Ohio Education Bill Shifts Power and Teens’ Work Rules
The Ohio governor signed a comprehensive education law that reshapes the state's educational governance and updates regulations for young workers.
Key Provisions
State Board Expansion
The State Board of Education will grow from five to seven members, reversing the previous year's reduction. New appointments are made by the governor and confirmed by the Senate.Military Service Protection
Local school board members who serve in the military retain their positions, even when absent. The law specifically addresses a dispute involving an active‑duty board member in Parma, allowing her continued participation without removal. Virtual meetings are not authorized for the board.Youth Labor Flexibility
Teenagers aged 14 and 15 may now work later on Fridays and Saturdays—up to 9 p.m.—with parental and school approval, a compromise after earlier attempts to restrict them to 8 p.m.
- Truancy Enforcement
Juvenile courts can continue monitoring students who regularly skip school into the next academic year. Habitual truancy is defined as: - Five consecutive unexcused days
- Seven unexcused days in a month
Twelve unexcused days in a year
Charter School Accountability
Charter schools serving up to third grade must close if they rank in the lowest five percent on a state performance index for three consecutive years. For schools serving older students, closures are replaced by a phased‑out approach based on grades and growth metrics.
Legislative Journey
- Senate: 23‑9 vote
- House: 63‑25 vote
The law reflects a blend of governance reform, military service respect, youth labor accommodation, truancy oversight, and charter school accountability—all aimed at strengthening Ohio’s educational system.
