State Rep Mike Loychik: 'It is important that we give voters information that will allow them to make an informed decision'

State Representative Mike Loychik is serving his second term in the Ohio House of Representatives. | https://ohiohouse.gov/members/mike-loychik/biography

By Buckeye Reporter Report

Sep 15, 2023

State Representative Mike Loychik is pushing for more transparency in Ohio's education system. He has introduced a bill that would require candidates running for state and local boards of education to disclose their political affiliations. This information would determine whether they participate in primaries or appear on nonpartisan ballots. The goal is to give voters a clearer understanding of candidates' platforms, especially when it comes to matters concerning educational opportunities for children.

Joining Representative Loychik in this effort is State Representative Sarah Fowler Arthur, who has introduced House Bill 235. This bill aims to make all members of the State Board of Education elected officials with party labels. Representative Arthur argues that this move would increase transparency and accountability within the board. The bill also proposes a gradual transition to an all-elected, partisan State Board of Education based on congressional districts, with the first elections taking place in 2024 and full implementation by 2027. Additionally, the bill suggests moving board member elections from the nonpartisan ballot to align with the member's political party.

However, not everyone agrees with introducing partisanship into education governance. Some legislators question the necessity of this move, expressing concerns about potential polarization and the impact on the education system. They argue that the focus should be on the qualifications and abilities of candidates, rather than their political affiliations.

The Ohio Department of Education, guided by the superintendent of public instruction and overseen by the State Board of Education, is committed to realizing Ohio's educational vision. Their strategic plan, "Each Child, Our Future," aims to prepare all of Ohio's 1.7 million students for a successful post-high school journey. With a focus on equity and impact, the department collaborates with educators and partners statewide to continuously enhance schools and districts. Their innovative approach to education has gained recognition within Ohio and nationally, leading to the success of students, communities, and the state as a whole.

In conclusion, Representative Loychik and Representative Arthur are advocating for increased transparency and accountability in Ohio's education system. While their proposed bills aim to provide voters with more information about candidates' platforms, there are concerns about introducing partisanship into education governance. The Ohio Department of Education continues to work towards their vision of preparing all students for a fulfilling future, focusing on equity and collaboration. The proposed bills will undergo further consideration and public testimony in the House.

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Ohio State Representative Sarah Fowler Arthur, a Republican, has introduced House Bill 235, aiming to make all members of the State Board of Education in Ohio elected officials with party labels, citing the need for transparency and accountability. The bill seeks to reinstitute public hearings and testimony on education rules and regulations, which have been shifted away from the State Board of Education to an unelected bureaucratic agency process, and it proposes a gradual transition to an all-elected, partisan State Board of Education based on congressional districts, with the first elections in 2024 and full implementation by 2027. Additionally, the bill would move board member elections from the nonpartisan ballot to align with the member's political party, subjecting them to primaries and potentially increasing voter exposure and vetting opportunities. However, some legislators question the necessity of introducing partisanship into education governance.

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The Ohio Department of Education comprises a diverse group of dedicated education professionals committed to realizing Ohio's educational vision, as outlined in "Each Child, Our Future," the state's strategic plan. This vision aims to challenge and prepare every one of Ohio's 1.7 million students for a fulfilling post-high school journey and to nurture them into resilient, lifelong learners who contribute to society. Guided by the superintendent of public instruction and overseen by the State Board of Education, the department collaborates with over 240,000 educators and various partners statewide to continuously enhance schools and districts, with a central focus on equity and impact. Their innovative and forward-looking approach to education is recognized both within Ohio and nationally, ultimately leading to the success of students, communities, and the state as a whole.

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A bill introduced in the Ohio House, House Bill 235, with the support of GOP members aims to reduce the size of Ohio's State Board of Education and phase out governor-appointed positions. Sponsored by State Rep. Sarah Fowler Arthur, the legislation proposes reducing the 19-member board to 15 by 2027, gradually eliminating the eight positions appointed by the governor starting in 2025. Additionally, the bill suggests that state board elections may require candidates to declare a political party, a departure from the board's historical nonpartisan status. The bill will undergo committee consideration and public testimony in the House.

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