Judge rules overhaul of Ohio K-12 education can begin

Control over Ohio K-12 education can officially start to transfer to Gov. Mike DeWine’s administration after a month-long battle in court.

Retired Franklin County Common Pleas Court Judge Richard Frye denied a preliminary injunction request to stop the transfer of power of K-12 education from the state school board to the governor’s office on Friday, the last day the temporary restraining order was in effect.

“I am thrilled that the restraining order has been dissolved and we can focus on the important work of moving forward to help our kids be better prepared for life after high school, whether choosing additional training, beginning a career, or heading to college,” DeWine said in a statement Friday.

Under the state’s two-year budget, the Ohio Department of Education becomes the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, which creates a cabinet-level director position and puts the department under the governor’s office.

Jessica Voltolini will be the interim director of the Department of Education and Workforce starting Monday, DeWine said.