- We and others have noted that the success of recently-passed charter law reform in Ohio is dependent upon implementation and oversight. From the “devil’s in the details” department, a presentation from the Ohio Department of Education at this week’s state board meeting raised questions about a possible expansion of the geographic areas in which exemplary sponsors could open new charter schools. This possibility was a surprise to board members, and even ODE seemed a bit skeptical. When reached for comment on this, our own Aaron Churchill said, “I don’t see how you can do it. It would seem to be in contrast with existing law.” Situation developing, as they say. (Dayton Daily News, 10/20/15)
- Sticking in Dayton for a moment, no testing irregularities have been found at two Dayton charter schools, despite some headline-blaring allegations from last year. So say the results of an investigation into said headline-blaring allegations from the state auditor’s office. Despite the involvement of the auditor (never get tired of hearing from that guy, amiright?), expect no blaring headlines of this story. The piece doesn’t even list an author. Make of that what you will. Horizon Dayton. (Dayton Daily News, 10/20/15)
- Cleveland’s mayor says he’s confident about the chances for passage of next year’s school levy renewal. (Cleveland Plain Dealer, 10/19/15)
- This piece from local TV in Youngstown says that optimism for their district’s own levy renewal is far lower than in Cleveland. The sadly hilarious part – it’s the elected school board president who appears to be prepping to run the anti-levy campaign. (WFMJ-TV, Youngstown, 10/20/15)
- The Youngstown school board president is opposed to any levy money going to support aspects of the so-called “Youngstown Plan” to which she strenuously objects. Meanwhile, the appeals process for the groups (including the board) trying to obtain an injunction against the plan continues, as do the hourly attorney billings. (Youngstown Vindicator, 10/21/15)
- Finally, Youngstown’s current situation loomed large in the background of a visit to Eastmoor Academy in Columbus by a group of Democratic state legislators this week. No, not the decades of persistent academic failure for Y’town students, but the “unfairness” of the plan put in place by the legislature to combat said persistent academic failure. Take a look for yourself to see what everyone had to say, but it seems to me like the legislators and the teachers were talking past each other while believing they were on the same page. Sound familiar to anyone besides me? (Columbus Dispatch, 10/20/15)
