- While it’s always good to see my colleague Aaron Churchill talking truth in the media, I can’t help but be a little bit saddened by his contribution to this piece. You see, the piece consists of more than 1500 words looking to answer the question of why so many districts have been replacing old buildings and building new ones over the last few years. And the answer as I see it is: The districts are so awash in available money that nearly any reason (old electrical, wonky boiler, neato spaces) is enough to justify a dozen new episodes of Extreme Makeover: Education Edition. But what’s sad here is that Aaron is not quoted at all in that section. Aaron is waaaaaaaay down there at the bottom—in a coda less than 150 words long about how the big money truck has never and still largely will not back up to charter schools. And indeed how there is nearly no reason big enough (bursting at the seams, inadequate location in an old church or strip mall space) to get even a Trading Spaces-level bargain reno done with public funds. (Dayton Daily News, 8/10/23)
- Lots of money available for districts to provide student busing in Ohio, too. Sadly, districts across Franklin County (and elsewhere) still find reason to whine about all those charter, STEM, and private school students they have to schlep to their schools too. (Columbus Dispatch, 8/10/23)
- More vouchers are available for families to attend Catholic schools in the Youngstown Diocese, you say? Tell me more… (Mahoning Matters, 8/10/23)
- Speaking of the new state budget (were we?), Governor DeWine this week reiterated all the literacy-related policy improvements enacted in the budget bill along with several new initiatives he is launching as part of what he’s calling ReadOhio. This wide-ranging effort will include new supports for adults who want to overcome any literacy gaps they may still have as well as resources for students in private schools across the state. Kudos! (10 TV News, Columbus, 8/10/23)
- Finally this week: After less than 18 months, Cleveland mayor Justin Bibb is rearranging his education cabinet, swapping out TFA for AFT. (Cleveland Scene, 8/10/23)
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