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- Not too much to talk about today. First up is more discussion of chronic student absenteeism data from recently-released state report cards, and Fordham’s Chad Aldis is in the mix, talking about what more Ohio might be able to do to combat the problem. The headline tries to especially vilify charter schools, but I reckon the issue is so widespread and persistent that most folks who are actually serious about fixing will a) ignore the long-debunked analytical sleight-of-hand used here, and b) actually care about all kids’ attendance, no matter where they go to school. Unlike some news outlets I could mention. (Cleveland.com, 10/7/25)
- Speaking of scapegoating school choice (yes we certainly were), our second item of interest is an update on Akron City Schools’ budget forecast. The district’s treasurer is brand new so perhaps he can be forgiven for appearing to be of two minds in his first update to the board. Is there a problem? (“We kind of sort of believe we’re pretty lean as it is.”) Is there not? (“A silver lining, according to [New Treasurer]? The district has a bit of time before the forecast becomes a crisis.”) Everything seems to hinge on a) whether the number of school options—not just charter schools and vouchers, but homeschooling too—keep “skyrocketing”, and b) whether the state will freely send them lots of money even if families keep choosing those options instead of Akron. Since dude is new, maybe he will allow me to help clarify things: a) they will, and b) they won’t. Forecast accordingly. And c) everyone needs to stop pretending that schools of choice somehow “coerce” families into choosing them and stop blaming your woes on those families who do so. (Signal Akron, 10/8/25)
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