Catholic Conference of Ohio
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Monday, August 24, 2026

Education

About

In collaboration with the diocesan Catholic school offices in Ohio, the Associate Director for Education advocates for public policies to support Catholic elementary and secondary schools and families. 

Examples of education issues include:

  • EdChoice & State Scholarships
  • School Operating Standards
  • School Regulations & Requirements


Faithful Citizenship Field Trip
Are you a Catholic school teacher or home school a group of students from 7-12th grade? Visit our Faithful Citizenship Field Trip page to learn how to help your students learn about the Church's role in public policy.

Resources:

Education News:

CCO Reacts to Ohio Pupil Transportation Working Group Report

The Catholic Conference of Ohio released a statement commending the diligent work of the Ohio Pupil Transportation Working Group in producing a report to the Ohio General Assembly. The CCO expressed appreciation for the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW) for including CCO Associate Director Tom Rhatican on the group to represent the chartered nonpublic school community. Brian Hickey, executive director, noted, "A parent’s choice of the best educational option for their child often becomes moot without the reliable transportation promised in Ohio law. Transportation challenges often disproportionately affect single-parent or lowincome households whose parent(s) have inflexible work schedules.” Tom Rhatican, associate director for the CCO, shared, "High performing districts transporting all eligible students should continue to be examined for their best practices, and the report duly notes the need for greater oversight of districts that are declaring all or most students and schools impractical to transport." The statement also covered highlights of the report and additional recommendations for the General Assembly to consider.

View Full Press Release >

CCO-Supported SB 318 Regarding School Resource Officers Passes Ohio Senate

Catholic Conference of Ohio-supported Senate Bill 318 (R-Cutrona), which would authorize a township law enforcement agency to provide school resource officer services to a chartered nonpublic school, passed the Ohio Senate. School safety remains a high priority for the bishops and our Catholic schools. School resource officers play an important role in protecting students and staff. The bill now moves to the Ohio House of Representatives for consideration. 

Promoting Safety and Security in Churches and Schools

The safety and security of all who enter our Catholic churches and schools has always been a priority of the Catholic Bishops of Ohio. The Catholic Conference of Ohio continually advocates with state legislators for grant funding to establish and maintain safe worship spaces and secure educational environments. There are several grant programs available for security improvements for both houses of worship and nonpublic schools.

Click "Read more" to learn about grant funding programs. 

Read more

OCSAA Welcomes New Director

The Ohio Catholic School Accrediting Association (OCSAA) is pleased to welcome Amanda Ooten as its new Director, starting August 18, 2025. Amanda most recently served as a vice principal at Incarnation Catholic School, the second-largest K-8 school in the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, and has also worked as a teacher and department chair at a Catholic high school. She is committed to ensuring the accreditation process serves the needs of our schools and acts as a catalyst for growth and renewal. Listening to diocesan leaders, visiting schools, engaging with research, and collaborating with team members will guide her work.

Amanda brings a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience. She holds two Master of Science degrees in Education and Biology and is currently working towards a Doctorate in Education. She has served as a Special Education Director and has maintained databases with student information to ensure compliance with state testing, as well as with Jon Peterson Special Needs and EdChoice scholarships, as outlined in Ohio law.

OCSAA is situated under the Catholic Conference of Ohio, which is governed by the Catholic Bishops of Ohio.

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State Scholarship Programs

Learn about the various Scholarship Programs available to Catholic Schools in Ohio.

Learn more

Links

Archdiocese of Cincinnati
Catholic School Office

Diocese of Cleveland​
Catholic Schools Office

Diocese of Columbus
Catholic School Office

Diocese of Steubenville
Office of Christian Formation and Schools

Diocese of Toledo
Department of Catholic Education

Diocese of Youngstown
Office of Catholic Schools

The Ohio Catholic School Accrediting Association

Department Contacts

Tom Rhatican
Associate Director, Department on Education

Convenes and staffs the Superintendents of Catholic Schools 

 

Brian Hickey
Executive Director, Catholic Conference of Ohio