Saturday, February 8, 2025
Military families in Ohio will soon have the freedom to choose the school that best fits their child's needs.
Ohio to offer military children the opportunity for open enrollment in any school starting soon.

When Air Force Col. Cassie Barlow relocated to Ohio to take on the role of base commander at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, her teenage daughter enrolled in her 10th school in 16 years. Barlow explained that finding a suitable school for her daughter was always her first priority during every move.

Senate Bill 208: A Game-Changer for Military Children’s Education

While Barlow’s daughter thrived in smaller schools, those weren’t available on base, so Barlow opted for a private school instead. However, a new state law, set to take effect on April 9, will soon allow children of active-duty military parents to enroll in any public school, as long as there’s available space in the district. The change, part of Senate Bill 208, passed with support from both political parties thanks to the advocacy of Sen. Kristina Roegner, R-Hudson. The law aims to attract military families to Ohio and show appreciation for their service.

Roegner emphasized that education is a top priority for families and that this law would improve opportunities for children of military members, recognizing their sacrifices. Although Barlow’s daughter has already graduated, Barlow continues to contribute as the president of the Southwestern Ohio Council for Higher Education, working on workforce development efforts. She believes this law will make Ohio more appealing to military families and veterans in a competitive job market.



Currently, Ohio school districts have discretion in allowing students from outside their boundaries to enroll, with many limiting open enrollments to nearby districts. The new law will make an exception for military families. It’s unclear how many military children will benefit, but in the 2022-2023 school year, over 7,300 military-connected students were enrolled in Ohio schools. Many of these students reside near Wright-Patterson or the Defense Supply Center in Columbus.

This policy change could result in increased state funding for districts that enroll military children, while districts losing students might experience a reduction in funds. Ohio will join 17 other states that have already implemented open enrollment for military children. This change is particularly significant for military families, whose children often switch schools’ multiple times before graduation.

How Military Families Face Challenges with School Enrollment

Shane Preston, the U.S. Department of Defense-State Liaison Office’s Great Lakes Region liaison, highlighted that military families face challenges in school enrollment due to the timing of military relocations. Roegner’s bill, which complements other legislation she’s introduced, helps military families by easing school enrollment and offering more stability. By improving licensure portability for various professions, she hopes to make Ohio a more attractive destination for families considering a move.

Why Ohio Is Becoming a More Welcoming Place for Military Families

Roegner noted that when families decide to relocate, they consider not only job prospects for their spouses but also educational opportunities for their children. This new law aims to ease that burden and make Ohio a more welcoming place for military families.

Follow Dalmar TV on Facebook for the Latest News

Read more

Local News