school scheduled to open for operation in the current school year, if the governing authority of the community school, by the fifteenth day of April of the previous school year, submits written notification to the district board of education stating that the governing authority is accepting responsibility for providing or arranging for the transportation of the district's native students to and from the community school.

(b) The governing authority of a community school that accepts responsibility for transporting its students under division (B)(4)(a) of this section shall comply with divisions (B)(2) and (3) of this section to renew or relinquish that authority for subsequent school years.

(C)(1) A community school governing authority that enters into an agreement under division (A) of this section, or that accepts responsibility under division (B) of this section, shall provide or arrange transportation free of any charge for each of its enrolled students who is required to be transported under section 3327.01 of the Revised Code. The governing authority shall report to the department of education and workforce the number of students transported or for whom transportation is arranged under this section in accordance with rules adopted by the department.

(2) The governing authority may provide or arrange transportation for any other enrolled student who is not eligible for transportation in accordance with division (C)(1) of this section and may charge a fee for such service up to the actual cost of the service.

(3) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in division (C)(1) or (2) of this section, a community school governing authority shall provide or arrange transportation free of any charge for any disabled student enrolled in the school for whom the student's individualized education program developed under Chapter 3323. of the Revised Code specifies transportation.

(D) A community school shall use payments received under division (I) of section 3317.0212 of the Revised Code solely to pay the costs of providing or arranging for the transportation of students who are eligible as specified in section 3327.01 of the Revised Code and division (C)(1) of this section, which may include payments to a parent, guardian, or other person in charge of a child in lieu of transportation.

(E) Except when arranged through payment to a parent, guardian, or person in charge of a child, transportation provided or arranged for by a community school pursuant to an agreement 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. The community school also shall comply with sections 3313.201, 3327.09, and 3327.10 of the Revised Code, division (B) of section 3327.16 of the Revised Code and, subject to division (C)(1) of this section, sections 3327.01 and 3327.02 of the Revised Code, as if it were a school district.

Last updated February 7, 2024 at 2:03 PM

Section 3314.092 | Consultation with board regarding changes in schedule.

• Effective: July 1, 2014
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 59 - 130th General Assembly

The governing authority or operator of a community school established under this chapter shall consult with each school district board of education that transports students to the community school under sections 3314.09 and 3327.01 of the Revised Code prior to making any change in the hours or days in which the community school is open for instruction.

Section 3314.10 | Teachers and nonteaching employees.

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

(A)(1) The governing authority of any community school established under this chapter may employ teachers and nonteaching employees necessary to carry out its mission and fulfill its contract.

(2) Except as provided under division (A)(3) of this section, employees hired under this section 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. Except as provided in divisions (B)(2)(b) and (c) of section 3307.01 of the Revised Code and in section 3309.013 of the Revised Code, employment under this section is subject to either Chapter 3307. or 3309. of the Revised Code.

(3) If a school is created by converting all or part of an existing public school rather than by establishment of a new start-up school, at the time of conversion, the employees of the community 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 community 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 (A)(6) of this section with regard to those employees. Any new employees of the community school shall also be included in the unit to which they would have been assigned had not the conversion taken place and shall be subject to the collective bargaining agreement for that unit unless a petition is certified as sufficient under division (A)(6) of this section with regard to those employees.

Notwithstanding division (B) of section 4117.01 of the Revised Code, the board of education of a school district and not the governing authority of a community school shall be regarded, for purposes of Chapter 4117. of the Revised Code, as the "public employer" of the employees of a conversion community school subject to a collective bargaining agreement pursuant to division (A)(3) of this section unless a petition is certified under division (A)(6) of this section with regard to those employees. Only on and after the effective date of a petition certified as sufficient under division (A)(6) of this section shall division (A)(2) of this section apply to those employees of that community school and only on and after the effective date of that petition shall Chapter 4117. of the Revised Code apply to the governing authority of that community school with regard to those employees.

(4) 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 of a conversion community school who are subject to a collective bargaining agreement pursuant to division (A)(3) 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 of that community 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:

(a) That all the employees of the community 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;

(b) 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;

(c) That the governing authority of the community school be regarded as the "public employer" of these employees for purposes of Chapter 4117. of the Revised Code.

(5) 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 of a conversion community school who are subject to a collective bargaining agreement pursuant to division (A)(3) 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 of the community 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:

(a) That all the employees of the community school who are subject to that agreement be removed from the bargaining unit that is subject to that agreement;

(b) 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 of the community school who are subject to that agreement;

(c) That the governing authority of the community school be regarded as the "public employer" of these employees for purposes of Chapter 4117. of the Revised Code.

(6) Upon receipt of a petition under division (A)(4) or (5) 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, the governing authority of the community 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 division (A)(6) of this section.

(B)(1) The board of education of each city, local, and exempted village school district sponsoring a community school and the governing board of each educational service center in which a community school is located shall adopt a policy that provides a leave of absence of at least three years to each teacher or nonteaching employee of the district or service center who is employed by a conversion or new start-up community school sponsored by the district or located in the district or center for the period during which the teacher or employee is continuously employed by the community school. The policy shall also provide that any teacher or nonteaching employee may return to employment by the district or service center if the teacher or employee leaves or is discharged from employment with the community school for any reason, unless, in the case of a teacher, the board of the district or service center determines that the teacher was discharged for a reason for which the board would have sought to discharge the teacher under section 3311.82 or 3319.16 of the Revised Code, in which case the board may proceed to discharge the teacher utilizing the procedures of that section. Upon termination of such a leave of absence, any seniority that is applicable to the person shall be calculated to include all of the following: all employment by the district or service center prior to the leave of absence; all employment by the community school during the leave of absence; and all employment by the district or service center after the leave of absence. The policy shall also provide that if any teacher holding valid certification returns to employment by the district or service center upon termination of such a leave of absence, the teacher shall be restored to the previous position and salary or to a position and salary similar thereto. If, as a result of teachers returning to employment upon termination of such leaves of absence, a school district or educational service center reduces the number of teachers it employs, it shall make such reductions in accordance with section 3319.171 of the Revised Code.

Unless a collective bargaining agreement providing otherwise is in effect for an employee of a conversion community school pursuant to division (A)(3) of this section, an employee on a leave of absence pursuant to this division shall remain eligible for any benefits that are in addition to benefits under Chapter 3307. or 3309. of the Revised Code provided by the district or service center to its employees provided the employee pays the entire cost associated with such benefits, except that personal leave and vacation leave cannot be accrued for use as an employee of a school district or service center while in the employ of a community school unless the district or service center board adopts a policy expressly permitting this accrual.

(2) While on a leave of absence pursuant to division (B)(1) of this section, a conversion community school shall permit a teacher to use sick leave accrued while in the employ of the school district from which the leave of absence was taken and prior to commencing such leave. If a teacher who is on such a leave of absence uses sick leave so accrued, the cost of any salary paid by the community school to the teacher for that time shall be reported to the department of education and workforce. The cost of employing a substitute teacher for that time shall be paid by the community school. The department of education and workforce shall add amounts to the payments made to a community school under this chapter as necessary to cover the cost of salary reported by a community school as paid to a teacher using sick leave so accrued pursuant to this section. The department shall subtract the amounts of any payments made to community schools under this division from payments made to such sponsoring school district under Chapter 3317. of the Revised Code.

A school district providing a leave of absence and employee benefits to a person pursuant to this division is not liable for any action of that person while the person is on such leave and employed by a community school.

Last updated August 8, 2023 at 9:40 AM

Section 3314.101 | 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 community school established under this chapter or by an 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 community 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 community school, the governing authority 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 governing authority that imposed the suspension promptly shall report the person's suspension to the department of education and workforce and state board of education. The report shall include the offense for which the person was arrested, summoned, or indicted.

Last updated August 8, 2023 at 10:04 AM

Section 3314.102 | Removal of conversion community school employees from collective bargaining unit.

