- The PD continued its series profiling the top candidates for state superintendent. Candidate Bob Sommers’s profile notes (among other things that are probably more important) that his application contained a reference letter from former Fordhamite Terry Ryan. (Cleveland Plain Dealer, 4/20/16)
- Speaking of Mr. Sommers, the proposed additional location for his Carpe Diem charter school at the Underground Freedom Museum in Cincinnati is a no-go due to a lack of sufficient space. (Cincinnati Enquirer, 4/20/16)
- Staying in the Queen City for a moment, we’ve told you about changes afoot in Cincinnati City Schools before: moves, expansions, grade band changes in buildings, scuffles between district and arts agency, etc. Here is a more detailed look at the seven affected buildings which gets a little “turf-y” for lack of a better word. Hannah Sparling’s occasionally-disdainful tone (also evident in the above piece) doesn’t aid in following the details. (Cincinnati Enquirer, 4/21/16) P.S. – I think this future piece will probably explain the “turfiness” in more detail for us outsiders.
- The official job description for the new CEO of Youngstown City Schools has been posted, with a very short deadline for applications as expected. The chair of the Academic Distress Commission says that they have gone above the minimum requirements for the position as delineated by HB 70. To wit: a successful candidate must have “the ability to drive a fundamental shift in school culture and instructional practices that result in gains and ongoing high performance.” I think that could be code for “intestinal fortitude”. (Youngstown Vindicator, 4/22/16)
- This new STEM-focused FabLab in Columbus sounds pretty neat. Wonder if my kids would like it? (Columbus Dispatch, 4/21/16)
- If you think the idea of applying the messages contained in the film The Shawshank Redemption to public education is a little weird, I’m right there with you. This piece describing what happened when a group of Ohio educators (including the interim state supe) did just that while visiting the prison where the movie was filmed seems to me “tone deaf”. And that’s the nicest thing I can think to say about it. (Mansfield News Journal, 4/20/16)
