Ohio Democrats Propose Legislation for Free School Meals for All Students and Higher Teacher Salaries

Ohio House Democrats have introduced two new education bills aimed at improving student welfare and teacher compensation. One bill focuses on ensuring school meals for all students upon request, while the other seeks to raise base teacher salaries to $50,000 annually. The fate of these proposed laws remains uncertain given the Republican supermajorities controlling both chambers of the Ohio legislature.

A bill sponsored by state Reps. Darnell Brewer and Ismail Mohamed mandates that public schools provide meals and related services to students, removing any barriers based on meal debt or payment status. This legislation goes beyond previous budget changes and emphasizes equitable access to meals for all students.

The proposed bill, House Bill 408, prohibits schools from withholding meals due to unpaid balances or publicly shaming students with meal debt. It aims to prevent situations like the one where a 9-year-old Ohio student had their hot lunch taken away over a $9.75 debt, as reported by NBC News.

Following recent changes in Ohio’s operating budget to provide no-cost meals for eligible students, advocates have lauded the progress but stress the need for further measures to support children without stigmatization. Nearly half of Ohio’s students qualified for free or reduced-price lunches in the 2022-2023 school year, based on household income thresholds set at 185% of the federal poverty line.

Additionally, Brewer and Mohamed’s bill requires that communication regarding student meal debt be directed to parents or guardians rather than to the students themselves, except in cases where students inquire about their debt status.

Teacher Salary Initiative

State Rep. Joe Miller has introduced a bill aiming to elevate the base salary for teachers in Ohio to $50,000 annually. This proposed increase from the current $35,000 base salary for bachelor’s degree holders would address the longstanding issue of teacher pay disparities in the state.

The bill, House Bill 411, outlines varying base salaries based on educational attainment, with provisions for teachers at different stages of their career progression. Ohio’s average teacher salaries have lagged behind the national average since 2014, with a recent analysis indicating minimal growth in teacher wages compared to other professions.

An Economic Policy Institute study revealed that teacher earnings in Ohio have stagnated over the years, resulting in lower wages compared to similarly educated professionals. The new bill maintains a structure where salaries are influenced by experience levels, including recognition of up to five years of active military service.

Despite the merit of these proposals, their advancement faces challenges in a state legislature dominated by a Republican supermajority. The bills must undergo committee reviews and public feedback before potential votes may occur, a process that could be hindered by low legislative output in the current General Assembly cycle.