With the start of the new year, several of Ohio's biggest school districts are facing change. Cincinnati is adding two new board members who hope to bring peace to that fractious board. In Columbus, controversial veteran board President Stephanie Hightower is on her way out. And in Toledo, three new board members took their seats and face two immediate challenges: hiring a new superintendent and erasing a budget deficit of $13 million. Cleveland Superintendent Barbara Byrd-Bennett expects to be out of her position by the first half of February, and the CPS board is searching for her replacement. Gadfly expects interesting stories to come from all these places in 2006, so stay tuned for more in coming editions.
"2 newcomers to lead school board," by Jennifer Mrozowski, Cincinnati Enquirer, January 3, 2006
"Leaving hurdles behind," by Bill Bush, Columbus Dispatch, January 4, 2006
"Fisher selected to lead board facing challenges," by Toledo Blade, January 5, 2005
"Cleveland schools form ideal profile of new CEO," by Janet Okoben, Cleveland Plain Dealer, January 11, 2006