Gov. John Kasich said he has asked the Legislature to create a commission to formally explore the consolidation of the state’s school districts.
Ohio has 614 school districts across 88 counties. Supporters say consolidating districts would save money and improve academics, while critics say smaller districts would be swallowed up.
“We only have limited resources available, so this is very important,” Rep. Peter Beck, R-Mason, chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, told local reporters. “We have to take any opportunity to see where we can condense or share or consolidate.”