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03/20/2015

ONA offers editorial urging strong charter-school reform

By Dennis Hetzel, Executive Director

Nearly $1 billion in public money goes to charter schools in Ohio. I haven’t been optimistic that much could be done to improve transparency, particularly because of the influence the for-profit charter operators have with many legislators.  However, the sands have shifted (maybe) as House Bill 2 works its way through the House and Senate as a priority item. Both sides, even charter advocates, agree “something” must be done as Ohio’s system has become a national embarrassment.

The question is this: Will there be improvements around the edges or real reform – the kind that would allow journalists and others to get to a detail level on how public money is being spent.

Strong, clear editorials from Ohio’s newspapers can encourage the legislators to consider real reform. 

While many of you have editorialized on this subject, I think it is important to be more specific about what type of reform is needed. With that in mind, I have “ghost-written” an editorial. You obviously are free to use it as you wish, either “as is” or as a starting point for your own thoughts.  You can find it by clicking here.  For more detail, we also have posted a letter ONA has sent to House Speaker Cliff Rosenberger, available by clicking here.

I particularly urge ONA members who have legislators who are in House and Senate leadership and/or members of the House Education and Senate Education committees to publish something and hold those legislators accountable for improving HB 2.

House Bill 2 is pending in House Education Committee.  The bill has received substantial testimony during weeks of hearings.  The committee accepted an omnibus amendment that made 20 changes to the bill.  While the amendment added further transparency measures to the bill, it still falls short. The committee chairman indicated a vote in committee could come as early as next week.

As always, ONA is available to you as a resource if you would like additional talking points or other assistance.

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