Gadfly Bites 10/28/19 – To function and thrive in the world

1. As we have discussed regularly in the Bites over the last five years, there is a fiscal analogue to the state’s efforts at academic oversight in school districts. It may take a couple of years or it may take a decade, but districts in fiscal oversight must run all their spending decisions by a state-appointed committee whose only goal is to right the financial ship. Especially whatever this “unrequested leave of absence” thing is here in Niles City Schools. I doubt anyone has done any proper research to figure out what makes for a quick financial turnaround vs. a slow one, but I’m thinking that it has something to do with how vigorously the local authority (school board and administration) resists said oversight. If so, then I predict that Niles, currently eight months into such an oversight arrangement, could be in for a nice long stay. (The Tribune-Chronicle, 10/26/19)
2. Editors in Toledo opined today on the proposed Cupp-Patterson school funding plan. I can’t really tell if they like it or not, which probably tells me all I need to know. (Toledo Blade, 10/28/19)

3. Back in the real world, here are a couple of interesting stories on the topic of private school choice. First up, an appreciation of The Rich Center in Youngstown, serving students on the autism spectrum for the last 25 years. Some great stories in here, including the importance of the Ohio Autism Scholarship, which has helped families access the Rich Center for the last fifteen of those years. (Vindy.com, 10/27/19) An alum of St. Edward High School in Lakewood—now an entrepreneur and business owner—returned to the hallowed halls last week to talk about his journey to success. He spoke of being one of very few students of color at St. Ed’s in the early 2000s but noted that things have changed for the better since then. I wonder if the Cleveland and EdChoice Scholarships had anything to do with all that? (Cleveland.com, 10/28/19)

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