1. United States
2. Ohio
3. Letter

I am writing to express my strong support for the proposed amendments to Ohio Revised Code sections 3314.03 and 3326.11, which would establish critical support systems for students in foster care across Ohio's education system. This legislation addresses a significant gap in educational support by requiring every school district, community school, and STEM school to designate a local foster care education liaison. These liaisons would serve as dedicated points of contact responsible for coordinating with child placing agencies, facilitating immediate enrollment and records transfer, and ensuring students in foster care receive the stability and resources they need to succeed academically. The bill takes a comprehensive approach by establishing Section 3301.96, which requires state education officials and the chancellor of higher education to collaborate on sharing best practices and posting resources publicly. Importantly, the chancellor must include information about scholarship opportunities at state institutions for foster care students, helping to extend support beyond K-12 education. Students in foster care face unique challenges that can disrupt their education, including frequent school changes, delayed enrollment, and gaps in academic records. By creating designated liaisons with specific duties including managing transportation arrangements, resolving disputes about school placement, and providing professional development for school personnel, this legislation creates accountability and ensures no student falls through the cracks. The liaison structure outlined in Section 3313.475 establishes ten clear responsibilities, from coordinating with custodial agencies to making best interest determinations about whether students should remain in their school of origin. This systematic approach recognizes that educational stability is crucial for foster care students who often experience significant disruption in other areas of their lives. I urge you to support this bipartisan legislation. Creating these support structures demonstrates Ohio's commitment to ensuring every student, regardless of their living situation, has access to a quality education and the resources needed to thrive.