• Effective: October 15, 2015
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 70 - 131st General Assembly

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Chief executive officer" means a chief executive officer appointed by an academic distress commission pursuant to section 3302.10 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Municipal school district" and "mayor" have the same meanings as in section 3311.71 of the Revised Code.

(B) Notwithstanding section 3314.10 and 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 of a conversion community school that is sponsored by the board of education of a municipal school district or a school district for which an academic distress commission has been established under section 3302.10 of the Revised Code shall cease to be subject to any future collective bargaining agreement, if the mayor or chief executive officer submits to the board of education sponsoring the school and to the state employment relations board a statement requesting that all employees of the community school be removed from a collective bargaining unit. The employees of the community school who are covered by a collective bargaining agreement in effect on the date the mayor or chief executive officer submits the statement shall remain subject to that collective bargaining agreement until the collective bargaining agreement expires on its terms. Upon expiration of that collective bargaining agreement, the employees of that school are not subject to Chapter 4117. of the Revised Code and may not organize or collectively bargain pursuant to that chapter.

Section 3314.103 | Termination of contract prior to termination of annual session.

• Effective: September 14, 2016
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 113 - 131st General Assembly

No community school teacher shall terminate the teacher's contract after the tenth day of July of any school year or during the school year, prior to the termination of the annual session, without the consent of the community school's governing authority or operator, and such teacher may terminate the teacher's contract at any other time by giving five days' written notice to the employing governing authority or operator. Upon complaint by the employing governing authority or operator to the state board of education and after investigation by it, the license of a teacher terminating the teacher's contract in any other manner than provided in this section may be suspended for not more than one year.

As used in this section, "teacher" has the same meaning as in section 3319.09 of the Revised Code.

Section 3314.104 | Prohibition of employment of person with permanently revoked or denied educator license.

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

No community school shall employ an individual in any position if the state board of education permanently revoked or permanently denied the individual a license under section 3319.31 of the Revised Code or if the individual entered into a consent agreement under division (E) of section 3319.311 of the Revised Code in which the individual agreed never to apply for a license after the date on which the agreement was entered into.

Last updated August 31, 2023 at 3:32 PM

Section 3314.11 | Verification of residency.

• Effective: October 24, 2024
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 168 - 135th General Assembly

(A) Upon the enrollment of each student and on an annual basis, the governing authority of each community school established under this chapter shall verify to the department of education and workforce the school district in which the student is entitled to attend school under section 3313.64 or 3313.65 of the Revised Code.

The school district may review the determination made by the community school under division (A) of this section.

(B)(1) For purposes of its initial reporting of the school districts in which its students are entitled to attend school, the governing authority of a community school shall adopt a policy that prescribes the number of documents listed in division (E) of this section required to verify a student's residency. This policy shall supersede any policy concerning the number of documents for initial residency verification adopted by the district the student is entitled to attend.

(2) For purposes of the annual reporting of the school districts in which its students are entitled to attend school, the governing authority of a community school shall adopt a policy that prescribes the information required to verify a student's residency. This information may be obtained through any type of document, including any of the documents listed in division (E) of this section, or any type of communication with a government official authorized to provide such information.

(C) For purposes of making the determinations required under this section, the school district in which a parent or child resides is the location the parent or student has established as the primary residence and where substantial family activity takes place.

(D) If a community school's determination under division (A) of this section of the school district a student is entitled to attend under section 3313.64 or 3313.65 of the Revised Code differs from a district's determination, the community school that made the determination under division (A) of this section shall provide the school district with documentation of the student's residency and shall make a good faith effort to accurately identify the correct residence of the student.

(E) For purposes of this section, the following documents may serve as evidence of primary residence:

(1) A deed, mortgage, lease, current home owner's or renter's insurance declaration page, or current real property tax bill;

(2) A utility bill or receipt of utility installation issued within ninety days of enrollment;

(3) A paycheck or paystub issued to the parent or student within ninety days of the date of enrollment that includes the address of the parent's or student's primary residence;

(4) The most current available bank statement issued to the parent or student that includes the address of the parent's or student's primary residence;

(5) Any other official document issued to the parent or student that includes the address of the parent's or student's primary residence. The department shall develop guidelines for determining what qualifies as an "official document" under this division.

(F) When a student loses permanent housing and becomes a homeless child or youth, as defined in 42 U.S.C. 11434a, or when a child who is such a homeless child or youth changes temporary living arrangements, the district in which the student is entitled to attend school shall be determined in accordance with division (F)(13) of section 3313.64 of the Revised Code and the "McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act," 42 U.S.C. 11431 et seq.

(G) In the event of a disagreement as to which school district a student is entitled to attend, the community school, after complying with division (D) of this section, but not more than sixty days after the deadline established by the department for reporting of community school enrollment, may present the matter to the director of education and workforce. Not later than thirty days after the community school presents the matter, the director, or the director's designee, shall determine which district the student is entitled to attend and shall direct any necessary adjustments to payments under section 3317.022 of the Revised Code based on that determination.

Last updated August 15, 2024 at 4:51 PM

Section 3314.12 | Sponsor to submit annual report of services and expenditures.

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

On or before the first day of November each year, the sponsor of each community school established under this chapter shall submit to the department of education and workforce, in accordance with guidelines adopted by the department for purposes of this section, a report that describes the special education and related services provided by that school to enrolled students during the previous fiscal year and the school's expenditures for those services.

Last updated August 8, 2023 at 10:07 AM

Section 3314.13 | Community school employees; liability.

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

A community school, community school governing authority, or community school employee is not liable in damages in a civil action for injury, death, or loss to person or property allegedly arising from a community 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 community school, community school governing authority, or community 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 3314.14 | Possession and use of inhalers by student - school and employees not liable.

• Effective: November 3, 1999
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 121 - 123rd General Assembly

A community school, community school governing authority, or community school employee is not liable in damages in a civil action for harm allegedly arising from a community school employee's prohibiting a student from using an inhaler described in section 3313.716 of the Revised Code because of the employee's good faith belief that the conditions of divisions (A)(1) and (2) of that section had not been satisfied. A community school, community school governing authority, or community school employee is not liable in damages in a civil action for harm allegedly arising from a community school employee's permitting a student to use an inhaler described in that section because of the employee's good faith belief that the conditions of divisions (A)(1) and (2) of that section had been satisfied. Furthermore, when a community school is required in accordance with that section to permit a student to possess and use an inhaler because the conditions of divisions (A)(1) and (2) of that section have been satisfied, the community school, any member of the community school governing authority, or any community school employee is not liable in damages in a civil action for injury, death, or loss to person or property allegedly arising from the use of the inhaler by a student for whom it was not prescribed.

This section does not eliminate, limit, or reduce any other immunity or defense that a community school, community school governing authority, or community 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 3314.141 | No civil liability for prohibition of use of autoinjector.

• Effective: March 23, 2007
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 164 - 126th General Assembly

A community school, community school governing authority, or community school employee is not liable in damages in a civil action for harm allegedly arising from a community school employee's prohibiting a student from using an autoinjector described in section 3313.718 of the Revised Code because of the employee's good faith belief that the conditions of division (B) of that section had not been satisfied. A community school, community school governing authority, or community school employee is not liable in damages in a civil action for harm allegedly arising from a community school employee's permitting a student to use an autoinjector described in that section because of the employee's good faith belief that the conditions of division (B) of that section had been satisfied. Furthermore, when a community school is required in accordance with that section to permit a student to possess and use an autoinjector because the conditions of division (B) of that section have been satisfied, the community school, any member of the community school governing authority, or any community school employee is not liable in damages in a civil action for injury, death, or loss to person or property allegedly arising from the use of the autoinjector by a student for whom it was not prescribed.

This section does not eliminate, limit, or reduce any other immunity or defense that a community school, community school governing authority, or community 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 3314.142 | Liability for damages due to concussions.

