The Graduation Readiness and Development (GRAD) Act aims to improve exit orientation programs for eleventh and twelfth-grade students in Ohio's public high schools. The bill mandates the Department of Education and Workforce to establish rules and guidelines for these programs by June 1, 2026, which will cover essential topics such as federal student loans, grant programs for higher education, local internships, and vocational training opportunities. Additionally, it designates September as "Workforce Development Month," requiring each school district to host an exit orientation program featuring presentations from labor organizations, military branches, and local businesses. The bill also amends existing sections of the Revised Code and introduces new sections, ensuring local boards of education are involved in planning these programs and that they align with local labor market needs.

Moreover, the GRAD Act includes significant amendments to the Revised Code regarding community schools, enhancing oversight and compliance measures. It grants the Department the authority to suspend a school's operation if there is imminent danger to students and staff, and the sponsor does not take action. The bill outlines requirements for community schools, including the submission of comprehensive governance and operational plans, public accessibility of attendance policies, and adherence to privacy laws when sharing records. It also ensures financial accountability for loans made by the school's operator and mandates compliance with existing laws related to STEM and college-preparatory boarding schools, while repealing outdated sections of the Revised Code to streamline the legal framework governing community schools.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3314.03, 3326.11, 3328.24