Education News for 02-12-2013

State Education News

• Divided state school board won’t oust Terhar over Facebook post (Columbus Dispatch)

A divided State Board of Education refused to remove President Debe Terhar yesterday after an uproar over her Adolf Hitler Facebook post. The board voted 10-6 against removing the Cincinnati Republican as board president after she apologized…Read more...

• 'Jesus' painting on school-board agenda tonight (Columbus Dispatch)

Jackson school officials are confident that public support is on their side in endorsing the continued display in a middle school of a painting that depicts Jesus. Now, they must decide if the law is on their side.…Read more...

• Auditor: Four more school districts rigged student data (Columbus Dispatch)

Four more Ohio school districts manipulated their student data, and the findings are being turned over to federal officials, State Auditor Dave Yost announced yesterday as he released the results of his statewide attendance investigation.…Read more...

• Plan upsets Wolf Creek superintendent (Marietta Times)

Wolf Creek Local Superintendent Bob Caldwell said Monday he believes Ohio Gov. John Kasich "didn't follow through" with the school-funding plan he recently outlined for school administrators.…Read more...

Local Education News

• Chief scolds mom who engaged in fight at Withrow (Cincinnati Enquirer)

The mother and daughter, according to police, assaulted a 15-year-old girl, striking her with fists, feet and a combination lock. Teacher Kim Kilby suffered a black eye in the scuffle.…Read more...

• New Cleveland school plan topic of forum at Idea Center Monday night (Cleveland Plain Dealer)

About 250 people, who were engaged and interested, heard all about the new Cleveland Plan for Transforming Schools at a forum Monday at The Idea Center at Playhouse Square."I want Cleveland to be known for education," said Mayor Frank Jackson…Read more...

• Westerville school board selects superintendent (Columbus Dispatch)

A top administrator in the South-Western school district has been named the next superintendent of Westerville schools. John R. Kellogg, 50, will take over in Westerville next school year, replacing Dan Good…Read more...

• Springboro board denies complaint made by teachers union (Dayton Daily News)

The Springboro school board wants the State Employee Relations Board to “immediately dismiss” an unfair labor practice complaint brought against them by the state teachers union.…Read more...

• School board rehires Wittwer for 1 year (Findlay Courier)

Findlay school board unanimously voted Monday to rehire the district's superintendent after he retires at the end of the school year.…Read more...

• JVS academic services director sues board, alleges discrimination, harassment (Lorain Morning Journal)

Cathy Pugh, the director of academic services for the Lorain County Joint Vocational School District Board of Education, has filed a lawsuit against the JVS for continuous discriminatory and harassing behavior…Read more...

• 'State of the Schools': Superintendent has plans to reform Lorain's district (Lorain Morning Journal)

After six months on the job, Lorain City Schools Superintendent Tom Tucker has put the beginning of his plans to reform the district in to motion.…Read more...

• Making math matter (Marion Star)

On a recent winter night at Elgin West Elementary School, more than 100 adults and students turned out to do math.…Read more...

• Monroe schools, city council broach topic of shared services (Middletown Journal)

A partnership for shared technology services is underway between local government and school agencies in Monroe. Monroe school board members met Monday evening in a joint work session with Monroe city council members to discuss ideas for sharing services…Read more...

• Safe Routes plan ready for approval (Warren Tribune Chronicle)

A revised Safe Routes to School Plan aimed at increasing the number of students walking or biking to Howland Middle School is in its final stages before being sent to the state for funding.…Read more...

State Board of Education

The Dispatch has an article on the State Board of Education elections that will also take place on November 6th

The state board consists of eight appointees of the governor and 11 elected to four-year terms. Seven are up for election on Tuesday.

Perhaps the most-important work ahead for the board will be to hire the next state superintendent. The office has been vacant since early August, when Stan Heffner resigned after the release of a politically charged ethics probe. The board also must deal with data rigging by school districts, implementation of Ohio’s new third-grade reading guarantee and more-rigorous Common Core curriculum standards, and oversight of the new school-funding formula that Gov. John Kasich plans to unveil next year.

Elections for these offices typically appear quite low down on the ballot, so voters should be mindful to go through their entire ballot. As the Dispatch notes, lot of important issues go through the State Board of Education.

A quick look at some of the pro-public education candidates

Ann E. Jacobs
District 1 (Northwest Ohio)
As an elected member of the State Board, Ann e. Jacobs is an attorney and owner of Jacobs Law Offices, LLC, in Lima. She has worked as a trial attorney for the equal employment Opportunity Commission and as assistant attor- ney general for the Attorney General of Ohio.

