“The bill allows the course to be substituted for one of the electives or one of the social studies requirements,” said Damon Asbury, Director of Legislative Services of the Ohio School Board. “It can be helpful because most kids do not understand how to use credit or know about interest rates.”
Doug Kinsey, a partner with Artifex Financial Group in Oakwood, agrees that students can learn more about money in high school. “It’s not uncommon for someone graduating from high school to not have a firm grasp of budgeting, knowing how to keep track of income versus expenses.”
Some schools in the Miami Valley teach similar courses. Oakwood High School incorporates economics in the curriculum.
“We offer Wallstreet 101 as well as family life courses which teach financial responsibility,” Kelly Owens, chair of the guidance department at Oakwood High School.
State Representative Mike Henne of Clayton said he will vote against the bill.
“I don’t want the government to tell my school districts what to do,” Henne said. “I have some of the best districts in the state and many of them already teach personal finance.”
The bill will also require teachers to undergo training to teach the courses. How much the training would cost has not been determined, the state school board said they will need more money to ensure the classes are taught effectively.
“Teachers do need preparation training and they need material,” Asbury said. “We will continue to push for additional funding to support that.”
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