- New Ohio charter sponsor ratings were released this week. For the first time, there are sponsors rated at the highest level, which is good. The Dispatch is focusing on the bad – 10 sponsors rated “Poor”. (Columbus Dispatch, 11/15/17) The Plain Dealer is focusing on some specific good news – a better rating for Cleveland Metropolitan School District this year. (Cleveland Plain Dealer, 11/15/17) Not so for Cuyahoga Falls City School District, which this year was rated “Poor”. It seems that they will appeal that rating. (My NEOhio, 11/16/17) As you can see, most of the initial discussion is around school districts and ESCs as sponsors, which always seems weird to me, especially when there are some other issues about the weighting of the factors which go into the ratings which could stand some more discussion. Gongwer’s take is a pretty good overall look at the results over time and the issues still outstanding. (Gongwer Ohio, 11/15/17)
- It’s not even Thanksgiving yet, but the Ohio Senate put up its Christmas tree already this week. And under it was SB 8, a bill whose final hodgepodge version hammered out in conference committee was intended to address some lingering issues related to the state budget bill and to Governor Kasich’s line item vetoes thereof. The result was kind of like that Christmas where you got the toy you always wanted; the itchy, ugly socks you didn’t; and the gas card that doesn’t feel like a gift but you’re happy to have when you need it. (Gongwer Ohio, 11/15/17) In terms of education, several school districts across Ohio are definitely getting Christmas presents through SB 8. (Columbus Dispatch, 11/15/17)
- The Joint Education Oversight Committee of the Ohio General Assembly met this week to discuss the draft version of a report on the state of early childhood education in the state. This Gongwer story tells you all you need to know about it and quite a bit more besides. (Gongwer Ohio, 11/16/17)