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

(A) A community school, member of a community school governing authority, community school employee or volunteer, community school operator, or employee or volunteer of a community school operator, 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 community school, member of a community school governing authority, community school employee or volunteer, community school operator, or employee or volunteer of a community school operator, 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 3314.143 | Procurement of epinephrine autoinjectors for community schools.

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

(A) With the approval of its governing authority, a community school established under this chapter may procure epinephrine autoinjectors in the manner prescribed by section 3313.7110 of the Revised Code. A community 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 community school;

(b) A member of a community school governing authority;

(c) A community 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 community school or governing authority, member of a community school governing authority, community 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 community 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 community 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 August 8, 2023 at 10:14 AM

Section 3314.144 | Procurement of inhalers by community 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 authority, a community school may procure inhalers in the manner prescribed by section 3313.7113 of the Revised Code. A community school that elects to do so shall comply with all provisions of that section as if it were a school district.

(C) A community school, a member of a community school governing authority, or a community 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 community school or governing authority, member of a community school governing authority, or community 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 community 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 community 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 August 8, 2023 at 10:17 AM

Section 3314.145 | Liability pertaining to sudden cardiac arrest.

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

(A) A community school, member of a community school governing authority, community school employee or volunteer, community school operator, or employee or volunteer of a community school operator, 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 other immunity or defense that a community school, member of a community school governing authority, community school employee or volunteer, community school operator, or employee or v olunteer of a community school operator, 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 3314.146 | Civil immunity, decisions not to provide mental health services.

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

A community school, community school governing authority, or community 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 community school, community school governing authority, or community 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 3:29 PM

Section 3314.147 | Procurement of glucagon, qualified immunity.

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

(A) With the approval of its governing authority, a community 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 community 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 community school;

(b) A member of a community school governing authority;

(c) A community 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 community school or governing authority, member of a community school governing authority, community 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 community 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 community 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 August 8, 2023 at 10:52 AM

Section 3314.15 | Body mass index and weight status category screening.

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

The governing authority of a community school, other than an internet- or computer-based community school, may screen students for body mass index and weight status category. If a governing authority 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 3314.16 | Placement of automatic external defibrillator in schools - staff training - qualified immunity.

• Effective: October 24, 2024
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 47 - 135th General Assembly

(A)(1) As used in this section, "automated external defibrillator" means a specialized defibrillator that is approved for use as a medical device by the United States food and drug administration for performing automated external defibrillation, as defined in section 2305.235 of the Revised Code.

(2) This section does not apply to an internet- or computer-based community school.

(B) The governing authority of a community school established under this chapter shall require the placement of an automated external defibrillator in each school under the control of the governing authority. The governing authority also shall require that persons assigned to each school under the control of the governing authority, as set forth in division (A) of section 3313.6023 of the Revised Code, successfully complete an appropriate training course in the use of an automated external defibrillator as described in section 3701.85 of the Revised Code.

The governing authority shall adopt an emergency action plan for the use of automated external defibrillators and may use the model plan developed by the department of health under section 3701.851 of the Revised Code.

(C) In regard to the use of an automated external defibrillator that is placed in a community school as specified in this section, and except in the case of willful or wanton misconduct or when there is no good faith attempt to activate an emergency medical services system in accordance with section 3701.85 of the Revised Code, no person shall be held liable in civil damages for injury, death, or loss to person or property, or held criminally liable, for performing automated external defibrillation in good faith, regardless of whether the person has obtained appropriate training on how to perform automated external defibrillation or successfully completed a course in cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

(D) The department of education and workforce shall develop a procedure whereby persons may report violations of this section.

Last updated August 13, 2024 at 9:20 AM

Section 3314.17 | Statewide education management information system.

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

(A) Each community school established under this chapter shall participate in the statewide education management information system established under section 3301.0714 of the Revised Code. All provisions of that section and the rules adopted under that section apply to each community school as if it were a school district, except as modified for community schools under division (B) of this section. Each community school shall comply with division (C) of section 3301.0723 of the Revised Code.

(B) The rules adopted by the department of education and workforce under section 3301.0714 of the Revised Code may distinguish methods and timelines for community schools to annually report data, which methods and timelines differ from those prescribed for school districts. Any methods and timelines prescribed for community schools shall be appropriate to the academic schedule and financing of community schools. The guidelines, however, shall not modify the actual data required to be reported under that section.

(C) Each fiscal officer appointed under section 3314.011 of the Revised Code is responsible for annually reporting the community school's data under section 3301.0714 of the Revised Code. If the director of education and workforce determines that a community school fiscal officer has willfully failed to report data or has willfully reported erroneous, inaccurate, or incomplete data in any year, or has negligently reported erroneous, inaccurate, or incomplete data in the current and any previous year, the director may impose a civil penalty of one hundred dollars on the fiscal officer after providing the officer with notice and an opportunity for a hearing in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code. The director's authority to impose civil penalties under this division does not preclude the state board of education from suspending or revoking the license of a community school employee under division (N) of section 3301.0714 of the Revised Code.

(D) No community school shall acquire, change, or update its student administration software package to manage and report data required to be reported to the department unless it converts to a student software package that is certified by the department.

Last updated August 8, 2023 at 10:56 AM

Section 3314.18 | Breakfast and lunch programs - Summer extension.

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

(A) Subject to division (C) of this section, the governing authority of each community school shall establish a breakfast program pursuant to the "National School Lunch Act," 60 Stat. 230 (1946), 42 U.S.C. 1751, as amended, and the "Child Nutrition Act of 1966," 80 Stat. 885, 42 U.S.C. 1771, as amended, if at least one-fifth of the pupils in the school are eligible under federal requirements for free breakfasts, and shall establish a lunch program pursuant to those acts if at least one-fifth of the pupils are eligible for free lunches. The governing authority required to establish a breakfast program under this division may make a charge in accordance with federal requirements for each reduced price breakfast or paid breakfast to cover the cost incurred in providing that meal.

A breakfast program established under this section shall be operated in accordance with section 3313.818 of the Revised Code in any community school meeting the conditions prescribed by that section.

(B) Subject to division (C) of this section, the governing authority of each community school shall establish one of the following for summer intervention services described in division (D) of section 3301.0711 or provided under section 3313.608 of the Revised Code, and any other summer intervention program required by law:

(1) An extension of the school breakfast program pursuant to the "National School Lunch Act" and the "Child Nutrition Act of 1966";

(2) An extension of the school lunch program pursuant to those acts;

(3) A summer food service program pursuant to those acts.

(C) If the governing authority of a community school determines that, for financial reasons, it cannot comply with division (A) or (B) of this section, the governing authority may choose not to comply with either or both divisions. In that case, the governing authority shall communicate to the parents of its students, in the manner it determines appropriate, its decision not to comply.

(D) The governing authority of each community school required to establish a school breakfast, school lunch, or summer food service program under this section shall apply for state and federal funds allocated by the department of education and workforce under division (B) of section 3313.813 of the Revised Code and shall comply with the department's standards adopted under that division.

(E) The governing authority of any community school required to establish a breakfast program under this section or that elects to participate in a breakfast program pursuant to the "National School Lunch Act" and the "Child Nutrition Act of 1966" may offer breakfast to pupils in their classrooms during the school day. However, any community school that is subject to section 3313.818 of the Revised Code shall offer breakfast to pupils in accordance with that section.

(F) Notwithstanding anything in this section to the contrary, in each fiscal year in which the general assembly appropriates funds for purposes of this division, the governing authority of each community school required to establish a breakfast program under this section or that elects to participate in a breakfast program pursuant to the "National School Lunch Act" and the "Child Nutrition Act of 1966" shall provide a breakfast free of charge to each pupil who is eligible under federal requirements for a reduced price breakfast.

(G) This section does not apply to internet- or computer-based community schools.

Last updated August 3, 2023 at 5:11 PM

Section 3314.19 | Annual assurances by community school sponsor.

