Ohio’s new school funding formula—challenges with the base cost model

In anticipation of debates about school funding in the coming months, I recently began a series on Ohio’s new school funding formula.

Gadfly Bites 2/1/23—“A time of great opportunity”

In case you missed it,

Fordham Institute media statement on Governor DeWine’s education proposals

Today, Governor Mike DeWine announced his state budget priorities for fiscal years 2024 and 2025 in his state of the state address. Among his K–12 education proposals include bold steps that would greatly strengthen Ohio’s school choice programs.

Improving the accuracy of school funding data

Many states fund students who utilize school choice—public charter schools, private school voucher programs, interdistrict open enrollment, and the like—via “passthrough” mechanisms whereby per-pupil funding goes into a student’s home district coffers first before being transferred to the schools that students actually attend.

Gadfly Bites 1/30/23—Earnest pondering

The superintendent of LaBrae Local Schools (nope, me neither) has a list of interesting questions that he

Ohio Charter News Weekly – 1.27.23

Celebrating National School Choice Week pt 1

Gadfly Bites 1/27/23—Sometimes, I can’t even report ‘em

There are, in my estimation, only two people in Ohio (outside of state government, that is) who truly understand our school funding system. Neither of them is me.

Ohio’s new school funding formula: An introduction

In summer 2021, Ohio lawmakers passed a brand-new school funding formula for Ohio’s 600-plus school districts and 300-plus public charter schools.

Gadfly Bites 1/25/23—When you want something done, ask a busy person to do it

Three reasons why legislators are right to transform the state board of education

In December, state lawmakers rocked the boat during an otherwise sleepy lame duck session by moving forward with a proposal to significantly overhaul Ohio’s education governance structure.

Gadfly Bites 1/23/23—Impossible to overestimate

Despite the somewhat-traditional National School Choice Week snowfall,

Ohio Charter News Weekly – 1.20.23

“Stocktaking” of issues facing all public schools

Gadfly Bites 1/20/23—The extreme nitty gritty

The elected

Ohio auditor’s report on teacher pension system raises concerns, no illegalities

In December, the Ohio Auditor of State released a special audit of the State Teachers Retirement System (STRS).

Gadfly Bites 1/18/23—Checking in on the big districts

It’s an all-Urban 8 edition today.

Ohio should be more transparent about its federal Covid relief spending

Over the last few years, the federal government has sent billions of dollars in emergency funding to states via several relief packages aimed at addressing the impacts of Covid-19.

Casting a wide net to help define teacher expertise

We need many more effective, “expert” teachers in our schools. Thus, a new report aiming to synthesize numerous past studies in order to identify attributes that make a top performing teacher should be of interest to practitioners and policymakers alike.

Ohio Charter News Weekly – 1.13.23

Charter growth in Ohio

Gadfly Bites 1/13/23—Anyone besides me kinda hope it’s cloudy that day?

We first noted this…unusual story last Friday, and simply alluded to it in the Bites because it seemed fanciful at the time.

Fordham Institute statement on introduction of Senate Bill 1

Today, Senator Bill Reineke introduced Senate Bill 1, legislation that would dramatically change the duties of the State Board of Education, create a Department of Education and Workforce Development, and make the new department part of the governor’s cabinet.

Three policies Ohio leaders should prioritize in the upcoming budget

As the excitement of a new year dwindles and Ohioans settle back into their familiar routines, policymakers and advocates are gearing up for yet another budget season. Governor DeWine is scheduled to release his proposed biennial state operating budget in just a few short weeks, and by June, a host of new legislative provisions will likely become law.

Gadfly Bites 1/11/23—Fool’s gold

New year, same as the old year, it seems.

Gadfly Bites 1/9/23—Welcomes, warm and otherwise

First things first: Looks like a deal was reached between Akron City Schools and its teachers union at some point over the weekend.

Ohio Charter News Weekly – 1.6.23

This is our first edition of 2023. Happy New Year to all! It covers news from December 15, 2022 – January 6, 2023. Looking back at 2022 pt 1 – Indianapolis

Gadfly Bites 1/6/23—“Obviously that’s not going to happen”

Our recent report on the impacts of Ohio’s EdChoice program on traditional district schools is one of two choice-focused repo

Another study finds that third-grade retention works

Over the past year, one of the most heavily debated topics in Ohio education has been the retention provision of the Third Grade Reading Guarantee, a decade-old package of early literacy reforms.

Gadfly Bites 1/4/23—“Ultimately, I’d really, really like to solve a problem”

This is our first edition of the new year but we’re covering the final clips from 2022 first—specifically, those published between 12/24 and 12/31/22. Happy New Year, and welcome back!

Five predictions for Ohio education in 2023

It’s the new year, and that means football, resolutions, and predictions. Foreseeing the future, of course, is risky business—nothing is certain except death and taxes—but we can be pretty sure that the coming year will be a busy one for Ohio policymakers.

2022 in review: Ohio’s biggest education stories of the year

A key part of year-end celebrations is looking back and pondering the events of the past twelve months. Such reminiscing isn’t always pleasant, as there are inevitably things that we’d rather forget, but it’s important to take stock of what’s happened as we prepare for what’s next.