- Editors in Lima opined over the weekend on the topic of school choice. In a decision I could not have predicted, every option but charter schools gets a pass. Go figure. (Lima News, 5/14/16)
- Speaking of charter schools, a new iteration of Citizens Academy (part of the Breakthrough Network) is coming to southeast Cleveland in 2017 with the blessing and assistance of Cleveland Metropolitan School District. Shhh… Don’t tell the editors of Lima News. (Cleveland Plain Dealer, 5/16/16)
- And speaking of school choice, the first graduating class for Akron’s STEM high school has big plans and seems to have gotten a big boost from their non-traditional learning environment. Kudos! (Akron Beacon Journal, 5/16/16)
- Editors in Akron opined favorably on the choice of Paolo DeMaria as the next state superintendent of public instruction. (Akron Beacon Journal, 5/16/16) And that positive opinion was formed before DeMaria negotiated his base salary downward…in favor of a performance bonus option. (Cleveland Plain Dealer, 5/17/16)
- As of yesterday, a total of 27 candidates have applied to be CEO of Youngstown City Schools. The Academic Distress Commission is to begin its review of applicants at a meeting today. But before we start breathing that long-held sigh of relief, remember that there are multiple court cases pending out there that could derail the minimal progress made thus far by the ADC. (Youngstown Vindicator, 5/18/16)
- Is the Columbus school district attempting to play hardball in regard to the Win-Win agreement it has with neighboring suburban districts? That is one way to look at the letter recently sent to said suburban districts by said 800-pound gorilla district ahead of negotiations. (Columbus Dispatch, 5/18/16) However, the state board of ed calmly reminded us this week that it wouldn’t be an unchecked annexation free-for-all should Win-Win be dissolved. The state board is, by law, the arbiter of any proposed transfer of land between districts with lots of factors to consider before deciding. (Columbus Dispatch, 5/18/16)
- Governor Kasich is proposing that Ohio allow for alternatives to the GED test for folks to get a high school equivalency diploma. The proposal has garnered early and bipartisan support. Go figure. (Cleveland Plain Dealer, 5/18/16)
