- Gongwer, as usual, delved deeper into specific aspects of the state budget bill than other media outlets. Specifically, on proposed changes to the state’s charter school sponsor evaluation framework proposed therein. Yes, they mentioned the magical mystery amendment language (a.k.a. the “loophole of staggering breadth”), but they seemed more interested in how such things as academic ratings of schools may be weighted in the future. Chad is quoted on the substantive issues herein. (Gongwer Ohio, 5/5/17)
- But fear not, all you dedicated Gadfly Bites readers. Both of you can take solace in this piece in which editors in Columbus opine solely upon the aforementioned magical mystery amendment language. (Columbus Dispatch, 5/8/17)
- Speaking of editorials – the ed board in Youngstown this weekend opined on the topic of the state’s graduation requirements. Side note: college access is not the only thing that’s early at Youngstown Early College High School. Graduation Day is too, it seems! (Youngstown Vindicator, 5/7/17) Additionally, state supe Paolo DeMaria was a guest on In Focus with Mike Kallmeyer over the weekend, discussing the upcoming graduation requirement changes and the possibility of whether they will actually happen. (Spectrum Communications, 5/6/17)
- Let’s talk about money! The PD ran a two-fer on charter school funding this weekend. Sounds like an editorial thing, right? Well… First up, Patrick O’Donnell took a look at the case for more money for charter schools. His main interview subject was John Zitzner of the Breakthrough Schools Network. Seems to be largely about attracting and retaining teachers, as John explains it. (Cleveland Plain Dealer, 5/7/17) Next up, a look at the district’s case. Or should I say Dennis “the Menace” Kucinich’s case. To wit: district money follows kids out the door when they go to charter schools; and that’s bad. In the end, Patrick brings up the prospect of direct funding of charter school students (rather than the current district pay/district deduct process). But if it does work, what would they all have to complain about then? (Cleveland Plain Dealer, 5/7/17) Finally, Doug “Dog” Livingston tells us all about the “quiet and expensive game of cat-and-mouse that plays out each year in Columbus or county offices where property values are adjusted, challenged and readjusted.” That’s great writing if I do say so myself, but what’s he talking about? Legal wrangling over property tax valuations: schools want to collect more, and businesses try to pay less. Often it ends up in court. A new bill introduced in the Ohio Senate aims to put an end to school districts’ ability to fight valuations. That’ll teach ‘em. (Akron Beacon Journal, 5/5/17)
- Here is an enormous story (over 2,150 words) about growing cultural diversity in suburban Toledo school districts. (No, there’s nothing in here about charter or private schools. Maybe in part two?) After a look at the ‘burbs, which are still all majority-white BTW, there’s a look at the majority-nonwhite Toledo City Schools. It’s been majority-nonwhite for the entire period under discussion, but the narrative put forward here is that folks of all backgrounds have begun moving out of the city to the ‘burbs in recent years. I don’t know about you all, but I remember the Lebanese-American Max Klinger pretty well and M*A*S*H started in the 70’s. The Islamic Center of Greater Toledo bought land in Perrysburg in 1978 and has been in its amazing home along I-75 since 1983. La Prensa has been publishing its Greater Toledo/Michigan bilingual paper since 1989. Bottom line – diversity is not new in Lucas County. So I’ll just ask: why is it news today? (Toledo Blade, 5/7/17)
- Finally today, we have the completely awesome story of Danya Hamad, a 15-year-old who will be graduating this month with both her associates degree and her high school diploma (in that order). Along with her smarts, drive, energy, organization, tenacity, and family support, she credits two other things for helping her get so far so fast. They are: open enrollment, which kept her in Reynoldsburg schools when her family had to move out of the district, and early access to credit-bearing college courses via the College Credit Plus program and other avenues. Next stop, an accelerated law school program from which she may graduate in just three more years. Utterly amazing. Congratulations to Miss Hamad and look out world! (Columbus Dispatch, 5/8/17)
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