Ohio Department of Education Approves New Autism Scholarship Rules

On Wednesday, the Ohio Board of Education voted to change an important rule related to Ohio’s Autism Scholarship Program. Many students with autism use the scholarships to receive needed services at Jewish and other private schools. The previous rules required program providers to purchase a surety bond in case of overpayment from the state. This bond requirement proved to be very onerous and expensive. Following several months of negotiations, the Ohio Department of Education agreed to make significant changes that will allow providers to purchase a bond or liability insurance for 1/12th of expected revenues, and allow school providers to use expected revenue from the state to provide fiscal reassurance.