District told to retract some of its diplomas

Interpretation of HB 197 at issue

The Ohio Department of Education directed Lorain City Schools on Aug. 13 to stop granting former students diplomas solely due to not passing the Ohio Graduation Test and retract diplomas already dispersed.

“The actions by Lorain City Schools were based on an unreasonable interpretation of the phrase ‘on track to graduate’ and are a misapplication of the flexibility granted by the General Assembly in (House Bill) 197 to address issues related to school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic,” a statement from the department read.

Former students still can take the OGT and receive their diploma until July 2022, the education department said.

“While the phrase ‘on track to graduate’ is subject to local interpretation, it is beyond reasonable to assume that any and all prior students who had not graduated by virtue of not having passed the OGTs were ‘on track,’” the statement read.

A Lorain Schools news release stated that the district was in communication with the Department of Education about the

diploma plan, “but misinterpreted their response as one of support.”

“I take ownership for the fact that while we were following a literal and liberal interpretation of the law, our actions demonstrated

we misinterpreted the spirit of the law and its restrictions,” CEO Jeff Graham said. “My job is to empower the right people to make decisions that help as many people as we can, and just because we can’t help all individuals through HB 197, doesn’t mean our efforts will stop.

“Through this process, we have identified hundreds

of people who are very close to graduating. Our team is ready to help.”

The release from Lorain Schools said local districts are allowed to waive the test for those unable to take it in the spring or fall due to the pandemic.

Former students who could not obtain a diploma under HB 197 will be connected with services to help

them prepare for state assessments.

“A diploma helps individuals attain better paying jobs, and access higher education,” Graham said. “Our team did what they are supposed to do, and I applaud them.

“They made decisions that were in the best interest of the people we’re here to serve.”