The State Controlling Board approved an item expanding a CrossFit program at Ohio juvenile correctional facilities, despite objections from two representatives who questioned program priorities and rising costs.

Justin Stanek, legislative liaison for the Department of Youth Services, said the agency planned to expand the program after reporting positive results. "As of last week, we're serving 89 youth at our 3 juvenile correctional facilities. We've found really positive results with the programme. 76 percent of those youth have reduced their violent behaviour in the facilities," Stanek told the board.

Stanek said the program is voluntary and that the agency plans to expand classes and related activities. Representative Stewart noted the item’s cost had risen over several years — from about $64,000 in 2024 to $126,000 in 2025 and now to roughly $240,000 — and he questioned whether the program should be mandatory if spending increases. "Could you make it mandatory if we're gonna spend 4 times as much on it?" Stewart asked. Stanek said he could bring that suggestion back to staff but warned making it mandatory could expand the contract scope.

Stanek also described outreach efforts tied to the program, including an event pairing youth with law enforcement officers called the Unity Games to build positive relationships. Representative Stewart said he would object to the item and requested a broader departmental briefing on programs and expenditures for incarcerated youth, questioning whether elective programming available to incarcerated youth is available to children in public schools. Representative de Villa also recorded an objection. The item was approved by the board; the transcript shows two objections noted but the item passed.