Rep. Adam Miller applauds House passage of bipartisan legislation to close teacher background check loophole, keep students safe

COLUMBUS –State Rep. Adam C. Miller (D-Columbus) today praised the House passage of House Bill (HB) 403, bipartisan legislation that would require schools to file a report with the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) when a teacher under investigation for misconduct retires. Under current law, schools are only required to report when a teacher under investigation resigns after threat of termination or nonrenewal of a contract.

“Closing the Background Check Retirement Loophole will protect students, parents and school districts,” said Rep. Miller. “A teacher who retires while under investigation would still have all their rights under law, but other districts would have a clearer picture of the circumstances and can make the best, most informed decision on hiring that teacher. Right now, districts, schools and parents can be left in the dark.”

Last year, an Ohio school district had five teachers resign and one retire while under investigation into alleged inappropriate behavior involving pictures and text messages about a student.  Closing the loophole would mandate all six teachers be treated the same and reported to the ODE.

HB 403 now moves to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.