- Quick: What was the subject of the universally-reviled HB 70 out of the 131st General Assembly? Buzzzzz. It was NOT Academic Distress Commissions, but thanks for playing! It was a bill allowing school districts to create community learning centers. That is, establishing extensive wraparound services for students and families. But it was also a “vehicle”—to use the vernacular—to which ADC changes were amended prior to passage. Something similar may play out in the future with this GA’s HB 164, but in reverse. Amending HB 164 gave a financial windfall to many school districts previously in line for coronavirus-related funding cuts – very popular in some quarters – while its main topic was allowing public school students to engage in religious expression before, during and after school in the same manner that students are allowed to engage in secular activities. (Gongwer Ohio, 6/19/20)
- As if that sweet green pill was not enough to garner the needed votes for passage of HB 164, consider that the amendment process also gave us an extension of special education services via telecommunications, allowed school bus drivers to become certified over the internet, and made sure that third-graders wouldn’t need to repeat the grade due to their scores on the state reading test. Among other things. Talk about consolation prizes. (Cleveland.com, 6/19/20)
Did you know you can have every edition of Gadfly Bites sent directly to your Inbox? Subscribe by clicking here.
Policy Priority:
Topics:
