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- We’ve talked about this awesome program before in these clips, back when it was called Move to PROSPER. Among other things, the program helps low-income families with young children relocate to what are termed “better-resourced” neighborhoods as a necessary step to overcome the negative gravity while trying to rise up here in Columbus. And, as we noted, one of the central points of these “better-resourced” neighborhoods is better schools—almost entirely in suburban locations outside of Columbus City Schools’ borders. The same dynamic is in effect, spelled out very clearly in this new piece. “It was like one of those programs you’d make up in your head if you could think of something perfect for you,” said participant mom Jameka Humphries. She got help to move from Columbus to Bexley and the most immediate benefit accrued to her son Jayden. We are told that he is now excelling in fourth grade after being behind a grade level in his previous school. Awesome! The program is now called Families Flourish, probably to try and mitigate the negative connotations of needing to leave Columbus to prosper, which is something that we’ve noted her previously. Interestingly, the former mayor of Columbus is a vocal supporter since that moniker maneuver, but I’m sure it’s just a coincidence of timing. (Columbus Dispatch, 9/1/24)
- Spectrum News discusses the transportation rules for charter, private, and STEM school students in Ohio. The big picture, we are told, is that approximately 53,000 choice students need transportation, but that is deemed “a lot” by a spokesperson for the Ohio School Boards Association. There is also discussion of the fine system intended to “encourage” districts to do the job, without noting that this has already failed. (Spectrum News 1, 9/3/24) However, that Spectrum piece feels like super old news to me right now following yesterday’s transpo bombshell. In case you missed it, Attorney General Dave Yost sent a cease-and-desist letter to Columbus City Schools yesterday afternoon, saying the district needs to resume providing transportation to the hundreds of charter, private, and STEM school students it last week declared “impractical to transport” or face a lawsuit. Yowza. A few hours later, the district’s elected school board voted unanimously last night to declare a further roster of students “impractical” to transport. Double yowza. (Columbus Dispatch, 9/3/24)
- Finally today: Forget about buses—Toledo City Schools has actually purchased semis to kickstart their long-gestating CDL driver training program for students! (Toledo Blade, 9/4/24)
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