- As we have noted here many many times, state fiscal intervention in school districts is literally exactly the same as Academic Distress Commissions with regard to academics. Why, I ask you for the millionth time, is the district response always different? I will leave you to read in detail about all the dastardly things that “state takeover” required of Niles City Schools over the last three years – but the short list includes curtailed spending, elimination of nearly two dozen positions, and a new health care plan for employees. Friday, Niles City Schools was released from state fiscal emergency oversight and this news was accompanied by celebration of their success. In fact, said the district treasurer, “Niles is now more financially solvent than it has been in the last 20 years.” I may be the only person in Ohio to believe this, but both Youngstown and Lorain City Schools could have had the same celebrations regarding their academic outcomes years ago if they had not obstructed ADCs from the start and forced them into oblivion. (Tribune Chronicle, 1/28/22)
- Meanwhile, in Akron City Schools, the popular and successful “APS Plus” program – which began last school year and provides student access to Akron teachers and guidance counselors to provide tutoring and other support to students who call or Zoom in after hours – is going 24/7. While district staffers will still be available between 4 and 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays, federal Covid relief money will provide funds for an outside vendor to offer services at other times of the day and night. Nice! (Akron Beacon Journal, 1/29/22)
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