Previously, Jacobs served as president, vice president and member of the Shawnee Local School Board, and as a member of the Apollo Jr. Vocation Board. her professional and civic member- ships include the California Bar Association, the District of Columbia Bar Association, the Ohio Bar Association, the South Carolina Bar Association; member of the Senior Citizens Board; Board of Trustees member of the YWCA; Board member of Marimor Industries; and elder and deacon of Market Street Presbyterian Church. Jacobs earned her bachelor’s degree from George Washington University and her Ju- ris Doctor from Catholic University.

Richard Javorek
District 5 (exurban Cleveland)
Richard Javorek is a retired teacher living in Chippewa Lake, Ohio. he taught social stud- ies in the Brunswick City School District for over 30 years and was an adjunct faculty member at Bry- ant & Stratton College in Cleveland. he has served as Chair of the Ohio Social Studies Resource Cen- ter and was an advisor to both the Ohio Center for Law Related edu- cation and the Ohio Department of education. Javorek received the Ashland Oil Golden Apple Award and, in 2000, he was named Teacher of the Year at Willetts Middle School. He earned his bachelor’s degree at Baldwin Wallace College and his master’s degree from Kent State University. he is an ordained minister and an Assistant District Commissioner in the Boy Scouts.

Michael L. collins
District 6 (Columbus Metro)
As an elected member of the State Board, Michael L. Collins currently serves as president of Promotions One, Inc., a marketing agency, with ex- perience directing regional events including first Night Columbus, Waterfire Columbus, the Columbus Marathon and the Columbus Race for the Cure. As an educa- tion advocate, Collins has served as a member and president of the Westerville City Schools Board of education; a member of the Westerville City Schools liaisons, business operations, student activities, levy campaigns and long-range planning committees; and chair of the Westerville City Schools Levy Cam- paign. his two collegiate degrees in education have helped him be effective in these roles. he is also ac- tive in the community. His service includes work with the Westerville Chamber of Commerce, Westerville Rotary Club, Westerville Parks & Recreation Advisory Board, and Columbus events Council, Metro Denver health and Wellness Commission and various committees for the Ohio School Boards Association. He has also volunteered as a coach for youth football and wrestling.

James J. collum
District 7 (Northeastern Ohio)
James J. Collum is an Ohio native and a product of strong public schools. After graduating from Glen Oak high School, Collum earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration at The University of florida in 1995. he then enrolled at The Ohio State University College of Law and received his Juris Doctor in 1999. Collum has been in private practice since 2000, maintaining his law office in the Belden Village area of Canton. During the past decade, he has dedicated his practice to advocating for individuals and their rights—representing them against large companies in Title VII discrimination cases, unemployment claims, severance negotiation as well as numerous other employment- related cases. he also represents individuals in other types of civil matters, including personal injury, business formation and litigation, real estate and wills and trusts.

Stephanie Dodd
District 9 (Southeastern Ohio)
Stephanie L. Dodd, a native of Zanesville and resident of Licking Township, owns SLD Consulting, a small business that works with candidates, organizations and issue-based groups to achieve maximum fundraising results. Dodd possesses a strong understanding of the need for innovative strategies, the ability to analyze data and the commitment that is essential for success. “The parents, students and taxpayers of the 9th District need a representative who is 100 percent dedicated to improving Ohio’s schools,” Dodd said. As a small business owner, taxpayer and parent, Dodd brings a unique perspective to the State Board of education that will emphasize the role of Ohio’s schools in the state economy.

Todd Book
District 10 (Southern Ohio)
Todd Book is a product of the West Portsmouth Public Schools in Scioto County, Ohio. he graduated from Western Michigan University, magna cum laude, with a bachelor’s degree in political science. He obtained his law degree from the nation’s oldest law school at the College of William and Mary and then returned to Portsmouth to begin his law practice. In 2002, Book was elected to the Ohio house of Representatives, serving four terms before term limits forced him to leave the legislature. While a state representative, Book was known as a hard-working member who focused on policy over politics. He held the positions of assistant minority leader, caucus chair and chairman of the Rules Committee. He was one of the few members that voted against No Child Left Behind. Book is heavily involved with his community and is a member of the Portsmouth Civic forum.

Mary Rose Oakar
District 11 (Cleveland)
As an elected member of the State Board representing District 11, Mary Rose Oakar serves approximately two-thirds of Cuyahoga County. She was elected to her current four-year term in 2008. Oakar served in three legislative bodies. She was a Member of the Cleveland City Council, a 16-year Member of the United States Congress and a Member of the Ohio house of Representatives. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Ursuline College and a master’s degree from John Carroll University. Oakar taught at Lourdes Academy and east high and, from 1968 to 1975, at Cuyahoga Community College. For 6 1⁄2 years, she was president of the American- Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC), which describes itself as the largest Arab-American grassroots civil rights organization in the U.S. Active in the community, Oakar is a member of the housing Board for Project Afford, a volunteer at the West Side hunger Center, a member of the Ohio farm Bureau, and a member of the “former Members of U.S. Congress.”

