- A victory for the 164-years-and-counting status quo yesterday. The evergreen “thorough and efficient” clause in the state constitution was reenshrined by vote of a subcommittee charged with “modernizing” the education language therein. Supporters of the phrase, and all the freight with which they’ve laden it over the decades, are very happy that their ideologically hallowed (but practically hollow) language was saved from the red pen. (Columbus Dispatch, 3/13/15)
- Back in the real world, Van Buren School administrators and board members find themselves staring down the barrel of audit findings from the state – not just improper payments which must be repaid to the district, but structural and operational processes that seem to point to an “anything goes” mindset. When addressing the findings, officials call them “disagreements” with the auditor (we get lots of cashback from all those credit card purchases) or simply dispute them (it wasn’t beer, it was juice miscoded on the receipt). At minimum, they see the auditor’s report as a “teachable moment”. (Findlay Courier, 3/12/15)
- Speaking of the State Auditor (I know, I never get tired of hearing about that guy either!), Dave Yost yesterday announced what he’s calling a “Sunshine Audit” program in an effort to help resolve public records request disputes between citizens and government-funded entities in a quick and inexpensive way. Or else. What he’s setting up is twisty and interesting and worth a read, but I note particularly the quick kudos from the Ohio Newspaper Association in this piece. My guess is they’ve got a long line of folks they’re planning to roast (or should I say “yost”?) in the sunshine PDQ. (Columbus Dispatch, 3/12/15)
- First on the Ohio Newspaper Association’s list is probably Kent State University, if this editorial from today’s Beacon Journal is anything to go by. And I’m pretty sure the Beacon Journal is the teacher’s pet of ONA members. (Akron Beacon Journal, 3/13/15)
- Speaking of editorials, the Big D opines favorably on the quick selling off of surplus school buildings by Columbus City Schools. You can check it out to see their reasoning, but I want to give them kudos for noting that “right-sizing” the district was an important finding of the Columbus Education Commission two years ago. (Columbus Dispatch, 3/13/15)
- We end with awesomeness – and a solid example that blasting the status quo works – courtesy of DePaul Cristo Rey High School in Cincinnati. This very morning, it was announced that 100% of the school’s first-ever senior class had been accepted into college. I am in tears. Congratulations everyone! (Cincinnati Enquirer)
