- After some drops, adds, and sifting, the list of finalists for Dayton City Schools superintendent is down to three. They were introduced to the public late last week and here are brief profiles of them all. Not sure when the board will make the decision. Hopefully soon. (Dayton Daily News, 6/10/16) However, there is some concern that said Dayton school board may run into difficulties with the superintendent hiring processes. Why? Because the district is also looking for an athletic director, but has had to rescind not one but two job offers following concerns that the interview process used was not fair to all applicants. Both times. Don’t forget the board is looking for a treasurer too! (Dayton Daily News, 6/14/16)
- Meanwhile, in other “fourth branch of government” news, things are just as out of control as ever in Youngstown. Henry Martyn Robert, who grew up in Ohio and was married in Dayton, is likely spinning in his grave to see his rulebook used to foster what appears to be disorder, confusion, and gridlock like this. (Youngstown Vindicator, 6/15/16)
- The state board of education meeting this week wrought at least two newsworthy items. First up, a non-decision in regard to changes in how dropout recovery schools are designated in Ohio. The board decided to hold off on those changes pending the report of a study committee on dropout recovery schools. The committee is expected to hold its first meeting “soon” and its report is due in August. (Gongwer Ohio, 6/13/16) Secondly, as we previewed on Monday, the cut scores for proficiency on two high school math tests were indeed lowered. You can check out a “glass half-full” look at the testimony, debate, and vote in the PD. (Cleveland Plain Dealer, 6/14/16) The glass is a little less full in this piece from Dayton Daily News, especially when you consider that the decision when against the advice of someone the caliber of Learn to Earn Dayton’s Tom Lasley. (Dayton Daily News, 6/14/16) For anyone interested in reading Dr. Lasley’s full testimony, it is here.
- Two pieces of news from the CLE. Those I Can network charter school teachers who unionized earlier this year now have a contract. (Cleveland Plain Dealer, 6/13/16) The board of Cleveland Metropolitan School District appears poised to place a 4-year no-increase levy renewal issue on the ballot in November. If you don’t think this will turn into a referendum on the Cleveland Plan, then you haven’t been paying attention. (Cleveland Plain Dealer, 6/14/16)
- We end today with what looks to be some passive-aggressive journalism. A high-performing STEM high school in Akron is opening its lottery process to incoming sophomores and juniors. Good news for kids looking for a rigorous option, right? A vindication of school choice as a means for students to get higher quality public education? Nope. Even though the school is run by Akron Public Schools and a highly-accomplished alum (Gates Millennium Scholar, etc.) was on hand to tell her how awesome the school is, the journalist made sure to note that the open spots were created by kids who left the school at the end of the year because it wasn’t “the right fit”. OK. Yes, that is a true statement. But seriously. THAT’s the angle? Okey doke. (Akron Beacon Journal, 6/14/16)
