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- Fordham’s Aaron Churchill was one of three guests on Columbus’ local public affairs program All Sides yesterday, talking about the good and the bad of Ohio’s state report cards. Some important nuances covered here. Aaron sounds so smart, even in the AI-powered transcript. (WOSU-FM, Columbus, 9/29/26)
- Speaking of AI, Dayton City Schools’ recent chatbot “experiment” (yep, that’s what they call it) with a group of students in the district’s “alternative school” made national news. Is that a good thing? Take listen and see what you think. (NPR, 9/28/26)
- As a palate-cleanser for you (in case you needed one--who am I to say?), here’s a profile of the new president of St. John’s Jesuit High School. Michael Pool is an alumnus of the all-boys school in Toledo, and he’s got big plans…to change very little, despite all that is in flux around him. “The technology shift along with social media has changed things. Young men need help with social media, mental-health needs, and technology,” he says. “We have to figure out how to stay relevant for the times and work to prepare boys for unknown futures — to have them be able to thrive and have a fulfilling life.” He adds that “We have to teach students how to have a relationship with technology. Many are addicted to their devices. We give the boys portals to the world and then under-police what is going on. We have to teach young men what it means to be human and critical thinkers. We want to invite the boys into the conversation.” Why yes, St. John’s does accept students with EdChoice Scholarships. You sure asked about that in a hurry. (Toledo Blade, 9/28/26)
- USA! USA! USA! Utica Shale Academy, a workforce-focused charter school in Salineville, Ohio, received a $900,000 rural transportation grant to buy additional vans to help more students get to and from school—and their internships and jobs—on time. Students will also learn from servicing and maintaining the vans. “We’re trying to be good stewards of the funds we have received while building student responsibility,” said school superintendent Bill Watson. Lovely. (WKBN-TV, Youngstown, 9/29/26) Meanwhile, bus drivers from contractor First Student are heading out on strike (?!) tomorrow, throwing transportation services for tens of thousands of students in seven districts into question. This coverage focuses on Princeton City Schools’ contingency plans. (Fox 19 News, Cincinnati, 9/30/26)
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