The bill introduced by Representative Fowler Arthur establishes a small district magnet community school pilot program in Ohio, specifically targeting school districts with fewer than 1,000 students. It amends sections 5705.03, 5705.215, and 5705.31 of the Revised Code and enacts new sections 3314.31, 5705.316, and 5748.11. The program is designed to enhance educational flexibility by allowing for multi-grade classrooms and personalized instruction, with a commitment to operate for a minimum of three years and a maximum of five years. The Department of Education and Workforce will oversee the program, approving applications and providing state funding akin to that of community schools. Notably, participating districts are exempt from certain tax resolution requirements under section 5705.03, as the board of education will not be required to adopt a resolution under this section.

Additionally, the bill introduces amendments regarding the taxation authority of county school financing districts, allowing school boards to propose reductions in property tax rates when a tax is levied by the financing district. The proposed reductions must be detailed in a resolution certified to the tax commissioner and county auditor, and districts are not required to match the tax proposals of other districts. The voting process for tax levies and reductions is also outlined, requiring a combined ballot issue for all electors in the financing district. If a tax levy is approved, any proposed tax reductions from school districts are automatically approved as well. The bill further allows school districts to resume their original tax rates if the county school financing district tax is decreased or repealed, without it being considered a new tax exceeding the ten-mill limitation.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 5705.03, 5705.215, 5705.31