The bill introduces a model success sequence and character education curriculum for grades seven through twelve in Ohio, which the Department of Education and Workforce is required to develop by January 1, 2026. This curriculum will focus on the importance of completing high school, securing full-time employment, and marrying before having children, while also teaching character traits such as trustworthiness, responsibility, and respect for authority. School districts must create their own curricula based on this model, involving input from parents, educators, and community leaders. Additionally, the bill allows school boards to offer after-school programs that align with this curriculum, including philosophical, historical, traditional, or religious justifications, while ensuring parental consent and maintaining a list of approved programs.

The bill also amends existing laws related to community schools, requiring them to outline educational programs, academic goals, and performance standards in their contracts with sponsors. It mandates that these schools maintain financial records similar to traditional districts and undergo regular audits, while also introducing new requirements for student residency verification and attendance notification. Notably, the bill includes the insertion of section 3313.6031, which pertains to compliance or operational standards for community schools. Furthermore, it amends laws governing STEM and college-preparatory boarding schools, ensuring they comply with a comprehensive list of regulations and repealing several existing sections to streamline the legal framework for these institutions.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3313.60, 3314.03, 3326.11, 3328.24