Gadfly Bites 5/24/24—The narrative

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1. OK. Time at last to talk about the elephant in the room. Has the work of Columbus City Schools’ Facilities Task Force been fatally compromised since last we discussed the situation? Let’s assess. A leaked document which detailed some ridiculous commentary and juvenile strategy suggestions from the perspective of the elected school board and aimed at “taking control” of the narrative around the task force’s work hit social media and then the mainstream media on Tuesday. The uproar was instantaneous. (ABC 6 News, Columbus, 5/21/24) A board meeting scheduled for that day went on as planned, including some public input on the proposals previously put forward by the task force… (Columbus Dispatch, 5/22/24) …but not before some chaotic and contradictory public statements from the elected board member at  the center of the memo mess and some of his colleagues. (10 TV News, Columbus, 5/22/24) That board member will likely not be in his seat for much longer, I reckon, one way or another. Which will bring a modicum of closure. (Columbus Dispatch, 5/23/24) But could this mess really be the death knell for the work? It is a sideshow to the task force’s actual work of course—their various recommendations for desperately-needed right-sizing of district facilities and the analysis and implementation of the best plan. But previously-scheduled public input sessions to discuss the proposals are currently on hold… (10 TV News, Columbus, 5/23/24) …the folks who had already called the work of the task force into question have more leverage than ever to stop the process cold until these other issues have been sorted out to their satisfaction… (Columbus Education Association press releases, 5/23/24) …and “getting to the bottom of this” is now the main focus of, well, everyone. (Columbus Dispatch, 5/23/24) Does it all end here with no further action on the serious decisions needing made? Does the district continue to limp into the future with no effort to decrease its footprint and increase the efficient use of its resources? I know what I think at this moment, but who knows what will happen next that could change my mind.
   
   

2. In other news, former state superintendent Susan Zelman opines on what’s needed to help teacher preparation programs equip our future educators to properly teach the science of reading. Nice. (Dayton Daily News, 5/21/24)
   
   

3. Dayton City Schools’ Dunbar High School was featured on NBC’s Today show earlier this week, a national exemplar for their 100 percent ban on student cellphone possession during school hours. Even though it’s been in place for less than a full school year, everyone interviewed is sure that it has made (in)calculable improvements in every aspect of the school. (Amusing to hear the teacher say her main complaint about phones in class was the constant sound of notification pings. You never hear that one in the list of technological horrors, do you?) I have many thoughts, as I’m sure you could have guessed, but I’ll spare you the bulk of it today, except to make sure to give Dunbar credit where they are owed: These Frugal McDougals don’t need $30,000 magnetic bags to run their regime, nor even $1,000 in wall-mounted phone pockets. No sir. $90 and an Amazon account will get you 500 plain manila envelopes and a pen that will do the job just fine. Providing, of course, that you have an army of highly-paid bag screeners, a captive student body, and endless search time on the front end, as well as the threat of suspension on the back end. But never mind all that: kudos indeed to the Dunbarians on their economical ingenuity. (Dayton Daily News, 5/23/24) Editors at Vindy.com are all in on cellphone bans, too…almost. “While a complete elimination of cellphones from the academic environment may be accepted by some, cellphones can also be seen as a learning tool to be used during certain classroom activities that would aid a student’s learning ability, especially in today’s society where a new app or piece of technology is developed every day.” Sorry, Dunbarians. It’s still zero tolerance for you guys. (Vindy.com, 5/24/24)
   
   

4. Finally released from the carceral cavalcade and back in the light of day, let’s look anew at Cristo Rey Catholic High School here in Columbus. We’ve talked about this awesome school/work model before but it’s worth reiterating again (especially after our foregoing district-based horror stories) as it is currently celebrating its 10 year anniversary. Cristo Rey looks like a great place for students learn and grow, provides numerous supports across the board, has a ridiculous track record of student success, welcomes all faiths and backgrounds, and there are seats available for low-income students right now. Run, don’t walk, parents. This is what many of you have been looking for. And they have been looking for you. Go get it. (Columbus Dispatch, 5/21/24)
   
   

5. Here are three stories for you to end our clips on an up-note for the week: St. Vincent-St. Mary High School senior Anne Rea gave the valedictory speech at the Akron school’s graduation ceremony this week. She was upbeat, positive, and forward-looking despite losing her family home to a devastating fire less than 24 hours earlier. (Akron Beacon Journal, 5/22/24) An anonymous donor contributed more than $3,300 to settle all outstanding lunch, library, and student fees at Saville Elementary in tiny Mad River Local Schools. (Dayton Daily News, 5/22/24) Remember back in March when the first of Intel’s “super load” equipment deliveries hit the road from southern Ohio headed for Columbus? The video of Portsmouth West Elementary students lined up and cheering as the giant truck rolled by their school that day reached Intel execs and they promised to host a STEM Day for those kiddos to show them what the work was all about. Well, that day came earlier this week, and it sounds like everyone had a nerdy blast. Awesome! (ABC 6 News, Columbus, 5/22/24)

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