Gadfly Bites 12/4/24—What’s the news?

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1. The House Primary and Secondary Education Committee held a fifth hearing yesterday for House Bill 407, which proposes some big changes to the way private schools participate in the EdChoice Scholarship Program. (Contrary to the reporter’s assertion, it’s readily apparent to this observer who is an opponent or a supporter of EdChoice…no matter if they use the term “scholarship” or “voucher”. Just ask me.) A snippet of Chad Aldis’ testimony from the fourth hearing last week is quoted in this coverage, because one issue he had with the bill—related to publication of the income levels of EdChoice recipients—remained in the new version being heard. (Statehouse News Bureau, 12/4/24) One important point missed out from the previous clip is that the new version of HB 407 was reported favorably out of committee by a vote of 13-1. (Gongwer Ohio, 12/3/24)
   
   

2. Speaking of news you’re only going to find in Gongwer (seriously: can I get a round of applause for these indefatigable documenters?), here’s an update on the legal brouhaha over transportation of school choice students—or non-transportation, really—by Columbus City Schools. Although that update is mostly a question—as in “How large will the class in the class action lawsuit against the district end up being?”—the fact that the ultimate answer is going to be somewhere north of 80 charter and private schools in the class seems quite newsworthy to me. No offense, awesome Gongwerians, but I can’t help but wonder why the story is not being covered more widely. A veritable mystery. (Gongwer Ohio, 12/2/24)
   
   

3. And to bring our clips full circle today: Here’s a lovely profile of St. Benedict the Moor, a Catholic school on Dayton’s west side that is celebrating its 100th anniversary this week. The venerable school and its staff have persevered through good times and bad, while other urban Catholic schools have not been able to do the same. Credit for the school’s longevity and survival is given in many directions, including to the EdChoice Voucher Scholarship Program. But the driving spirit for continuing St. Benedict’s educational mission is summed up by parish leader Father Francis Tandoh: “I fought for this and I want it to work so we can get a good education in the inner city, just the same as the suburbs.” An open house celebration is scheduled for Friday, with other events happening over the weekend. Happy Hundo, St. Benny. Long may you continue! (Dayton Daily News, 12/3/24)

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