The bill amends the Revised Code to enhance the operations of educational service centers and streamline the process for school district property sales. Key provisions include requiring school districts to first offer real property to governing authorities of high-performing community schools before considering other educational entities. It establishes a structured process for property sales, prioritizing educational service centers if no high-performing community schools express interest. Additionally, the bill allows for the donation of unneeded or obsolete property to eligible nonprofit organizations, ensuring transparency and adherence to ethical standards.

Furthermore, the legislation introduces an educational service center facilities assistance program, enabling the Ohio facilities construction commission to provide financial support for acquiring facilities used by educational service centers. It also creates a revolving loan fund to assist with financing for the acquisition, construction, or renovation of facilities dedicated to direct student services. The bill outlines requirements for school districts to enter into agreements with educational service centers for various services, mandates filing these agreements with the department of education and workforce, and establishes eligibility for grant programs focused on school facility health, safety, and welfare. Existing sections of the Revised Code that are no longer applicable are repealed to streamline the legal framework governing educational service centers.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3312.01, 3313.41, 3313.413, 3313.843