Sherine R. Tambyraja

Future Forward Ohio outlines the state's strategic priorities for student recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. The plan is structured around three coordinating strategies: Overcoming Obstacles to Learning, Accelerating Learning, and Preparing Students for Future Success. These strategies aim to address barriers to learning, provide effective educational opportunities, and facilitate student transitions to future stages, supported by federal COVID-19 relief funding.

The commission meeting addressed several agenda items across multiple divisions. For the electric division, motions to dismiss complaints with prejudice were granted for three cases (17791, 18736, 25587), and a motion to dismiss without prejudice for failure to prosecute was granted for case 25812. Case 24106 resulted in the approval of AAP Ohio's proposed tariff language subject to staff recommendations. The commission adopted staff's proposed uniform reporting standards for distribution system hosting capacity maps in case 25765. Approval was granted for American Transmission Systems Incorporated's application for long-term financing authority (case 25980E). The results of an auction for generation supply for standard service offer customers of AP Ohio were accepted (case 231097). For the gas division, applications for certification to provide competitive retail electric and natural gas service were approved for early bird power and new energy consultants (cases 1404, 25932). Amended rules regarding revised code sections were adopted (case 25729). Annual writer audits were initiated for Duke Energy Ohio, Embridge Gas Ohio, Centerpoint Energy Ohio, and Columbia Gas of Ohio (cases 26218 through 26221). In the water division, a rehearing application filed by the Ohio Consumers Council was denied (case 24798). The transportation division addressed multiple cases where the commission found staff met the burden of proof regarding violations of transportation regulations and directed respondents to pay civil forfeitures (cases 241015, 2520, 25833). Settlements and dismissals were approved for other transportation cases (cases 25749, 25861, 251074, 25118, 24598). Finally, staff's motion to dismiss a complaint due to resolved issues was granted (case 25183). Authorization was granted to relocate and replace warning devices at a grade crossing in Mahoning County (case 241049). The commission also directed identified drivers, motor carriers, and shippers in default to pay forfeitures or provide justification (case 26147).

This document outlines Ohio's plan to raise literacy achievement from birth through Grade 12. It is structured around a theory of action that includes five core components: shared leadership, multi-tiered systems of support, building teacher capacity, fostering family engagement, and promoting community collaboration. The plan's vision is to leverage literacy acquisition and achievement for overall school improvement, emphasizing the implementation of evidence-based systems and instructional practices to enhance learner achievement across all content areas and age levels.

The meeting centered on updates and resources for technology coordinators. Key discussions included procedural reminders for submitting applications for the Broadband Ohio Connectivity Grant, emphasizing the need for correct assurance/insurance pages and original applications for reimbursement. Updates were provided regarding the upcoming phase-out of the legacy accounting and payroll software (ending 2022) and the necessary migration to 'Redesign' or 'E-Finance Plus'. Significant focus was placed on remote learning resources, including the heavily discounted Zoom licensing ($7 per teacher per year), the $50 million broadband grant initiative fueled by the CARES Act, and the introduction of the Remote EdX project. Remote EdX encompasses support for connectivity champions (20 individuals tasked with solving family/school connectivity issues), the Exchange (state-level tools), the Support Squad (concierge services via ESCs), and a collaborative fund for micro-grants. Other topics covered ITC services such as EMIS training, Voice Services Tech Art for security awareness, specialized reporting, and the importance of accurate documentation for the JFS Child Nutrition Program due to potential PEVT data collections.

Key discussions focused on OH|ID issues, directing users to the Student Manual and help desk for account creation, as the adult options team lacks access to this information. Regarding the Adult Diploma Program, the utilization of a prior 12-point industry-recognized credential to fulfill program requirements was reviewed, requiring prior approval for such cases. Updates were provided on the draft rules for the Competency-Based Educational Program, with the public comment period closing on February 15, 2026. Enrollment deadlines for FY26 were reiterated, emphasizing no carry-over students for FY27. Current participant numbers (102 awarded, 158 accepted) were reviewed, noting that inactive or unengaged students should be terminated to return funds to provider buckets. FY26 provider buckets will be reevaluated in the spring, with approximately $500,000 in unencumbered funds statewide. Important logistical updates included requesting graduation schedules and ensuring proper documentation for 16-18 year old test-takers in high school equivalency programs. A significant point was the transition scheduled for July 1, 2026, when the current Adult Diploma Program ends and the new Competency Based Educational Program launches, including changes in funding allocation and system migration from the HSD system to Literacy Pro for data management. Eligibility verification, ensuring students do not already possess a high school diploma or equivalency, remains a provider responsibility. Finally, the transition of Aspire staff to the Department of Education and Workforce in July was noted.