The bill amends section 3313.97 of the Revised Code to update the policies regarding intradistrict open enrollment for school districts in Ohio. Key changes include the replacement of the term "deadlines" with "timelines" for application procedures, and the removal of the requirement for establishing capacity limits based on education programs. Instead, school districts are now required to determine and post the number of remaining vacancies in each grade level and school building on their websites every twelve weeks. Additionally, the bill mandates that school districts continue to approve applications for alternative schools that have not reached their capacity limits and gives preference to students already enrolled or living in the attendance area of the school.

Further provisions include the prohibition of rejecting applicants based on residential address, race, gender, religion, or socioeconomic status, and the requirement for school boards to provide information about the open enrollment policy to parents and the public. The bill also introduces an appeals process for parents or guardians whose applications are denied, requiring the Department of Education and Workforce to respond within ninety days. Lastly, the bill mandates annual reporting by school districts on open enrollment applications, including the total number received, accepted, and denied, along with the reasons for any denials, which will be published by the department on its website.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3313.97