COLUMBUS—State Senator Jay Hottinger (R-Newark) today announced controlling board approval of $300 million to support Ohio’s K-12 schools and the Department of Higher Education as they respond to the COVID-19 pandemic for the 2020-2021 school year.

The funding in the amount of $100 million for K-12 education and $200 million for higher education, was made available from the Federal Coronavirus Relief Fund under the CARES Act.

K-12 schools, as well as colleges and universities, will be able to use the money for expenses they are likely to incur as they prepare for the upcoming school year. For K-12 schools some of the additional expenses include; purchasing PPE, cleaning and sanitation, remote learning and transportation. Similarly, colleges and universities will be able to use the money for campus modifications, cleaning and sanitation, remote learning capacity enhancements, PPE, housing/dining adjustments and testing. 

“The funding approved today will allow schools and higher education institutions to make the necessary adjustments so that in-person learning can continue in the fall,” said Hottinger. “These safeguards will ensure Ohio’s schools, colleges and universities are equipped with every resource available.” 

Additionally, the controlling board approved:

• $78,522,257 for long-term care facilities


• $91,084,630 for skilled nursing facilities


• $62,000,000 for rural hospitals


• $22,500,000 for behavioral health providers