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Ohio Overhauls State Takeovers of Failing Schools

Gov. John Kasich signed today a controversial bill that drastically changes how the state can step in to run "failing" school districts by creating a new CEO position, allowing mayors to appoint school board members and giving the CEO power to override parts of union contracts.

Gov. John Kasich signed today a controversial bill  that drastically changes how the state can step in to run "failing" school districts by creating a new CEO position, allowing mayors to appoint school board members and giving the CEO power to override parts of union contracts.

 

The bill comes with the backing of several prominent figures in Youngstown, the district most affected by the changes, including Youngstown State University President Jim Tressel, Bishop George Murry of the Youngstown Catholic Diocese, former Youngstown superintendent Connie Hathorn and Tom Humphries, head of the Youngstown-Warren Chamber of Commerce.

 

It's a bill supporters say is needed to change a district that has been ranking at or near the bottom of the state with its test scores for years.

 

Murry told the Senate Education Committee in its single hearing on the changes that Youngstown has struggled for over a decade to improve its schools.

 

"Unfortunately, the current academic distress commission model does not provide the tools needed to achieve those goals," he said. "By adopting this amendment into HB 70, the district will have the necessary tools to make the schools work for the children who might otherwise be left behind and never be given the opportunity to reach their God-given potential."

 

It has also drawn criticism for grabbing too much power from school boards elected by voters. And it has drawn strong opposition from many for the secretive way it was developed and rushed to vote.

 

Caroline Cournoyer is GOVERNING's senior web editor.
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