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

The sponsor of each community school 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's first year of operation or, if the school is not an internet- or computer-based community school and it changes the building from which it operates, the opening of the first year it operates from the new building:

(A) That a current copy of the contract between the sponsor and the governing authority of the school entered into under section 3314.03 of the Revised Code has been filed with the department and that any subsequent modifications to that contract will be filed with the department;

(B) That the school has submitted to the sponsor 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;

(C) 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;

(D) 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 in accordance with methods and timelines established under section 3314.17 of the Revised Code;

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

(F) That the school will enroll at least the minimum number of students required by division (A)(11)(a) of section 3314.03 of the Revised Code in the school year for which the assurances are provided;

(G) That all classroom teachers are licensed in accordance with sections 3319.22 to 3319.31 of the Revised Code, except for noncertificated persons engaged to teach up to twelve hours or forty hours per week pursuant to section 3319.301 of the Revised Code;

(H) That the school's fiscal officer is in compliance with section 3314.011 of the Revised Code;

(I) 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 authority members;

(J) 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 division (A)(11)(b) of section 3314.03 of the Revised Code, that the sponsor considers sufficient to indemnify the school's facilities, staff, and governing authority against risk;

(4) A satisfactory health and safety inspection;

(5) A satisfactory fire inspection;

(6) A valid food permit, if applicable.

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

(L) That the school has designated a date it will open for the school year for which the assurances are provided that is in compliance with division (A)(25) of section 3314.03 of the Revised Code;

(M) That the school has met all of the sponsor's requirements for opening and any other requirements of the sponsor.

(N) That, for any school that operates using the blended learning model, as defined in section 3301.079 of the Revised Code, the sponsor has reviewed the following information, submitted by the school:

(1) An indication of what blended learning model or models will be used;

(2) A description of how student instructional needs will be determined and documented;

(3) The method to be used for determining competency, granting credit, and promoting students to a higher grade level;

(4) The school's attendance requirements, including how the school will document participation in learning opportunities;

(5) A statement describing how student progress will be monitored;

(6) A statement describing how private student data will be protected;

(7) A description of the professional development activities that will be offered to teachers.

Last updated August 8, 2023 at 11:00 AM

Section 3314.191 | Prerequisites for payments from department.

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

Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in the Revised Code, the department of education and workforce shall make no payment under section 3317.022 of the Revised Code to a community school opening for its first year of operation until the sponsor of that school confirms all of the following:

(A) The school is in compliance with the provisions described in divisions (A), (H), (I), and (J)(3) of section 3314.19 of the Revised Code.

(B) The sponsor has approved the financial controls required by the comprehensive plan for the school under division (B)(5) of section 3314.03 of the Revised Code.

(C) The school facilities will be ready and open for use by the date prescribed in the contract entered into under section 3314.03 of the Revised Code, and the sponsor has reviewed any lease, purchase agreement, permits required by statute or contract, and construction plans.

(D) The chief administrator of the community school actively is managing daily operations at the school.

(E) The projected enrollment reported to the department is accurate.

Last updated August 8, 2023 at 11:01 AM

Section 3314.21 | Internet- or computer-based schools.

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

(A) As used in this section:

(1) "Harmful to juveniles" has the same meaning as in section 2907.01 of the Revised Code.

(2) "Obscene" has the same meaning as in division (F) of section 2907.01 of the Revised Code as that division has been construed by the supreme court of this state.

(3) "Teacher of record" means a teacher who is responsible for the overall academic development and achievement of a student and not merely the student's instruction in any single subject.

(B)(1) It is the intent of the general assembly that teachers employed by internet- or computer-based community schools conduct visits with their students throughout the school year.

(2) Each internet- or computer-based community school shall retain an affiliation with at least one full-time teacher of record licensed in accordance with division (A)(10) of section 3314.03 of the Revised Code.

(3) Each student enrolled in an internet- or computer-based community school shall be assigned to at least one teacher of record. No teacher of record shall be primarily responsible for the academic development and achievement of more than one hundred twenty-five students enrolled in the internet- or computer-based community school that has retained that teacher.

(C) For any internet- or computer-based community school, the contract between the sponsor and the governing authority of the school described in section 3314.03 of the Revised Code shall specify each of the following:

(1) A requirement that the school use a filtering device or install filtering software that protects against internet access to materials that are obscene or harmful to juveniles on each computer provided to students for instructional use. The school shall provide such device or software at no cost to any student who works primarily from the student's residence on a computer obtained from a source other than the school.

(2) A plan for fulfilling the intent of the general assembly specified in division (B)(1) of this section. The plan shall indicate the number of times teachers will visit each student throughout the school year and the manner in which those visits will be conducted. The visits may be conducted electronically.

(3) That the school will set up a central base of operation and the sponsor will maintain a representative within fifty miles of that base of operation to provide monitoring and assistance.

(D)(1) Annually, each internet- or computer-based community school shall prepare and submit to the department of education and workforce, in a time and manner prescribed by the department, a report that contains information about all of the following:

(a) Classroom size;

(b) The ratio of teachers to students per classroom;

(c) The number of student-teacher meetings conducted in person or by video conference;

(d) Any other information determined necessary by the department.

(2) The department annually shall prepare and issue a report that contains the information received under division (D)(1) of this section.

Last updated August 16, 2023 at 12:21 PM

Section 3314.22 | Child entitled to computer supplied by school.

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

(A)(1) Each child enrolled in an internet- or computer-based community school is entitled to a computer supplied by the school; however, the parent of any child enrolled in the school may waive this entitlement in the manner specified in division (A)(3) of this section. In no case shall an internet- or computer-based community school provide a stipend or other substitute to an enrolled child or the child's parent in lieu of supplying a computer to the child. The prohibition contained in the preceding sentence is intended to clarify the meaning of this division as it existed prior to September 29, 2005, and is not intended to change that meaning in any way.

(2) Notwithstanding division (A)(1) of this section, if more than one child living in a single residence is enrolled in an internet- or computer-based community school, at the option of the parent of those children, the school may supply less than one computer per child, as long as at least one computer is supplied to the residence. An internet- or computer-based community school may supply no computer at all only if the parent has waived the entitlement prescribed in division (A)(1) of this section in the manner specified in division (A)(3) of this section. The parent may amend the decision to accept less than one computer per child anytime during the school year, and, in such case, within thirty days after the parent notifies the school of such amendment, the school shall provide any additiona1 computers requested by the parent up to the number necessary to comply with division (A)(1) of this section.

(3) The parent of any child enrolled in an internet- or computer-based community school may waive the entitlement to one computer per child, and have no computer at all supplied by the school, if the school and parent set forth that waiver in writing with both parties attesting that there is a computer available to the child in the child's residence with sufficient hardware, software, programming, and connectivity so that the child may fully participate in all of the learning opportunities offered to the child by the school. The parent may amend the decision to waive the entitlement at any time during the school year and, in such case, within thirty days after the parent notifies the school of that decision, the school shall provide any additional computers requested by the parent up to the number necessary to comply with division (A)(1) of this section, regardless of whether there is any change in the conditions attested to in the waiver.

(4) A copy of a waiver executed under division (A)(3) of this section shall be retained by the internet- or computer-based community school and the parent who attested to the conditions prescribed in that division. The school shall submit a copy of the waiver to the department of education and workforce immediately upon execution of the waiver.

(5) The school shall notify the department, in the manner specified by the department, of any parent's decision under division (A)(2) of this section to accept less than one computer per child or the parent's amendment to that decision, and of any parent's decision to amend the waiver executed under division (A)(3) of this section.

(B) Each internet- or computer-based community school shall provide to each parent who is considering enrolling the parent's child in the school and to the parent of each child already enrolled in the school a written notice of the provisions prescribed in division (A) of this section.

