Findlay Times

State Senator Bill Reineke (R-Tiffin) has voted to confirm Stephen D. Dackin as the first director of the newly established Department of Education and Workforce in Ohio. This confirmation comes after the operating budget passed in June, which transformed the Department of Education into the Department of Education and Workforce in order to implement necessary reforms. The reforms aim to provide more career-tech opportunities and improve the education system in the state.

Senator Reineke, who sponsored the legislation that brought about these reforms, expressed his satisfaction with the confirmation. He stated, "This is particularly gratifying to me as the sponsor of the legislation that championed these reforms. The current structure is failing our kids and not offering enough career-tech opportunities. This will help connect so many more students to their purpose by providing a variety of paths to success."

The Department of Education and Workforce has been without a leader for over a year and a half. Senator Reineke emphasized the importance of having a leader who understands the intent of the new law and is committed to helping students find their purpose and meeting the needs of Ohio's workforce. He stated, "A leader is necessary, and Dackin understands the intent of this new law: helping students find their purpose and meeting the needs of Ohio's workforce. Complacency is not acceptable moving forward."

Stephen D. Dackin brings a wealth of experience to his new role as the director of the Department of Education and Workforce. He has served as a teacher in Elida Local Schools and Upper Scioto Valley Local Schools, a principal at Elida High School and Reynoldsburg High School, and the superintendent at Reynoldsburg City Schools. He has also worked as an administrator at Westerville City Schools and the Ohio Department of Education.

With the confirmation of Stephen D. Dackin as the director of the Department of Education and Workforce, Ohio is taking a significant step towards improving its education system and providing more opportunities for students. The reforms implemented through the transformation of the department aim to better connect students to their purpose and equip them with the skills needed for success in Ohio's workforce.

For additional details, please follow this link: https://ohiosenate.gov/members/bill-reineke/news/reineke-votes-to-confirm-the-first-department-of-education-and-workforce-director