COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Board of Education voted Monday to eliminate school-staffing requirements that critics argue will allow districts to get rid of music and art teachers, librarians, counselors and other staff.
READ MORE: In the Columbus Dispatch
After lengthy debate, the board voted to abolish the so-called “5 of 8” rule.
Supporters argue that the mandate was outdated and school administrators and superintendents who had sought the change were best positioned to make staffing decisions for their districts.
Opponents, including teachers and parents, have said cash-strapped schools will eliminate teachers and staff in areas not relevant to state standardized tests.
Earlier Monday during public testimony to the board, former board president Debe Terhar said she supports the rule change to allow local control. However, she said funding for schools is insufficient and called for broader discussion and ultimately legislation defining “what it takes to educate the whole child.”
Andrew Hall, superintendent of Wadsworth School District, testified that he supports doing away with the rule because local districts need flexibility on staffing decisions. He said he values art and music teachers and other positions but because of budget constraints, the district had to get rid of librarians.
According to the Columbus Dispatch, several board members said they were concerned that without the staffing rule those types of budget problems would clear the way for districts to get rid of the positions. Roslyn Painter-Goffi, a board member from Strongsville, suggested keeping the rule and working to find the needed funds to pay for the positions.
The rule is “a safety net” to ensure students receive a well-rounded education, said Scott DiMauro, a Worthington social studies teacher and Vice President of the Ohio Education