(C) If a community school that is not an internet- or computer-based community school provides any of its enrolled students with nonclassroom-based learning opportunities provided via an internet- or other computer-based instructional method and requires such students to participate in any of those learning opportunities from their residences, the school shall be subject to this section and division (C)(1) of section 3314.21 of the Revised Code relative to each such student in the same manner as an internet- or computer-based community school, unless both of the following conditions apply to the student:

(1) The nonclassroom-based learning opportunities in which the student is required to participate from the student's residence are supplemental in nature or do not constitute a significant portion of the total classroom-based and nonclassroom-based learning opportunities provided to the student by the school;

(2) The student's residence is equipped with a computer available for the student's use.

Last updated August 8, 2023 at 11:05 AM

Section 3314.23 | Compliance with standards.

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

(A) Subject to division (B) of this section, each internet- or computer-based community school shall comply with the national standards for quality online learning developed under a project led by a partnership between quality matters, the virtual learning leadership alliance, and the digital learning collaborative, or any successor organization.

(B) Each internet- or computer-based community school that initially opens for operation on or after January 1, 2013, shall comply with the standards required by division (A) of this section at the time it opens. Each internet- or computer-based community school that initially opened for operation prior to January 1, 2013, shall comply with the standards required by division (A) of this section not later than July 1, 2013.

(C) The sponsor of each internet- or computer-based community school shall be responsible for monitoring, ensuring, and reporting compliance with the online learning standards described in divisions (A) and (B) of this section.

Last updated August 18, 2023 at 8:31 AM

Section 3314.232 | Standards for learning management software.

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

The department of education and workforce shall establish by rule adopted in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code standards for learning management software to be used by internet- and computer-based community schools.

Last updated August 8, 2023 at 11:06 AM

Section 3314.24 | Contracts for facility space.

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

(A) On or after July 1, 2004, no internet- or computer-based community school shall enter into a contract with a nonpublic school to use or rent any facility space at the nonpublic school for the provision of instructional services to students enrolled in the internet- or computer-based community school.

(B) If an internet- or computer-based community school has a contract with a nonpublic school as described in division (A) of this section, the department of education and workforce shall not make any payments under section 3317.022 of the Revised Code to the internet- or computer-based community school for any student who is enrolled in the internet- or computer-based community school and receives any instructional services from the internet- or computer-based community school at the nonpublic school.

Last updated November 7, 2023 at 11:09 AM

Section 3314.25 | Computer-based schools to provide location for statewide tests.

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

Each internet- or computer-based community school shall provide its students a location within a fifty-mile radius of the student's residence at which to complete the statewide achievement and diagnostic assessments prescribed under sections 3301.079, 3301.0710, and 3301.0712 of the Revised Code.

Section 3314.251 | Locations for counseling, instructional coaching, and testing assistance.

• Effective: February 1, 2016
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 2 - 131st General Assembly

Notwithstanding any provision of law to the contrary, each internet- or computer-based community school may provide its students with a location within a fifty-mile radius of the student's residence at which the student may receive counseling, instructional coaching, and testing assistance.

Section 3314.26 | Withdrawal of computer-based school student not taking tests.

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

(A) Each internet- or computer-based community school shall withdraw from the school any student who, for two consecutive school years of enrollment in the school, has failed to participate in the spring administration of any assessment prescribed under section 3301.0710 or 3301.0712 of the Revised Code for the student's grade level and was not excused from the assessment pursuant to division (C)(1) or (3) of section 3301.0711 of the Revised Code, regardless of whether a waiver was granted for the student under division (L)(3) of section 3314.08 of the Revised Code. The school shall report any such student's data verification code, as assigned pursuant to section 3301.0714 of the Revised Code, to the department of education and workforce. The department shall maintain a list of all data verification codes reported under this division and section 3313.6410 of the Revised Code and provide that list to each internet- or computer-based community school and to each school to which section 3313.6410 of the Revised Code applies.

(B) No internet- or computer-based community school shall receive any state funds under this chapter for any enrolled student whose data verification code appears on the list maintained by the department under division (A) of this section.

Notwithstanding any provision of the Revised Code to the contrary, the parent of any such student shall pay tuition to the internet- or computer-based community school in an amount equal to the state funds the school otherwise would receive for that student, as determined by the department. An internet- or computer-based community school may withdraw any student for whom the parent does not pay tuition as required by this division.

Last updated August 21, 2023 at 10:34 AM

Section 3314.261 | Internet- or computer-based school attendance.

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

This section shall not apply to an internet- or computer-based community school in which a majority of the students are enrolled in a dropout prevention and recovery program.

(A) For purposes of this section, "instructional activities" means the following classroom-based or nonclassroom-based activities that a student is expected to complete, participate in, or attend during any given school day:

(1) Online logins to curriculum or programs;

(2) Offline activities;

(3) Completed assignments within a particular program, curriculum, or class;

(4) Testing;

(5) Face-to-face communications or meetings with school staff or service providers;

(6) Telephone or video conferences with school staff or service providers;

(7) Other documented communication with school staff or service providers related to school curriculum or programs.

(B)(1) Each internet- or computer-based community school's attendance policy adopted in accordance with division (A)(6)(b) of section 3314.03 of the Revised Code shall specify that a student is considered in attendance at the school when the student satisfies either of the following conditions:

(a) The student participates in at least ninety per cent of the hours of instructional activities offered by the school in that school year;

(b) The student is on pace for on-time completion of any course in which the student is enrolled. The school's attendance policy shall define "on pace for on-time completion" for purposes of division (B)(1)(b) of this section.

(2) If a student is not considered in attendance under division (B)(1) of this section, the student shall be considered absent for those hours of instructional activities offered by the school in that school year in which the student does not participate.

(3) In the event that a student has thirty or more hours of unexcused absences in any semester, the internet- or computer-based community school in which the student is enrolled shall submit a written report to the student's parent, guardian, or custodian.

(C) Notwithstanding section 3321.191 of the Revised Code, each internet- or computer-based community school shall develop and adopt a policy regarding failure to participate in instructional activities. The policy shall state that a student shall become subject to certain consequences, including disenrollment from the school, if both of the following conditions are satisfied:

(1) After the student's parent, guardian, or custodian receives a written report under division (B)(2) of this section, the student fails to comply with the policy adopted under division (C) of this section within a reasonable period of time specified by the school;

(2) Other intervention strategies contained in the policy adopted under division (C) of this section fail to cause a student's attendance to comply with the policy.

(D) If an internet- or computer-based community school disenrolled a student pursuant to a policy adopted under division (C) of this section, the student shall not be eligible to re-enroll in that school for the remainder of the school year in which the student is disenrolled. This division does not prohibit a disenrolled student from enrolling in another internet- or computer-based community school.

(E) If an internet- or computer-based community school disenrolls a student pursuant to a policy adopted under division (C) of this section, the school shall do both of the following:

(1) Provide the student's parent, guardian, or custodian with a list of alternative educational options available to the student;

(2) Within forty-eight hours of the student's disenrollment, notify the student's resident school district in writing.

(F) Nothing in this section shall be construed to affect the procedure for automatically withdrawing a student from school that must be adopted as part of a school's attendance policy in accordance with division (A)(6)(b) of section 3314.03 of the Revised Code.

Last updated August 9, 2021 at 4:01 PM

Section 3314.262 | Internet- or computer-based community school student automatic withdrawal.

• Effective: December 14, 2021
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 229 - 134th General Assembly

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in section 3314.26 of the Revised Code, no student enrolled in an internet- or computer-based community school shall be subject to automatic withdrawal who, in any school year prior to the 2021-2022 school year, failed to participate in the spring administration of any assessment prescribed under section 3301.0710 or 3301.0712 of the Revised Code for the student's grade level and was not excused from the assessment pursuant to division (C)(1) or (3) of section 3301.0711 of the Revised Code, regardless of whether a waiver was granted for the student under division (E) of section 3317.03 of the Revised Code. Accordingly, the 2021-2022 school year shall constitute the first year of the two consecutive years of enrollment for students enrolled in internet- or computer-based schools under section 3314.26 of the Revised Code.

Last updated January 18, 2022 at 1:32 PM

Section 3314.27 | Maximum daily hours by computer-based school student.

