Gadfly Bites 7/22/26—Relaxation

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1. Sorry to miss you all on Monday. There was nothing in the news to talk about; hence, no Bites. Today’s not much better, but let’s see what’s out there together, shall we? First up is a notice from Lima City Schools that the student dress code has changed from last year. Sounds like it’s been lightened up a little, specifying that “denim” and “Sport Crocs” are now allowed, although slippers and ripped pants of any kind are still not permitted. The reason for the relaxation is twofold, says superintendent Andre Rudolph: allowing students to show their “personal style” more and improving attendance. How’s that work, exactly, boss? “When you’re able to open up your style, your fashion, and truly let your personality shine, hopefully it makes more students want to come to school more consistently and really be comfortable when they’re here.” O…kay… (Hometown Stations, 7/21/26)
   
   

2. That was weird, but I think our second piece today will be more to your liking. We have talked about the northeast Ohio nonprofit group College Now before. They have been doing yeoman’s work for years, helping young people across the region learn about college and get prepared for applying and attending in the future. I have often questioned whether they are just involved with traditional district schools or if they are properly school choice-minded. Turns out that reporter Franziska Wild has the answers for me: Featuring a Cleveland charter school student prominently in this coverage of their recent tour of the University of Akron and providing a helpful link to all the schools at which College Now advisers are stationed, including lots of private school campuses and even a couple of charters. Kudos to Wild for once again covering the full breadth of education news in The Land. (Signal Cleveland, 7/22/26)

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