STAND UP FOR OHIO’S CHILDREN : BE COUNTED! Here is what is at stake on Tuesday, November 11, 2014: Elementary school art Elementary school music Elementary school physical education School nurses School library media specialists School counselors School social workers The Ohio State Board of Education will vote to eliminate these education specialists positions from the Ohio Administrative Code

STAND UP FOR OHIO’S CHILDREN: BE COUNTED! On November 11, 2014, the Ohio State Board of Education will vote on changes to the Ohio Administrative Code: Standards for School Districts and Schools – K-12. One of these changes, Ohio Administrative Code Chapter : Faculty and Staff Focus has serious implications for the education of the whole child. Ohio Administrative Code Chapter : Faculty and Staff Focus that makes provisions for elementary art, music, physical education as well as school nurses, library media specialists, school counselors, school social workers in K-12 schools will be eliminated. Why does this matter?

STAND UP FOR OHIO’S CHILDREN: BE COUNTED! Four of these educational specialists positions are teachers whose special training helps prepare your child to be college and career ready by high school graduation. Library Media Specialists Elementary art, music and physical education teacher

STAND UP FOR OHIO’S CHILDREN: BE COUNTED! Three of these educational specialist positions help your child with his or her emotional and physical well-being. School Nurse School Counselor School Social Worker

STAND UP FOR OHIO’S CHILDREN: BE COUNTED! Here is the text of Ohio Administrative Code Chapter (5 of 8) that is in place now: A minimum of five full-time equivalent service personnel shall be employed district-wide for each one thousand students in the regular student population as defined in section of the Revised Code. (a) Educational service personnel shall be assigned to at least five of the eight following areas: counselor, library media specialist, school nurse, visiting teacher, social worker and elementary art, music and physical education. (b) Educational service personnel assigned to elementary art, music and physical education shall hold the special teaching certificate or multi-age licensure in the subject to which they are assigned. School districts receiving the school nurse wellness coordinator factor and school district health professional factor funds pursuant to section of the Revised Code shall give preference to hiring licensed school nurses.

STAND UP FOR OHIO’S CHILDREN: BE COUNTED! Without the existence of Ohio Administrative Code Chapter , the educational services personnel listed in as well as teachers are concerned that local school boards and administrators will see this as an opportunity to eliminate elementary art, music, physical education, school counselors, library media specialists, school nurses, and social workers. The new language reads: Educational service personnel are credentialed staff with the knowledge, skills and expertise to support the educational, Instructional, health, mental health and college/career readiness needs of students.

STAND UP FOR OHIO’S CHILDREN: BE COUNTED! Here is what we are asking of Ohio parents and friends of K-12 public education: Attend the State Board of Education meeting on Tuesday, November 11, The meeting will be at the OSBA Capitol Conference at the Columbus Convention Center. The official Board meeting will start around 9:30 a.m. Send an to any member of the State Board of Education ( s provided as attachment). The message: As parents, caretakers, Ohio citizens we are concerned that the State Board of Education is rushing to adopt the proposed changes in the Operating Standards without due consideration as to how these changes will affect teaching and learning. The State Board of Education’s goal should be to create a quality public school system; not strip expectations of what schools should provide. It is widely acknowledged that the education of the whole child requires specialists in the full range of human development and academic disciplines. Include in your message evidence of your own child’s success as a result of these specialists.

STAND UP FOR OHIO’S CHILDREN: BE COUNTED! Thank you. If you need further information or clarification, please contact me: Susan D. Yutzey, PhD 2014 OELMA President BE COUNTED!