Charter growth in Ohio
The Ohio Department of Education recently released its annual report on the state of play in charter schools across the Buckeye State. Media coverage thus far is a bit negative, but evidence suggests that both quality and quantity of charters are on the increase. Removal of geographic constraints on where charters can locate are cited as one reason for the expansion. You can read the full report here.
New charter coming to Columbus
Speaking of expansion, an entity connected to Pansophic Learning purchased a historic church building in downtown Columbus in December with an eye to opening a new charter school there this fall. The congregation of St. John's United Church of Christ will continue to use part of the large facility as well, at a substantial cost savings, in a win for a number of communities in and around downtown. Kudos!
Ongoing transportation struggles
Unfortunately, not all of the Ohio news is good. Four charter schools and one private school in the Dayton area submitted complaints to the Ohio Department of Education asking that Dayton City Schools be investigated for non-compliance with state requirements to transport resident students attending their schools. Officials have documented at least 38 days’ worth of problems—including late arrival and non-arrival of buses on multiple days—impacting hundreds of students. Fines totaling at least $750,000 are likely to be levied against the district, although they have already sued the state to contest the non-compliance findings.
Another ongoing story
Presented without comment, the Dispatch provides an update on teacher unionization efforts at KIPP Columbus.
Legislation to note
Everyone in education in Ohio, including the charter school sector, should also be keeping an eye on the newly-introduced Senate Bill 1. The bill would fundamentally restructure education governance by shifting many of the oversight duties of the State Board of Education to a new cabinet level Director of Education and Workforce Development under the governor.
National Charter Schools Conference 2023
This year’s edition of the National Charter Schools Conference will take place from June 18 – 21 in Austin, Texas. It promises to be the biggest and best learning and networking opportunity of the year for charter educators, advocates, and leaders. More details and registration information can be found here.
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