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Sponsor says JROTC should qualify as CareerTech credit under House Bill 500
Summary
Representative Ritter told the committee House Bill 500 would allow JROTC or National Defense Cadet Corps programs to be designated as Career Technical Education offerings so districts can count them toward CTE portfolios and funding; the bill directs the Department of Education and Workforce to set funding categories.
Representative Ritter offered sponsor testimony supporting House Bill 500, which would amend the Ohio Revised Code to allow a school district's Junior ROTC or National Defense Cadet Corps program to be designated as part of that district's Career Technical Education (CTE) offerings.
Ritter said the change would expand career pathways, elevate JROTC's standing in the curriculum, and make it easier for participating students to receive credit and recognition equivalent to other CTE programs. He emphasized the bill is permissive — districts would not be required to adopt or expand JROTC — and that the Department of Education and Workforce, together with lead districts, would determine how JROTC fits existing CareerTech categories for funding purposes.
Senators asked whether the Department would be mandated to include JROTC in CareerTech calculations if a district elects to count it; Ritter confirmed that if the bill passes and a district places JROTC in CareerTech, the Department must count it in evaluations. The first hearing was concluded after clarifying that the bill is permissive for districts and aimed at stabilizing program funding and recognition.
