Bill would expand OFCC assistance for preschool classrooms; committee hears sponsor testimony

Senator Ingram provided sponsor testimony on Senate Bill 168, which would require the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) to establish guidelines to assist school boards in acquiring classroom facilities for preschool programs.

Senator Ingram said Ohio currently funds K‑12 classroom construction through the OFCC for districts participating in the Classroom Facilities Assistance Program (CFAP), and that SB 168 would create a mechanism for districts that already participated in CFAP — or that do not participate — to obtain OFCC assistance for preschool facilities. The bill would require a district board to submit a written proposal in the form and manner prescribed by the commission, including the total amount requested and matching funds pledged at least equal to the request. If the OFCC determines the proposal meets its guidelines, the commission would enter an agreement with the board and encumber approved funds from classroom facilities appropriations.

The proposed agreement would specify ownership of facilities in the event a preschool program permanently closes, Senator Ingram said. He framed the bill as an effort to expand access to preschool classrooms and to ensure districts have an option to acquire suitable facilities for early childhood education.

Senator Ingram answered no questions in the hearing; the committee concluded the first hearing on SB 168 without a vote.