State Senator Sandra O'Brien | The Ohio Senate
State Senator Sandra O'Brien | The Ohio Senate
State Senator Sandra O'Brien has expressed her support for House Bill 43, which has been passed by the Ohio Senate. This legislation aims to aid seniors in the Ashtabula City School District to graduate amid severe disruptions from winter snowstorms.
Senator O'Brien stated, "Devastating circumstances should not be something that prohibit students from receiving their diplomas." She added that House Bill 43 ensures that seniors can graduate on schedule and that Ashtabula City Schools will remain eligible for state funding in the next academic year. "Emergency waivers for schools have previously been granted in similar circumstances as no contingency plan could have covered this kind of emergency."
The bill allows for a waiver of the minimum required hours for student graduation and the district's funding, due to the unique and severe weather conditions. Instead of completing the usual hours, seniors will take a state competency assessment administered by the Department of Education and Workforce to qualify for graduation.
House Bill 43 is now awaiting the Governor's signature.
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