Education News for 02-14-2012

Statewide Education News

• Monroe board delays vote on fiscal emergency (Middletown Journal)

MONROE — The Monroe Board of Education decided Monday night to table the resolution that requested the state auditor’s office to place the district in fiscal emergency. If it had passed, the resolution would not have required Monroe Local Schools — which has a projected $4.5 million deficit at the end of this fiscal year — to submit a fiscal watch recovery plan. The state auditor’s office placed the district in fiscal watch Feb. 2. Read More…

• School district to introduce Learning Café (News-Sun)

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield City School District will host an open house Thursday to introduce new components of the district’s after-hours program The Learning Cafe, formerly called the Family Academy. “We’ve got the best learning menu in the city of Springfield, something for almost everybody,” said Superintendent David Estrop. “That’s the whole idea ... so that we truly can give ... more opportunities for more people of all ages.” Read More…

• Are you an Ohio educator?

We invite you to join Ohio Teachers’ Homeroom, the new Facebook page from the Ohio Department of Education. It’s a great way to keep up with the latest news important to your career and to connect with colleagues around the state. We welcome you to share your ideas, lesson plans and comments with fellow Ohio educators. Find us here

National Stories of the Day

• Embracing the Common Core: Helping Students Thrive (Fordham Institute)

Join us February 15 for an important conversation about Ohio’s adoption and implementation of the Common Core Academic Standards! Academic content standards define what students should know and be able to do, and provide guidance to teachers and schools on content and instruction. Ohio’s schools will soon move from the current standards in mathematics and English language arts to more rigorous standards developed and embraced by a consortium of 46 states and the District of Columbia. Ohio joined other states in adopting these new standards, and the aligned assessments that go with them, to help ensure that Buckeye students learn the knowledge and skills needed for success in college, careers, and life. Read More…

• Virtual Education Seen as Understudied (Education Week)

A flurry of reports and high-profile news articles over the past year has cast doubt on the effectiveness of online education, and raised concerns about the rapid growth of virtual education across the country. This increased attention comes as such education moves further into the mainstream of K-12 education and opens itself up to greater scrutiny. At this point in the maturation of virtual education, the importance of high-quality, objective research is greater than ever. Read More…

Local Issues

• Proposed Dublin school cuts include new starting times, higher fees (Dispatch)

Students in Dublin schools would start their days earlier next school year, and some would pay more for extracurricular activities, under changes proposed last night. The changes were part of $7.1 million in cuts that district officials said they need to make over the next two school years because of a November levy failure. Some of the reductions would require board approval; others would be implemented by administrators. The change in starting times would be linked to transportation changes. Read More…

• Newark schools suspends pay-to-participate fees (Newark Advocate)

NEWARK - The Newark Board of Education took two actions that members think will help improve the district's graduation rate Monday night. The board voted 5-0 to both suspend pay-to-participate fees for 2012-13 and restore partial high school busing immediately. The fees were implemented and busing eliminated during a round of cuts in 2007. Since then, students have paid $200 per sport and $55 per fine arts activity -- down to $165 and $45 after the Million Dollar Dream Committee formed four years ago. The fees have raised about $200,000 per year. Read More…

• Lakota considers cutting 69 teachers (Journal-News)

LIBERTY TWP. — Lakota Local School District administrators are proposing eliminating nearly 69 teaching positions for secondary grades in the latest round of budget cuts. The cuts are being proposed to help offset a projected $9 million budget deficit for the 2012-13 academic year. The plan would allow the district to cut the secondary payroll by about $4.3 million, according to district officials. Read More…

• Westerville schools union OKs concessions (Dispatch)

A second Westerville schools union has agreed to give up wage increases and pay more for health care to help ease the district’s financial problems. The Westerville Board of Education approved the contract for the Ohio Association of Public School Employees Local 138 at its meeting last night. The vote was 4-1, with board member Carol French opposed. The union, which represents about 180 custodians, maintenance and food-service workers in the Westerville district, is the second of four unions to agree to concessions, which take effect only if all of the unions agree to them. Read More…

• Granville schools might cut 18.5 positions (Newark Advocate)

GRANVILLE - A reduction in staff by an equivalent of 18.5 positions is being recommended to help the Granville School District save $1.5 million during the next two years. Superintendent Jeff Brown presented a proposal to the Board of Education Monday night that would keep the Ohio Department of Education off of the district's back in two years by keeping the district out of "fiscal caution." Read More…

