Rep. Brennan Condemns Blocking of Charter School Ethics Rule, Calls Move "A Step Backward for Transparency"

COLUMBUS —  State Rep. Sean Patrick Brennan (D-Parma) today issued the following statement in response to reports that top Republican legislative leaders pressured the Ohio Ethics Commission to halt a rule requiring financial disclosures by charter school governing board members:

“This decision is deeply disappointing and sends the wrong message to Ohio taxpayers. When nearly $1.6 billion in public education dollars are at stake, transparency should not be optional - it should be the bare minimum,” said Rep. Brennan.

The halted rule would have required charter school governing authorities to disclose sources of income, investments, and gifts - a standard already applied to many public officials who oversee taxpayer-funded institutions.

Rep. Brennan noted the clear double standard being applied:

“Public school superintendents and treasurers are required to file financial disclosures regardless of district size. Yet charter school board members who oversee massive public funding streams are being shielded from the same accountability. That’s not fairness - that’s favoritism,” concluded Rep. Brennan.

Rep. Brennan also raised concerns about the growing pattern of limiting oversight of publicly funded education programs.