Driehaus' bipartisan Community Learning Center bill passes Ohio House

The Ohio House favorably passed Rep. Denise Driehaus’ (D-Cincinnati) bipartisan legislation, House Bill 70, today. Based on Cincinnati’s Community Learning Centers (CLCs), the model would allow any Ohio school to work with parents and community members to provide supplemental services for students such as on-site healthcare, dental care, tutoring, recreation and mental health services. 

“To make sure our children succeed, we must address the academic and non-academic needs of students and families,” said Rep. Driehaus. “Through developing local partnerships and gathering community input, the CLC model allows schools to transform their buildings beyond their traditional purpose to become a true focal point for the community.”     

HB 70 brings families, residents, students, educators and business leaders together to review the strengths and needs of their individual communities to decide how best to support students and their families. Together, the group decides which services are important for children in the neighborhood. Public-private partnerships are a key element to the CLCs.  The partners use their own dollars to provide services so that no additional education funding is necessary. 

Core principles in forming a CLC commonly include fostering strong partnerships, sharing accountability for better results, setting high expectations for all, building on the community’s strength and embracing diversity while avoiding a “one-size-fits-all” approach.  

HB 70 now goes to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.