Education News for 01-20-2012

Statewide Education News

• Parents, Schools Work Around Growing Food Allergies (ONN)

MARENGO - Doug Eckelbarger is a Social Studies teacher who has a daughter with a potential fatal peanut allergy. "It was pretty scary, hives from head down to the torso," said Eckelbarger. Eckelbarger's daughter has had close calls before which is why it is so important to monitor what she eats at home and school, ONN's Stephanie Mennecke reported. At Highland Local Schools, they do the best they can to watch 2,000 students. Food allergies and medical conditions for each student are kept electronically. Read More…

Local Issues

• Westerville Schools Discuss Services That Could Return If Levy Is Passed (WBNS 10 CBS)

WESTERVILLE - The Westerville City School Board met Wednesday to discuss the possibility of reviving programs if its proposed levy passes. Superintendent Dr. J. Daniel Good, warned students and parents that while programs could come back they may not be the same as before, 10TV's Jason Frazer reported. The district is proposing a levy in March. Administrators said approval of that levy could bring back non-athletic after-school programs, gift intervention services and reading intervention teachers. Read More…

• Monroe schools to cut 19 employees (Middletown Journal)

MONROE — Monroe Local Schools Superintendent Elizabeth Lolli said Thursday 19 positions will be eliminated next school year as a part of the district’s plan to cut $2.2 million from its budget. Among the cuts will be three art and three music teaching positions as a result of general music classes in grades K-6 being eliminated along with art classes in grades K-8. Those subjects will be taught by regular classroom teachers, Lolli said. Thirteen teachers, three classified staff and three administrators are expected to be eliminated. Read More…

• School, Student Responded Right Way To Alleged Luring (WBNS 10 CBS)

CIRCLEVILLE - Sheriff's officials said on Thursday that both the Logan Elm Local School District and a boy who allegedly was approached by a stranger responded the right way in a difficult situation. Police said that John Guisinger, 62, approached a 12-year-old boy at a bus stop on Wednesday and attempted to lure the boy to his car. According to investigators, the boy ran and told his family. "He was very smart. Very smart kid. Took off running, got a hold of his mom and his grandma right away, and they called the proper authorizes," said Pickaway County sheriff's Detective John Strawser. Read More…

Editorial

• Drawing the line: What happens at home is not school business (Post-Gazette)

It's one thing for Pink Floyd to sing: "Hey! Teacher! Leave them kids alone!" It's another that the U.S. Supreme Court should implicitly endorse that sentiment by not agreeing to take two cases from Pennsylvania and one from West Virginia concerning free speech and school discipline. Juvenile parodies and criticism were at issue in the cases. One was about a then-Hickory High School senior in Mercer County suspended for creating a mocking Web profile of his principal. Another involved an eighth-grader suspended in the Blue Mountain School for producing a profanity-laced profile of her principal that suggested he was a pedophile. The West Virginia case was about a teen who disparaged a fellow student online. Read More…

Rallys around the State on Tuesday

This week marks a critical turning point in the fight to protect not only our collective bargaining rights, but public education itself. On Tuesday, Governor Kasich will unveil details of his first two-year budget. Given a looming $8 billion deficit, cuts to K-12 public education and higher education are expected to be steep and painful. Furthermore, the governor has said that it include many "reforms," not the least of which will involve diverting taxpayer dollars to unproven charter schools and voucher programs that support private schools.

Against this backdrop, it is critically important that we have a huge turnout of members at Tuesday's "Stand Up for Ohio" rallies. Twelve such rallies will be held across the state, and the only one in Central will be held at Westerville Central High School (7118 Mount Royal Ave., Westerville) from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. (This marks a change in location from what had originally been planned for the Westerville Public Library.)

Please spread the word and encourage all of your fellow members, along with their families, friends, and supporters to be there with you. This rally will take place just blocks from Governor Kasich's home and will be a great message to send a loud and clear message, right in his backyard, that policies are wrong for the middle class, wrong for children, and wrong for the future of our state.

For those of you who live a distance away from Columbus, there are similar rallies taking place in the Dayton area (at the corner of Maple St. and E. National Rd. in Vandalia), in Portsmouth (at Shawnee State University), and in Mansfield (in the Main St. Town Square), all beginning at 5:00.

There is also a rally scheduled for next Saturday, March 19, on the square in downtown Newark at noon. (Arrive at 11:00.)

Also, please continue to contact your representatives by email and telephone.

Call 1-888-907-7309 or the Direct line listed below to let your representative in the House hear from you on why SB 5 needs to be stopped.