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

No student enrolled in an internet- or computer-based community school may participate in more than ten hours of learning opportunities in any period of twenty-four consecutive hours. Any time such a student participates in learning opportunities beyond the limit prescribed in this section shall not count toward the annual minimum number of hours required to be provided to that student as prescribed in division (A)(11)(a) of section 3314.03 of the Revised Code. If any internet- or computer-based community school requires its students to participate in learning opportunities on the basis of days rather than hours, one day shall consist of a minimum of five hours of such participation.

Each internet- or computer-based community school shall keep an accurate record of each individual student's participation in learning opportunities each day. The record shall be kept in such a manner that the information contained within it easily can be submitted to the department of education and workforce, upon request by the department or the auditor of state.

Last updated August 21, 2023 at 10:36 AM

Section 3314.271 | Orientation course.

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

(A) Each internet- or computer-based community school shall offer a student orientation course and shall notify each student who enrolls in that school of that student's opportunity to participate in the student orientation course.

(B) The department of education and workforce shall provide guidance to internet- or computer-based community schools for developing and delivering the orientation course.

(C) Each internet- or computer-based community school may, at the time of a particular student's enrollment in that school, ask the student's parent or guardian to estimate the length of time the student will attend the school. Any information collected pursuant to this division shall be included in an aggregated format in the school's annual report required by division (A)(11)(g) of section 3314.03 of the Revised Code.

(D) Each internet- or computer-based community school, on a periodic basis throughout each school year, shall communicate with each student's parent, guardian, or custodian regarding the performance and progress of that student. Each internet- or computer-based community school also shall provide opportunities for parent-teacher conferences, shall document the school's requests for such conferences, and may permit students to participate in the conferences. Parent-teacher conferences may be conducted through electronic means.

Last updated August 21, 2023 at 10:37 AM

Section 3314.28 | Plan by computer-based schools for services to disabled students.

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

(A) Each internet- or computer-based community school established under this chapter shall submit to the school's sponsor a plan for providing special education and related services to disabled students enrolled in the school in accordance with division (A)(1) or (2) of this section.

(1) If the school was established prior to June 30, 2005, the plan shall be submitted to the sponsor on or before September 1, 2005, and on or before the first day of September in each year thereafter that the school is in operation.

(2) If the school is established after June 30, 2005, the plan shall be submitted to the sponsor prior to the school's receipt of its first payment under this chapter and on or before the first day of September in each year thereafter that the school is in operation.

(B) Within thirty days after receiving the plan prescribed in division (A) of this section, the sponsor of each internet- or computer-based community school shall certify all of the following to the department of education and workforce:

(1) A statement of whether the plan received is satisfactory to the sponsor;

(2) If the plan received is not satisfactory to the sponsor, the sponsor's assurance that it will promptly assist the school in developing a plan that is satisfactory to the sponsor;

(3) The sponsor's assurance that it will monitor the implementation of the plan;

(4) The sponsor's assurance that it will take any necessary corrective action to ensure that the school's plan is properly and fully implemented.

(C) The department shall develop guidelines for the content and format of the plan required under this section.

Last updated August 21, 2023 at 10:38 AM

Section 3314.29 | Division of certain internet- or computer-based community school.

• Effective: October 24, 2024
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 168 - 135th General Assembly

(A) This section applies to any internet- or computer-based community school that meets all of the following conditions:

(1) Serves all of grades kindergarten through twelve;

(2) Has an enrollment of at least two thousand students;

(3) Has a sponsor that was not rated ineffective or poor on its most recent evaluation under section 3314.016 of the Revised Code.

(B) Beginning with the 2018-2019 school year, the governing authority of a community school to which this section applies may adopt a resolution to divide the school into two or three separate schools as follows:

(1) If the school is divided into two schools, one school shall serve grades kindergarten through eight and one school shall serve grades nine through twelve.

(2) If the school is divided into three schools, one school shall serve grades kindergarten through five, one school shall serve grades six through eight, and one school shall serve grades nine through twelve.

(C) The resolution adopted by the governing authority shall not be effective unless approved by the school's sponsor. Following approval of the resolution by the sponsor, and by the fifteenth day of March prior to the school year in which it will take effect, the governing authority shall file the resolution with the department of education and workforce. The division of the schools shall be effective on the first day of July succeeding the date the resolution is filed with the department.

(D) All of the following shall apply to each new school created as a result of the resolution authorized by this section and to the school that is divided as a result of the resolution:

(1) Each school shall have the same governing authority.

(2) The sponsor and governing authority shall enter into a separate contract under section 3314.03 of the Revised Code for each school.

(3) No school shall primarily serve students enrolled in a dropout prevention and recovery program operated by the school.

(4) No school shall be permitted to divide again under this section.

(5) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in division (B)(2) of section 3314.016 of the Revised Code, each school shall be included in the calculation of the academic performance component for purposes of rating the schools' sponsor under the evaluation system prescribed by that section.

(6) Each school shall be subject to the laws contained in Chapter 3314. of the Revised Code, except as otherwise specified in this section.

(E) The department shall issue a report card under section 3314.012 of the Revised Code for each new school created as a result of the resolution authorized by this section and for the school that is divided as a result of the resolution. For purposes of the report cards and other reporting requirements under this chapter, the department shall assign the school that serves the highest grades the same internal retrieval number previously used by the school that is divided under this section. The department shall assign a new internal retrieval number to each other school resulting from the division.

Notwithstanding division (A) of section 3314.012 of the Revised Code, the ratings a school receives on its report card for the first two full school years after the division under this section shall count toward closure of the school under section 3314.35 of the Revised Code and any other matter that is based on report card ratings or measures.

Last updated August 15, 2024 at 4:52 PM

Section 3314.35 | Permanent closure; criteria.

• Effective: October 24, 2024
• Latest Legislation: Senate Bill 168 - 135th General Assembly

(A) Except as provided in division (B) of this section and section 3314.355 of the Revised Code, this section applies to any community school that meets one of the following criteria:

(1) The school does not offer a grade level higher than three and, for the three most recent school years, satisfies either of the following criteria:

(a) The school has received a performance rating of one star for early literacy under division (D)(3)(e) of section 3302.03 of the Revised Code;

(b) The school has received an overall performance rating of less than two stars under division (D)(3) of section 3302.03 of the Revised Code.

(2) The school offers any of grade levels four to eight but does not offer a grade level higher than nine and, for the three most recent school years, satisfies either of the following criteria:

(a) The school has received a performance rating of one star for both achievement under division (D)(3)(b) of section 3302.03 of the Revised Code and progress under division (D)(3)(c) of that section;

(b) The school has received an overall performance rating of less than two stars under division (D) of section 3302.03 of the Revised Code and a performance rating of one star for progress under division (D)(3)(c) of that section.

(3) The school offers any of grade levels ten to twelve and, for the three most recent school years, satisfies either of the following criteria:

(a) The school has received a performance rating of "one star" for achievement under division (D)(3)(b) of section 3302.03 of the Revised Code and has not met annual measurable objectives for gap closing under division (D)(3)(a) of that section, as determined by the department ;

(b) The school has received an overall performance rating of less than two stars under division (D) of section 3302.03 of the Revised Code and a performance rating of one star for progress under division (D)(1)(b) of that section.

For purposes of division (A) of this section only, the department shall calculate the value-added progress dimension for a community school using assessment scores for only those students to whom the school has administered the achievement assessments prescribed by section 3301.0710 of the Revised Code for at least the two most recent school years but using value-added data from only the most recent school year.

(B) This section does not apply to either of the following:

(1) Any community school in which a majority of the students are enrolled in a dropout prevention and recovery program that is operated by the school. Rather, such schools shall be subject to closure only as provided in section 3314.351 of the Revised Code. However, prior to July 1, 2014, a community school in which a majority of the students are enrolled in a dropout prevention and recovery program shall be exempt from this section only if it has been granted a waiver under section 3314.36 of the Revised Code.

