Paolo De Maria, ODE Associate Superintendent for the Center for School Options and Finance, presented sponsor testimony and summarized the current status of community schools in Ohio.  According to his testimony there are 65 sponsors who oversee 324 community schools educating more than 80,000 students.  The Ohio Department of Education has authority over those sponsors approved after April 3, 2003.  Among other provisions, this legislation would make clear the ODE's authority over all sponsors, and clarify other provisions in law regarding community schools.