COLUMBUS – State Senator Nina Turner (D-Cleveland) gave sponsor testimony for two bills she introduced in the 128th General Assembly to lower dropout rates and improve school security.
Senator Turner’s Senate Bill 102 would require the State Board of Education to recommend performance standards for dropout prevention and recovery programs operated by school districts. The goal is to identify the most successful dropout programs so they can be duplicated across the state. A recent report showed that non-graduates in Columbus and Cleveland earn less than half the annual income when compared to their peers with diplomas.
“We must be relentless in our efforts to develop an education system where earning a diploma that prepares one for college and a career is the expectation, and where dropping out becomes a rare exception,” said Senator Turner.
Senator Turner also testified in front of the Senate Education Committee on behalf of SB 122. The bill authorizes school districts and educational service centers to employ public high school law enforcement officers and grant them arrest powers.
“Besides protecting our schools, this bill could also foster healthy relationships between youth in the community and law enforcement officers,” said Senator Turner. “Hopefully through these positive interactions, students will begin to see law enforcement officers as a resource and an ally.”
This legislation allows high schools to hire their own law enforcement officers, reducing the burden on local law enforcement agencies to provide security. Every high school law enforcement officer must successfully complete an approved peace officer basic training program, provide a surety bond and not have a felony conviction.