(2) Any community school in which a majority of the enrolled students are children with disabilities receiving special education and related services in accordance with Chapter 3323. of the Revised Code.

(C) Any community school to which this section applies shall permanently close at the conclusion of the school year in which the school first becomes subject to this section. The sponsor and governing authority of the school shall comply with all procedures for closing a community school adopted by the department under division (E) of section 3314.015 of the Revised Code. The governing authority of the school shall not enter into a contract with any other sponsor under section 3314.03 of the Revised Code after the school closes.

(D) Nothing in this section or in any other provision of the Revised Code prohibits the sponsor of a community school from exercising its option not to renew a contract for any reason or from terminating a contract prior to its expiration for any of the reasons set forth in section 3314.07 of the Revised Code.

Last updated August 27, 2024 at 10:44 AM

Section 3314.351 | Closure of certain community schools.

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

(A) This section applies to any community school in which a majority of the students are enrolled in a dropout prevention and recovery program. Except as provided in division (F) of this section, any such community school that has received a designation of "does not meet standards," as described in division (D)(1) of section 3314.017 of the Revised Code on the report card issued under that section, for the three most recent school years shall be subject to closure in accordance with this section.

(B) Not later than the first day of September in each school year, the department of education and workforce shall notify each school subject to closure under this section that the school must close not later than the thirtieth day of the following June.

A school so notified shall close as required.

(C) A school that opens on or after July 1, 2014, shall not be subject to closure under this section for its first two years of operation. A school that is in operation prior to July 1, 2014, shall not be subject to closure under this section until after August 31, 2016.

(D) The sponsor and governing authority of the school shall comply with all procedures for closing a community school adopted by the department under division (E) of section 3314.015 of the Revised Code. The governing authority of the school shall not enter into a contract with any other sponsor under section 3314.03 of the Revised Code after the school closes.

(E) Nothing in this section or in any other provision of the Revised Code prohibits the sponsor of a community school from exercising its option not to renew a contract for any reason or from terminating a contract prior to its expiration for any of the reasons set forth in section 3314.07 of the Revised Code.

(F) Beginning in the 2019-2020 school year, no school shall be subject to closure under this section based on the report card issued for that school for the 2017-2018 or 2018-2019 school year if the school received an overall rating of "meets standards" or "exceeds standards" for the 2017-2018 or 2018-2019 school year pursuant to division (I) of section 3314.017 of the Revised Code. However, no school permanently closed under this section prior to the 2019-2020 school year shall be eligible to reopen based on the calculated or recalculated ratings under division (I) of section 3314.017 of the Revised Code.

Last updated August 21, 2023 at 10:42 AM

Section 3314.352 | Reopening under new name.

• Effective: September 17, 2014
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 487 - 130th General Assembly

No community school that is permanently closed under section 3314.35 or 3314.351 of the Revised Code may be reopened under another name if any of the following conditions are true:

(A) The new school has the same sponsor as the closed school.

(B) The new school has the same chief administrator as the closed school.

(C) The governing authority of the new school consists of any of the same members that served on the governing authority of the closed school during that school's last year of operation.

(D) Fifty per cent or more of the teaching staff of the new school consists of the same individuals who were employed as teachers at the closed school during that school's last year of operation.

(E) Fifty per cent or more of the administrative staff of the new school consists of the same individuals who were employed as administrators at the closed school during that school's last year of operation.

(F) The performance standards and accountability plan prescribed by the sponsor contract for the new school, entered into under section 3314.03 of the Revised Code, are the same as those for the closed school.

Section 3314.353 | Publication of school closures and closure risks.

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

Each year, the department of education and workforce shall publish separate lists of the following:

(A) Community schools that have become subject to permanent closure under section 3314.35 or 3314.351 of the Revised Code;

(B) Community schools that are at risk of becoming subject to permanent closure under section 3314.35 or 3314.351 of the Revised Code if their academic performance, as prescribed in those sections, does not improve on the next state report cards issued under section 3302.03 or 3314.017 of the Revised Code.

The department of education and workforce shall not adopt any rules, enforce any procedures or policies, or otherwise restrict the establishment or sponsorship of a new start-up community school based upon whether the school's proposed location is in a challenged school district.

Last updated August 4, 2023 at 9:38 AM

Section 3314.354 | Submission of data regarding schools at risk of permanent closure.

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

Not later than the thirty-first day of July of each year, the department of education and workforce shall submit preliminary data on community schools at risk of becoming subject to permanent closure under section 3314.35 or 3314.351 of the Revised Code.

Last updated August 21, 2023 at 10:44 AM

Section 3314.355 | Community school closure safe harbor.

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

No community school shall be subject to closure under section 3314.35 or 3314.351 of the Revised Code based on any report card issued for that school for the 2019-2020, 2020-2021, or 2021-2022 school years. Furthermore, the report card ratings of any previous years shall not be considered in determining whether a community school is subject to automatic closure under section 3314.35 or 3314.351 of the Revised Code. Accordingly, the 2022-2023 school year shall begin a new starting point for automatic closure of community schools under either of those sections.

Last updated September 9, 2021 at 9:42 AM

Section 3314.36 | Applicability of RC 3314.35 closure rule.

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

(A) Section 3314.35 of the Revised Code does not apply to any community school in which a majority of the students are enrolled in a dropout prevention and recovery program that is operated by the school and that has been granted a waiver by the former department of education prior to July 1, 2014.

(B) All community schools in which a majority of the students are enrolled in a dropout prevention and recovery program are subject to the provisions of section 3314.351 of the Revised Code, regardless of whether a waiver has been granted under this section prior to July 1, 2014. Thereafter, no waivers shall be granted under this section.

Last updated August 4, 2023 at 9:40 AM

Section 3314.361 | Operation of drug recovery program.

• Effective: March 22, 2013
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 555 - 129th General Assembly

Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in this chapter, a community school that operates a drug recovery program in cooperation with a court shall be considered a dropout prevention and recovery program for purposes of this chapter, regardless of the ages of students or grade levels served by the school.

Section 3314.38 | Enrollment in dropout prevention and recovery program.

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

(A) An individual who is at least twenty-two years of age and who is an eligible individual as defined in section 3317.23 of the Revised Code may enroll for up to two consecutive school years in a dropout prevention and recovery program operated by a community school that is designed to allow enrollees to earn a high school diploma. An individual enrolled under this division may elect to satisfy the requirements to earn a high school diploma by successfully completing a competency-based educational program, as defined in section 3317.23 of the Revised Code, that complies with the standards adopted by the department of education and workforce under section 3317.231 of the Revised Code. The community school shall report that individual's enrollment on a full-time equivalency basis to the department. This report shall be in addition to the report required under division (B) of section 3314.08 of the Revised Code. An individual enrolled under this division shall not be assigned to classes or settings with students who are younger than eighteen years of age.

(B)(1) For each community school that enrolls individuals under division (A) of this section, the department annually shall certify the enrollment and attendance, on a full-time equivalency basis, of each individual reported by the school under that division.

(2) For each individual enrolled in a community school under division (A) of this section, the department annually shall pay the community school up to $5,000, as determined by the department based on the extent of the individual's successful completion of the graduation requirements prescribed under division (A)(11)(f) of section 3314.03 of the Revised Code.

(C) A community school that enrolls individuals under division (A) of this section shall be subject to the program administration standards adopted by the department under section 3317.231 of the Revised Code, as applicable.

Last updated August 21, 2023 at 10:46 AM

Section 3314.381 | Dropout recovery community school advisory council.

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

(A) As used in this section, "dropout recovery community school" has the same meaning as in section 3319.301 of the Revised Code.

(B) The department of education and workforce shall establish the dropout prevention and recovery advisory council. The council shall provide a forum for communication and collaboration between the department and parties involved in the establishment and operation of dropout recovery community schools, including sponsors and operators.

