Gadfly Bites 3/30/26—Academic pillars

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1. Math and reading, says Fordham’s Aaron Churchill in this op-ed, are “the academic pillars that support students’ long-term success as well as the state’s economic growth.” Thus, he continues, legislators should approve Senate Bill 19 to boost student math achievement just as they have championed the science of reading. Sounds simple enough. (Columbus Dispatch, 3/29/26)
   
   

2. Speaking of math and reading, both of those disciplines are involved in this story also. The members of Medina County’s budget commission have read the slew of new legislation relating to property tax relief for Ohio homeowners and understood from close reading and context that they have the authority to reduce the tax collection amounts for three school districts in the county—by more than $2 million each. One of those districts, having had their lawyers read the legislation on their behalf, understood something else from it and has threatened to sue if the commission goes forward with their actions, claiming that such a move defies the will of local levy voters. (Cleveland.com, 3/29/26)

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