The Ohio board of education has taken a definitive step toward eliminating a requirement that districts hire a minimum number of educators in areas such as art, library, and gym.
The change has drawn criticism from some teachers, who fear it would allow districts to cut such jobs at the elementary level and in urban districts, especially when school boards are faced with financial constraints, according to local news media.
State board members who support the change—which is subject to a final vote in March—say they are not eliminating the positions but merely giving districts more flexibility by leaving those staffing decisions up to them.
