Lawmaker Wants To Help ECOT Avoid Repaying State Dollars

A Republican state senator is sponsoring legislation that could help the state's largest online charter school operator delay repaying 60 million dollars to the state. The proposal by Bill Seitz would apply to certain judgments in favor of the Ohio Department of Education and halt enforcement while they're under appeal if the other party posts bond. The legislation comes after the state said the Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow improperly counted attendance. ECOT denies that. The Ohio Board of Education voted this week to claw back the money. ECOT's owner has donated millions of dollars to the campaigns of mostly Republican state lawmakers.