- While Fordham’s own Chad Aldis notes a couple of positive aspects of the current school funding revamp which is now stuffed into the state budget bill like a rabbit in a snake’s gullet, he is also the only one—of a very long line of commentators—to point out some of the important flaws in the plan. (Columbus Dispatch, 5/2/21) It is probably safe to assume that any concerns regarding the plan—like the ones expressed here by Senate President Matt Huffman—arise from the nuance and details of the ginormous revamp—rather than the more money more money more money aspects which seem to preoccupy both the plan’s vocal supporters and the journalists reporting on the plan. (Dayton Daily News, 5/1/21)
- Here’s a nice story about a former altar boy who recently purchased his childhood parish church, the rectory, the grounds, and the attached school from the Diocese of Cleveland. He’s got great memories and some nebulous but positive plans to help continue the community mission of the buildings—which were deconsecrated more than 10 years ago. Interestingly, he is now the landlord of a charter school which has been serving the neighborhood in the old school building for seven years. Sure hope the school gets to stay. (Akron Beacon Journal, 5/2/21)
- Anyone interested in what proms look like in bougie suburban central Ohio high schools this year? Nope. Me neither. (Columbus Dispatch, 5/3/21) How about the lives and adventures of class pets—your exotic turtles, your bearded dragons, and the like—during the long months of virtual learning? Ditto. But it is interesting to note that the bougier the school, the bougier—and more numerous—the pets seem to become. (Columbus Dispatch, 5/3/21)
- Several days past the April 1 due date to the state, the elected board members of Yellow Springs Exempted Village Schools got their first look at the district’s pandemic learning loss remediation plan. We are reading about it here a month after that. While it does have some summer components, especially for “ghost-present students” (you’ll have to read the piece to find out what that means), the extent of the program is limited by money (minimally) and by staffing (mostly). “Teachers are tired,” said the supe by way of explanation. The full plan extends all the way into 2023, by which time I suppose folks will be more rested. (Yellow Springs News, 5/2/21)
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