Gadfly Bites 9/15/25—Storylines

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1. As we talked about last week, it’s school and district report card day today. Ahead of the data release frenzy, here’s a look at two “storylines” that will be under the microscope for Cleveland Metropolitan School District. (One assumes that the journalist doesn’t NOT care about other schools, but you wouldn’t know that from this piece.) They are: Whether CMSD can maintain their 3-star overall rating from last year and whether the implementation of science of reading-aligned curricula and teaching will boost CMSD’s early literacy scores particularly. Early indications for both do not sound super positive to me. Just sayin’. Our report card guru Aaron Churchill weighs in on both topics in a preview of larger discussions to come. (Cleveland.com, 9/15/25)
   
   

2. Speaking of different storylines, here is some data showing that homeschooling is at an all-time high in Ohio this year. Even higher than during the pandemic. Here are a few words from a happy homeschool mom for you: “We loved it. We’ve had the ability to tailor each child’s education to that child.” (10 TV News, Columbus, 9/14/25)
   
   

3. One more storyline for you: St. Francis de Sales Catholic School in Toledo is also at its highest enrollment this year, its 70th in operation. The all-boys school is also in the process of expanding to make room for lots more kids. There are several great stories here from staff, students, and families, but I’ll just leave you with this one: “St. Francis has set me up for the rest of my life,” said senior Brent Gehring, heading into the Air National Guard after graduation. “The academics are strong, and the relationships I have here will stay with me. The brotherhood makes it special here.” Why yes, they DO take EdChoice vouchers at St. Francis. How astute of you to ask. (Toledo Blade, 9/14/25)

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