BASA Member Update 2.28.2020

HOT TOPICS

Don’t Pay For That School Bus (YET)! House Bill 166, the budget bill, provides $20 million for school districts to purchase school buses. Using these funds to help address the aging Ohio school bus fleet, ODE, in collaboration with the Ohio Department of Public Safety, will be implementing a School Bus Purchase Program for the 2020-2021 school year. Information on districts that qualify for funding will be issued by ODE on or before March 20, 2020. If districts have ordered a bus (or buses), they can apply forthcoming funds to that purchase if they have not already applied any payment to the new purchase(s). It is advised that, if possible, districts wait until ODE comes out with their guidance on or before March 20 to determine whether they will be receiving funds that can be applied to a current or future order. State Legislative Conference The annual State Legislative Conference will be held on Wednesday, March 18 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Cost is $145/person. The conference will be held at the Sheraton Columbus at Capitol Square and includes lunch. The 2020 State Legislative Conference provides school board members, administrators, and treasurers a great venue to meet with their state legislators and discuss issues impacting public education. It is a golden opportunity to get the message out on the importance of investing in a strong public school system and putting a local face on these issues. During the morning session, school district leaders will hear briefings on proposed legislation that can be used in discussions with their legislators later that day. Attendees also will hear from legislative leaders about their respective views on public education and other legislative priorities. Attendees are urged to schedule office appointments between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to meet individually with their legislators and aides following the luncheon. We also encourage you to extend a personal invitation to them to attend the luncheon. To register Visit www.ohioschoolboards.org/workshops or email Laurie Miller at Lmiller@ ohioschoolboards.org.