Ohio School Board Sues State Over Education Law Empowering Legislature: Lawsuit Challenges Restructuring of Education Department

Ohio School Board sues the state over education law that empowers legislature

The Ohio Board of Education’s powers will be stripped as the education department is restructured into the Department of Education & Workforce.

Lt. Gov. Jon Husted believes the restructuring is necessary due to the State School Board’s ineffectiveness.

The lawsuit filed by the Ohio School Board alleges that the restructuring violates the Ohio constitution and will eliminate transparency.

Both sides express concerns about accountability, with Lt. Gov. Husted blaming the State School Board and Teresa Fedor, a member of the Ohio School Board, holding the Governor’s office accountable.

Ohio School Board Sues State Over Education Law Empowering Legislature

The Ohio School Board has filed a lawsuit against the state over an education law that empowers the legislature. The law, which restructures the education department and strips the Ohio Board of Education’s powers, is set to take effect on October 3. Lt. Gov. Jon Husted supports the restructuring, citing the State School Board’s inability to pass resolutions and hire a new State Superintendent. However, the lawsuit, filed by seven school board members, argues that the restructuring violates the Ohio constitution and will eliminate transparency in the decision-making process.

Concerns about Transparency and Accountability

Teresa Fedor, a member of the Ohio School Board and one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, expresses concerns about the elimination of transparency. She believes that the restructuring will hinder public involvement and accountability, stating that the process of turning laws into rules, regulations, and standards for Ohio schools will no longer be public. Fedor argues that this lack of transparency is undemocratic and authoritarian.

Both sides agree that accountability is important, but they differ on who should be held accountable. Lt. Gov. Husted blames the State School Board for their inability to get work done, while Fedor believes that the Governor’s office should be held accountable instead.

A hearing on the lawsuit is scheduled for Thursday afternoon. The outcome of this case will have a significant impact on Ohio families and the education system in the state.

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