COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio state school board is expected to hold a preliminary vote on a policy change some say would let districts eliminate art, gym and other classes.
At issue is the “5 of 8 rule” governing districts’ minimum staffing requirements for elementary art, music and physical education teachers, counselors, librarians, nurses, social workers and visiting teachers.
The vote Tuesday involves a proposal to eliminate the mandate that schools must have five of eight of those positions staffed for every 1,000 students enrolled. Some fear the change would allow elementary schools to do away with those classes and support staff.
“To reduce the guarantee for these specialists is shuffling a deck of cards and really playing gin rummy with our kids, very concerned about what lies ahead if this language is loosened and diluted” said Maureen Reedy, co-founder of Ohio Friends of Public Education and Public Education Partners.
Several teachers and students joined with Reedy to rally outside the Department of Education Monday to protest.
Some argue the rule is out of date and eliminating it would give districts control to conduct their own staffing assessments and needs, and determine what positions they want to fill.
“Each individual school district knows what their needs are. I think if you look at it most districts probably far and away exceed the minimum number of required educators in those areas. But in any case, it’s up to the district,” Ohio Department of Education spokesman John Charlton said.
Even if the requirement is removed, state law requires districts to offer a curriculum that includes fine arts, music, and physical education, but there will be no state minimums.
A final vote isn’t expected until March.