Two Republican Ohio state representatives introduced legislation to allow students to attend extracurricular activities during and after their time in school.
House Bill (HB) 135, sponsored by State Representatives Rodney Creech (pictured above, right) (R-West Alexandria) and Thomas Hall (R-Madison Township) (pictured above, left), looks to require excused absences from schools for 4-H and Future Farmers of America (FFA) activities.
4-H is a U.S.-based network of youth organizations whose mission is “engaging youth to reach their fullest potential while advancing the field of youth development.”
FFA is a youth organization that claims to change lives and prepare members for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education.
According to the lawmakers, these extracurricular activities are invaluable resources and an opportunity for growth for countless students in Ohio.
Currently, in Ohio, official 4-H and FFA events are not considered sufficient for an excused absence, and the decision on whether to allow the excused absence is at the school’s discretion.
According to Hall, Ohio students should be able to participate in the benefits of 4-H and FFA activities without conflicting with their education.
“Under HB 135 we would be able to provide all students with the opportunity to expand their horizons and receive the full benefit that 4-H and FFA has to offer without the possibility of conflict with their education,” Hall said.
Under the bill, a 4-H or FFA educator must submit written documentation to a school principal or attendance officer as proof of student participation in such an activity or program. The district must allow the student to make up any school work missed during the absence without adversely impacting their class grades.
A school principal or a designee of the school principal would not grant a student an excused absence for such an activity or program if the absence occurs during a scheduled administration of state assessments or any period of time for which the student has been disciplined, suspended, or expelled.
According to Creech, the bill is very important as many students who participate in 4-H and FFA activities receive scholarships and tuition money to help them pursue further education. In addition, the legislation keeps Ohio at the forefront in paving the way for other states regarding adoptions and legislation impacting youth involvement in countless extracurricular activities.
“Enriching the lives of our students outside the classroom is just as important as the curriculum that we prioritize inside the class room. It’s a common-sense bill, to help students participate in the activities that will enrich their lives while helping develop their skills during and after their time in school,” Creech said.
The legislation is currently under review by the Primary and Secondary Education Committee. It has garnered the support of the Ohio Association of Agricultural Educators, the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, and the Circleville-PRCTC FFA.
The Ohio Star reached out for comment from Creech and Hall but did not receive a reply before press time.
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Hannah Poling is a lead reporter at The Ohio Star, The Star News Network, and The Arizona Sun Times. Follow Hannah on Twitter @HannahPoling1. Email tips to [email protected]
