Miller bill ending school takeover process passes in Ohio House

State Rep. Joe Miller (D-Amherst) today announced the House passage of House Bill (HB) 154, a bipartisan bill introduced with state Rep. Don Jones (R-Freeport) that seeks to end state takeovers of Ohio schools and restore local control to education officials over the school improvement process.

“It’s heartening to see HB 154 pass in bipartisan fashion, but our work is far from done,” said Miller, a joint-sponsor of the bill. “For too long, top-down, unaccountable school takeovers have failed to provide struggling schools with the support they need. Today’s vote is an important step in restoring Ohio’s promise of living the America Dream right here at home, which starts with ensuring our kids receive a quality education so they can learn important skills to live a better life.”

HB 154 would dissolve Academic Distress Commissions in favor of a building-based, bottom-up reform model. Under HB 154, school improvement teams made up of community stakeholders would work alongside state leaders to develop and implement a new plan based on proven models of success.

The bill now moves to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.