Briefs: Education bill co-sponsored by Sen. Mark Romanchuk passes Ohio Senate

Proposed bill would overhaul Ohio Department of Education and Board of Education

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Senate has passed Senate Bill 1, co-sponsored by State Senator Mark Romanchuk (R-Ontario), a historic overhaul and realignment of the responsibilities and duties of the Department of Education (ODE) and State Board of Education.

Among the changes, the bill would rename ODE as the Department of Education and Workforce (DEW.) The State School board would still exist but most of its powers and duties, and those of the Superintendent of Public Instruction, would be transferred to DEW.

This new department, DEW, would be a cabinet agency with a director nominated by the governor, subject to the Senate’s advise and consent approval. That would put DEW under the authority and supervision of the Executive Branch, and its director would be subject to a vote of approval by the Ohio Senate.

The effort to reform the organizational structure of the Department of Education has been discussed and supported by both Republican and Democrat administrations for decades.

Senate Bill 1 will now be considered by the Ohio House.

Area Agency on Aging accepting applications for social isolation grants

The Ohio District 5 Area Agency on Aging, Inc. is offering grant opportunities to address social isolation among Richland County seniors.

Older adults are at increased risk for loneliness and social isolation because they are more likely to face factors such as living alone, the loss of family or friends, chronic illness, and hearing loss.

The purpose of these grants is to provide funding to organizations that demonstrate the ability to reach and support Richland County seniors (those age 60 and older) with innovative and effective methods for combatting social isolation. This funding opportunity is made possible by the Richland County senior services levy. There is no required match by awardees.

Successful applicants will demonstrate a clear and innovative plan for how they will interact and engage with at-risk seniors in group settings throughout the course of the year. Awardees can receive up to $10,000 to fund their project. Funding period is April 1 through Dec. 31, 2023.

The deadline to apply is 4 p.m. Friday. To apply, visit aaa5ohio.org. If you have questions, contact Kim Mercer, quality and planning manager, at 567-247-3479 or at kmercer@aaa5ohio.org.

Upcoming meetings:

● Crestview Local Board of Education special meeting, 6 p.m. Tuesday, Board of Education conference room, 1575 Ohio 96, Ashland

● Shelby City Schools LPDC Committee, 3:30 p.m., Wednesday, Shelby High School conference room, 1 Whippet Way, Shelby

This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: Sen. Mark Romanchuk bill overhauling education department passes