- More witnesses testified on HB 2 (the standalone charter law reform bill) yesterday. More witnesses, more charter reforms proposed. It’s a bandwagon! (Gongwer Ohio)
- But perhaps that bandwagon is getting a little overloaded? The Dispatch coverage of yesterday’s testimony leads with the detail that introduction of a substitute version of the bill – incorporating some amount of additional/replacement provisions based on testimony given so far – will be delayed 7 to 10 days from original plans. Sing along if you know the words: I’m just a bill, yes I’m only a bill…. (Columbus Dispatch)
- One of witnesses whose testimony on HB 2 probably had the most impact (at least let’s hope so) was State Auditor Dave Yost. Today, Yost has a detailed, thoughtful, and important opinion column in the Dispatch. In it he amplifies – and simplifies – his recent detailed testimony, focusing on reforms that would improve the efficiency, transparency, and quality of most any public/private hybrid entity, of which charter schools are just one example. Fascinating. (Columbus Dispatch)
- The K-12 education portion of the state budget bill also had a hearing yesterday. Among other provisions hearing testimony, a proposed increase to the EdChoice Scholarship voucher funding amount per pupil. All witnesses were pro-increase. (Gongwer Ohio)
- Finally, here’s a look at Akron City Schools’ itemized budget for next school year. There is a lot of emphasis on technology, including proposed upgrades to wireless capacity, a one-to-one laptop program for students, and a new program that aims to bring into the district at least 50 students going currently attending by way of online education. (Akron Beacon Journal)
