- In case you missed it, Fordham released a new report yesterday, offering up a redesign of Ohio’s school report cards to be fairer to schools and clearer for parents. Media response was generally pretty good. First out of the gate was statewide public media, who connected our report to a thematically similar national report released by the Data Quality Campaign earlier in the week. (WCBE-FM, Columbus, 12/7/17) The Blade has a very thorough overview of the report and talks to local district officials about it and about the issue of how complex current report cards are. Nice. (Toledo Blade, 12/7/17) Ditto for the Dayton Daily News, who also reached out to the Ohio Department of Education to get their take on our report. ODE said they “appreciated our input” on the topic. To which I say, “You are very welcome.” (Dayton Daily News, 12/7/17)
- As noted earlier in the week, outgoing Columbus schools supe Dan Good seems to have a lot to say in his waning days at the helm. I came out of this piece with the main impression that he was reporting incidences of in-class profanity are down by 20% in the district due to soothing paint color choices in classrooms. But a second read indicates there may be a bit more to it than that. (Columbus Dispatch, 12/7/17)
- One of the folks aiming to replace Good is Akron City Schools supe David James. Until that eventuality occurs, James apparently has his hands full in Akron. Turns out the elevator has been out in one of his district’s two admin buildings for a few days so he’s decided it’s time to ditch both buildings and shell out nearly $10 million to buy a new place. Hey supe, you have seen Columbus’ administration buildings, haven’t you? (Akron Beacon Journal, 12/6/17)
- Some old pals got together this week to file a “friend of the court” brief on behalf of the Youngstown school board in their ongoing lawsuit against the legislation that brought a CEO-style Academic Distress Commission into that district. Hopefully those old pals passed the hat too, ‘cause the CEO plans to keep the financial spigot for litigation turned off. (Youngstown Vindicator, 12/8/17)
- Speaking of lawsuits, the Ohio Supreme Court this week denied ECOT’s request for injunction or expedited appeal of its pending legal case against several arms of state government regarding the findings of an attendance audit. Justice will instead move at its typical pace. (Columbus Dispatch, 12/6/17)
- Here’s a bit more on Lorain schools CEO David Hardy’s administrative reorganization plans, which are moving forward quickly. Lots of new jobs, new titles, and revamped departments. Lots of applicants so far too. What’s he looking for in a successful candidate: “a mindset to roll up their sleeves and figure it out.” Well said, sir. Now, about that interim superintendent position… (Elyria Chronicle, 12/8/17)
- Finally this week: lunch. Students from Jones Leadership Academy participating in the Young Executive Scholars program got a lesson in business lunch etiquette this week. They were taught how to make the best first impression and network while eating with grace and poise. I’ll bet J.D. Vance would approve. (Toledo Blade, 12/7/17)
