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- I’m a little late to this piece that started making the national rounds last week, discussing the Republican National Committee’s proposed platform plank calling for “universal school choice”. Fordham’s own Chad Aldis is quoted within, tossing some cold Ohio water on a hot national discussion by noting that declaring something a policy goal and actually carrying it out are two different things. (Associated Press, 7/11/24)
- One of Chad’s wise implementation questions in the above piece is where all the money will come from to expand school choice of any variety. Maybe a conundrum for other states, but luckily not for us here in Ohio it seems. On Friday, we learned that Ohio Lottery sales during the fiscal year just ended totaled $4.5 billion, which is more than $80 million higher than the previous fiscal year. Sales were boosted by strong interest in Powerball drawings and scratch off tickets, as well as the first full fiscal year of sportsbook availability in the state. As a result of all this, the Lottery Commission transferred a record $1.514 billion into the education fund. Amazing! And the real winners are the kids of Ohio. (Gongwer Ohio, 7/12/24)
- Staying on the topic of education funding (when aren’t we on that topic, really?), Governor DeWine on Friday announced a new incentive program to encourage active duty service members, veterans, and military spouses to work in Ohio’s public schools. The Military Recruit Award program is open to traditional district, charter, independent STEM, and joint vocational schools. Those hiring military personnel will receive a $1,500 signing bonus and an additional $3,000 via reimbursement from the state if the hired individual stays on the job for a year. “Individuals from our military exemplify service, leadership, collaboration, and many other skills that translate to and strengthen the education profession,” said Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Director Steve Dackin. “The Military Recruit Award will boost Ohio’s education communities by attracting and retaining these revered individuals to careers in education.” Nice! (Spectrum News 1, 7/12/24)
- Finally today, I’m quite late to this story too, but to be fair it’s not from one of my typically-perused sources. Future Nurse Academy is a summer camp for high schoolers in northeast Ohio. Sounds like some great hands on experiences—and some very good networking opportunities—for any young person potentially interested in pursuing the nursing profession in the future. It is open to any rising high school sophomore, junior, or senior from any school (you know what I mean) and is not only free but provides a small stipend for kids who complete the program. Wow. No wonder it’s become super popular in only its second year of operation. If you’re interested in next summer, best get started now! (Becker’s Hospital Review, 7/3/24)
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