(C) The advisory council shall consist of the following members appointed by the director of education and workforce:

(1) Two members of the state board of education;

(2) One employee of the department who works directly with dropout recovery community schools, including any employee who works as a liaison with such schools;

(3) Seven individuals with experience in dropout recovery community schools, their operators, and their sponsors. In appointing these individuals, the director shall ensure they represent a diverse array of schools in terms of enrollment, programs, learning models, and methods of instruction.

(D) The advisory council shall, in collaboration with the director, review all existing rules and guidance previously developed or adopted by the department pursuant to division (D) of section 3314.382 of the Revised Code.

Last updated August 31, 2023 at 3:33 PM

Section 3314.382 | Rules for dropout recovery community schools.

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

(A) As used in this section, "dropout recovery community school" has the same meaning as in section 3319.301 of the Revised Code.

(B) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the Revised Code, the department of education and workforce shall only adopt rules in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code for any requirement to be imposed on a dropout recovery community school. The department shall not develop guidelines that impose requirements on the general and uniform operation of a dropout recovery community school.

(C) Pursuant to section 119.035 of the Revised Code, prior to adoption, the dropout prevention and recovery advisory council established under section 3314.381 of the Revised Code shall review any proposed rule described in division (B) of this section.

(D) Any guidance document previously developed by the department that establishes general and uniform operations regarding a dropout recovery community school in effect on the effective date of this section is void after that date.

Last updated February 28, 2024 at 9:13 AM

Section 3314.40 | 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 administrator of each community school, or the president or chairperson of the governing authority of each community 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, or an employee of an operator working 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 governing authority 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 governing authority 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 governing authority 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 community school, the president or chairperson of the governing authority 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 governing authority 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.

Last updated January 13, 2023 at 1:01 PM

Section 3314.401 | Employee investigation report kept in personnel file.

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

The governing authority of each community school shall require that the reports of any investigation by the governing authority of the school or by an 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 community school or the president or chairperson of the governing authority 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 authority shall require the reports of the governing authority's or operator's investigation to be moved from the employee's personnel file to a separate public file.

Section 3314.402 | 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 3314.40 and 3314.401 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 3314.403 | 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 community school or an operator working in the school 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 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 community school or an operator working in the school 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 3314.40 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 3314.41 | 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 administrator of a community school, or the chief administrator's designee.

(2) "Essential school services" means services provided by a private company under contract with a community school 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 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 community 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 community 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 community 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 3314.44 | Collection and transmittal of school records after closing; Compliance; Penalty.

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

(A) If a community school established under this chapter closes for any reason, the chief administrative officer of the school at the time the school closes shall in good faith take all reasonable steps necessary to collect and assemble in an orderly manner the educational records of each student who is or has been enrolled in the school so that those records may be transmitted in accordance with this division. The chief administrative officer shall transmit the records within seven business days of the school closing to the student's school district of residence.

(B) No person required to collect, assemble, and transmit student records under division (A) of this section shall fail to comply with that division.

(C) Whoever violates division (B) of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor in the third degree.

Section 3314.46 | Sponsors; sales of goods or services prohibited.

• Effective: February 1, 2016
• Latest Legislation: House Bill 2 - 131st General Assembly

As used in this section, "sponsor" includes any officer, director, employee of the sponsor of a community school, and any person with decision-making authority regarding the operations of a sponsor of a community school.

(A) Except as provided in division (B) of this section, no sponsor of a community school shall sell any goods or services to any community school it sponsors.

(B)(1) If the sponsor of a community school entered into a contract prior to the effective date of this section that involves the sale of goods or services to a community school it sponsors, the sponsor shall not be required to comply with division (A) of this section with respect to that school until the expiration of the contract.

(2) If the sponsor of a community school is also the school district in which that community school is located, the sponsor may sell goods or services to that community school at no profit to the sponsor.

(3) If the sponsor of a community school is a state university, as defined in section 3345.011 of the Revised Code, the sponsor may sell services to that community school at no profit to the sponsor.

Section 3314.50 | Community school; bond.

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

No community school shall initiate operation unless the governing authority of the school has posted a bond in the amount of fifty thousand dollars with the auditor of state. The bond or cash guarantee shall be used, in the event the school closes, to pay the auditor of state any moneys owed or that become owed by the school for the costs of audits conducted by the auditor of state or a public accountant under Chapter 117. of the Revised Code.

The department of education and workforce shall notify the auditor of state of the proposed initiation of operations of any community school and shall provide the auditor of state with the certification of the sponsor of the community school of the compliance by the community school with all legal preconditions to the initiation of its operations, including compliance with this section.

In lieu of the bond, the school's sponsor or an operator that has a contract with the school may provide a written guarantee of payment, which shall obligate the school's sponsor or the operator that provides the written guarantee to pay the cost of audits of the school under this section up to the amount of fifty thousand dollars. Any such written guarantee shall be binding upon any successor entity that enters into a contract to sponsor or to operate the school, and any such entity, as a condition of its undertaking shall acknowledge and accept such obligation.

In the event that a sponsor or operator has provided a written guarantee under this section, and, subsequent to the provision of the guarantee, the governing authority of the school posts a bond under this section, the written guarantee shall cease to be of further effect.

The auditor of state shall notify the department when the school's governing authority has filed the bond or submitted a written guarantee of payment.

When the auditor of state conducts an audit of a community school that has closed and is subject to the requirements of this section, the auditor of state shall certify the amount of forfeiture to the attorney general, who shall assess the bond for the costs of the audit to reimburse the auditor of state or public accountant for costs incurred in conducting audits of the school.

To the extent that the amount of the bond is not needed to cover audit costs, the bond shall be of no further effect. When the auditor of state conducts an audit of a community school that has closed and is subject to the requirements of this section, and, as to which, a written guarantee has been given under this section, the entity that provided the guarantee shall be solely and fully liable for any such audit costs, and shall promptly pay the costs of the audit up to fifty thousand dollars.

No community school that is subject to the provisions of this section shall maintain or continue its operations absent the ongoing provision of a bond or a written guarantee as required by this section.

Last updated August 21, 2023 at 10:53 AM

Section 3314.51 | Unauditable community school.

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

(A) If the auditor of state or a public accountant, under section 117.41 of the Revised Code, declares a community school to be unauditable, the auditor of state shall provide written notification of that declaration to the school, the school's sponsor, 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 community 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 governing authority 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 school has an operator and the operator employs the fiscal officer, 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) Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in this chapter or in any other provision of law, the sponsor of the community school shall not enter into contracts with any additional community schools under section 3314.03 of the Revised Code between ninety days after the date of the declaration under division (A) of this section and the date the auditor of state or a public accountant has completed a financial audit of the school.

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

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

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

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

(E) If the community 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's sponsor 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's sponsor and the department that the audit has been completed.

(F) 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 (E) of this section that the community 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 community school, the department shall release all funds withheld from the school under this section.

Last updated August 21, 2023 at 11:02 AM

Section 3314.52 | 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 authority of a community 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 authority 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 designated fiscal officer or the designated 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 community 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 community school shall appear on each presentation instrument related to the account including cards and checks.

(C) If the designated fiscal officer of the community 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 authority shall appoint a compliance officer to perform the duties enumerated under division (D) of this section. Except a chief administrator of a community 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 a chief administrator acting as compliance officer has authority to use a credit card account, the governing authority monthly shall review the credit card account transaction detail and shall sign an attestation stating the governing authority reviewed the credit card account transaction detail. The designated 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 governing authority 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 designated 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 governing authority 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 community 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 authority constitutes misuse of a credit card account. An officer or employee of a community 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 authority violates section 2913.21 of the Revised Code.

(G) The designated fiscal officer or the designated fiscal officer's designee annually shall file a report with the governing authority detailing all rewards received based on the use of the community 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 3314.99 | Penalty.

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

(A) Whoever violates division (F) of section 3314.40 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 3314.40 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 3314.403 of the Revised Code is guilty of a misdemeanor of the first degree.