Board approves transfer of ASPIRE contract and amendment to support new adult‑education platform
February 23, 2026 | State Controlling Board, Joint, Committees, Legislative, Ohio
This article was created by AI summarizing key points discussed. AI makes mistakes, so for full details and context, please refer to the video of the full meeting. Please report any errors so we can fix them. Report an error »
The State Controlling Board approved a contract amendment to allow the Department of Education and Workforce to use an existing platform to run a new unified competency‑based adult education program and to prepare for ASPIRE’s administrative transfer from the Department of Higher Education.
Aaron Rausch told the board the operating budget moves administration of the ASPIRE program to the Department of Education and Workforce in FY27 and the amendment will let the department launch a unified competency‑based adult education program that replaces the adult diploma and 22+ programs. He said the amendment piggybacks on an existing higher‑education contract to reduce short‑term costs and that the administration intends to put the platform out to bid for the next biennium.
Representative Sweeney and Senator Ingram asked whether using the same system would be disruptive to providers and what competitive advantages the incumbent system provides. Rausch said the existing systems had been built and maintained internally at a cost of about $170,000 a year and that transitioning to the higher‑education platform reduces run costs; he pledged the department plans to bid the contract during the 2028–29 biennium.
The board approved the amendment with no recorded objection. Members asked agencies to keep the board apprised of transition planning and any future procurement plans.
Aaron Rausch told the board the operating budget moves administration of the ASPIRE program to the Department of Education and Workforce in FY27 and the amendment will let the department launch a unified competency‑based adult education program that replaces the adult diploma and 22+ programs. He said the amendment piggybacks on an existing higher‑education contract to reduce short‑term costs and that the administration intends to put the platform out to bid for the next biennium.
Representative Sweeney and Senator Ingram asked whether using the same system would be disruptive to providers and what competitive advantages the incumbent system provides. Rausch said the existing systems had been built and maintained internally at a cost of about $170,000 a year and that transitioning to the higher‑education platform reduces run costs; he pledged the department plans to bid the contract during the 2028–29 biennium.
The board approved the amendment with no recorded objection. Members asked agencies to keep the board apprised of transition planning and any future procurement plans.
Don't Miss a Word: See the Full Meeting!
Go beyond summaries. Unlock every video, transcript, and key insight with a Founder Membership.
✓
Get instant access to full meeting videos
✓
Search and clip any phrase from complete transcripts
✓
Receive AI-powered summaries & custom alerts
✓
Enjoy lifetime, unrestricted access to government data
30-day money-back guarantee
