Representatives Manchester, Jones Introduce Local Control Legislation

COLUMBUS – State Reps. Susan Manchester (R-Waynesfield) and Don Jones (R-Freeport) today announced the introduction of legislation that protects local control for school districts during a pandemic.

“School districts are best suited to make decisions that will ensure our students are taught in a safe and conducive learning environment,” said Manchester.

Under the bill, any orders or rules from the Department of Health would not supersede a decision made by a school district.

“Each school district has different challenges, and this legislation abandons a one-size-fits-all approach,” added Jones.

In April, Manchester and Jones wrote a letter to Governor DeWine advocating for local control in order for schools to hold non-traditional graduation ceremonies.

“Local control is a hallmark of our great state, and school districts must be allowed to make decisions for themselves,” the letter said. “School districts across our state vary in size, as well as in their ability to hold nontraditional high school graduation ceremonies.”

The legislation's introduction follows the Governor's recent one-size-fits-all policy announcements requiring the use of masks in schools across the state of Ohio.

The legislation was filed with the House Clerk’s office this morning and awaits a bill number.