What does the new Ohio Senate Bill 208 military school choice mean for Military families?
Impact of Ohio Senate Bill 208 Military School Choice on Military Families
Reflecting on the recent Memorial Day holiday and thinking about how much our military families have sacrificed and continue to do so, I wanted to draw attention to Senate Bill 208 which was passed by the Ohio Senate on May 22, 2024. State Sen. Kristina Roegner, R-Hudson is credited with being the primary sponsor of the bill and says that it was brought to her attention as an issue of great importance by the Department of Defense.
“Military families are at a disadvantage when it comes to enrollment options available to their children, due to the timing of military directed moves,” said Shane Preston, Great Lakes Region Liaison for the U.S. Department of Defense, in written testimony. “Military families move frequently and change school systems upwards of 10 times prior to graduation.”
Key Provisions of the new proposed Ohio Senate Bill
Ohio Senate Bill 208 military school choice allows military personnel the opportunity to enroll their children in almost any Ohio public school regardless of the district they live in. Ohio law for school districts enrollments permits three options. Typically, the district can only accept students who live within the district, but they can permit students from adjoining districts, or they can allow an open policy meaning any one can register.
Roegner said that this recently passed bill would only apply to school districts that do not allow open enrollment or do not accept students from neighboring districts. In addition, if a district is already at capacity, they would be able to decline an application.
In order to qualify for this at least one of the student’s parents must be a member of the U.S. Armed forces. Under this exception the school district cannot charge tuition expenses for military families that apply. “In Ohio we’re very good at expressing our gratitude for those who serve, and Senate Bill 208 is one more way that we can do this,” Roegner said.
Transportation Challenges Under The New Ohio Bill
Bussing is an issue however. Ohio law dictates that if a student who does not live within the district needs transportation, unless the student is disabled, they do not need to add additional stops to accommodate out of district individuals.
State Sen. Catherine Ingram, D-Cincinnati who was a supporter of Ohio Senate Bill 208 military school choice says that she hopes that all public schools can rise to higher level. “Hopefully at some point, all of our schools will be good enough for students to go to anywhere where they move and live,” she said. “Because that’s what makes neighborhoods better, when people can go to school where they live.”
Click here to read Ohio Senate Bill 208 military school choice. We will keep you updated on the status of this proposed law.
Questions About The Military School Choice Ohio Bill?
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Attorney Robert “Chip” Mues has been focusing his legal practice throughout Southwest Ohio primarily in divorce and family law matters since 1978. Chip is passionate about family law and has proudly published the Ohio Family Law Blog since 2007. In addition, he is the managing partner of Holzfaster, Cecil, McKnight & Mues. To learn more about him or the law firm, visit the firm’s website at www.hcmmlaw.com. Appointments are available in person, over the phone or by Zoom. Call us at 937 293-2141.
