The bill amends sections 3314.01, 3314.02, and 3314.032 of the Revised Code and enacts section 3314.0111 to prohibit for-profit operators of community schools in Ohio, effective July 1, 2028. It requires for-profit operators to notify the governing authority of their compliance with the transition to nonprofit status by January 1, 2027. If they do not comply, the governing authority must find a new educational service center to take over operations by July 1, 2027, or the school will close by the end of the 2027-2028 school year. The bill also clarifies the definitions and roles of sponsors and operators, ensuring that only nonprofit organizations or educational service centers can operate community schools.

Additionally, the bill establishes criteria for serving on the governing authority of community schools, including restrictions based on financial disputes, criminal convictions, and prior employment with sponsoring entities. It mandates criminal background checks for governing authority members and requires them to file annual disclosure statements regarding immediate relatives or business associates. The bill also sets forth new provisions for contracts between community schools and operators, including criteria for early termination and ownership of school facilities. It requires independent verification of property lease agreements and outlines the governing authority's responsibilities in budget adoption, while repealing existing sections of the Revised Code that are replaced by these new provisions.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 3314.01, 3314.02, 3314.032