Cutrona Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Repeal and Replace Academic Distress Commissions

State Rep. Al Cutrona (R-Canfield) has introduced legislation to repeal and replace the Academic Distress Commissions (ADCs) across the state of Ohio. The bill is a re-introduction of identical legislation that passed within the Ohio House during the previous General Assembly. Cutrona is the joint sponsor of the bill.

Under current law, certain school districts have fallen under state control due to misleading state report cards and excessive testing that severely penalizes students in districts with food and home insecurities. Unfortunately, ADCs have not demonstrated success within their model to improve the academic performance among students.

“I am proud to be working with Representative Joe Miller in bipartisan fashion to spearhead this initiative,” said Cutrona. “The bill will restore local control for our schools and benefit our children as it repeals and replaces the flawed Academic Distress Commissions. I stand as the only representative from Mahoning County that has introduced this bill for the 134th GA as this issue must be resolved for the betterment of our students and schools.”

This bill will terminate ADCs, and instead, works to restore local control over public schools and move to a building-based, bottom up reform model.  More specifically, the ADCs will be replaced with the originally intended “wraparound” student support services, which will help transform low performing school buildings across the state into community learning centers. 

Currently, school districts in Youngstown, Lorain and East Cleveland have fallen under the ADC model. After receiving at least one “F” grade on the state report card, ten other schools are next to lose local control of their school districts if ADCs remain under law.

Cutrona wants to ensure that children in Youngstown have a more effective learning experience for the future.

“We cannot continue down a path that so severely penalizes school districts, and ultimately, our students as a result,” said Cutrona. “We must seek reform that’s going to empower our districts and educators – this is the way to enhance student learning and academic performance throughout the state.” 

The legislation has been introduced as House Bill 54 and awaits its committee assignment.