More details on the Senate’s budget bill
Fordham’s analysis of HB 110, Ohio’s biennial budget bill, continued this week. Aaron Churchill dug into the Senate’s version of a school funding revamp contained in the bill as passed in that chamber. Conference committee activity began this week to reconcile this with the House version of the bill.
Ohio vs. Arizona
The executive editor of RedefinED compared Ohio to Arizona very unfavorably on the topic of economic segregation in education access. Matthew Ladner’s focus is on interdistrict open enrollment but includes other Buckeye State data as well. While he ends by saying that things aren’t entirely positive in Arizona, it’s hard to argue that low-income Ohioans’ choices aren’t limited in some key areas of the state.
Another new charter school opening in Toledo
Western Toledo Preparatory Academy, a K-7 charter school with a unique focus on academics and athletics, is already providing summer programming for students in the Glass City, and will formally open its doors for classes this fall.
Charter news from our neighbors
Efforts to open the first charter school in West Virginia received a setback this week when the state Supreme Court ruled that the Monongalia County Board of Education’s previous rejection of a charter application last year would stand, mainly due to the appeal process that West Virginia Academy leaders utilized in response. It is unknown as yet whether subsequent changes to state law will yield a different result for a second application. Meanwhile, a new study from Ball State University indicates that Indiana’s school choice options—including charter schools—saved the state nearly $90 million for the 2019-2020 academic year.
The view from Wisconsin
A charter school in Madison, Wisconsin, announced this week it is partnering with a local network of real estate and finance professionals to provide school families with $15,000 to help make the down payment on their first home. The effort is open to the families of any students or staff members who have not owned a home in the previous three years and includes two free financial literacy courses to help smooth the path to home ownership.
National Charter Schools Conference is next week!
The National Alliance for Public Charter Schools’ annual conference runs virtually this year from June 21 – 23. Speakers include U.S. Department of Education Secretary Miguel Cardona, author Irshad Manji, philanthropist Dr. Priscilla Chan, and many more. Not-to-miss conference sessions include “The Role of Black Institutions in the Charter School Movement” and “Don't Waste This Crisis”. More details and registration information can be found here.
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