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Bill to clamp down on Ohio charter schools OK’d
By Marc Kovac
COLUMBUS
The Ohio House moved legislation Thursday aimed at clamping down on poor-performing charter schools.
The vote on House Bill 2 was a split 70-25, with many Democrats opposing it, saying the package doesn’t go far enough.
The legislation was prompted by concerns about charter-school oversight.
Rep. Mike Dovilla, R- Berea, a primary co-sponsor, said charter-school enrollment has grown from about 2,200 students at 15 locations in 1999 to 120,000-plus students at about 400 charters today.
“Although community schools provide an important option for many Ohio students, there is an inconsistency with regard to the overall quality of community schools,” Dovilla said. “HB 2 offers viable and comprehensive improvements to Ohio’s community schools.”
Among other provisions, the legislation calls for the Ohio Department of Education to publish an annual report on charter-school performance.
It also would block charters from switching sponsors if they receive low scores on the state performance index, unless they first receive approval from the state.
Additionally, the legislation requires charter schools’ attendance policies to be open for public review and that charter governing board members file annual disclosures of immediate relatives and recent business associates. The names of governing board members would have to be published on school websites.
Democrats unsuccessfully attempted a number of amendments, including one that would have opened charter operator books to increased public scrutiny.
The legislation is one of several efforts under way to address charter-school accountability. Gov. John Kasich included charter provisions in his biennial budget proposal, and the Ohio Senate is considering reform measures.
Earlier this year, Republican state Auditor Dave Yost released a study his office completed showing attendance rates at charters that auditors visited fell well below enrollment reported to the state. Since Yost took office, more than 20 people connected with charters have been convicted of crimes.