Charter School Legislation: What Is and What May Be

At our regular board meeting last night, I was alerted to the fact that there are currently four bills - three in the Senate, one in the House - dealing with charter or "community" schools. These are SB 331, 332, 333 and HB 532. Here is a link to the site where you can type in the bill number and read them in detail: http://lsc.state.oh.us/analyses/analysis127.nsf/All%20Bills%20and%20Resolutions?OpenView
The bills are lengthy and I think it is better for you to look at the actual bill than to have me paraphrase, but suffice it to say that the bills are requiring increased accountability from charter schools: they have to do what they are supposed to do, or the doors will be closed - and for chartering agencies whose schools are on academic emergency or academic watch, these bills mandate that no more schools can be opened by that agency. The bills are not passed, but proposed. If you want to read the current legislation under which community schools operate, then you will really be "in the know" from a legal standpoint. Here is the link to that information: http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/3314 I encourage you to read it!
Our ESC (Educational Service Center, remember!) is doing a lot of physical moving around this summer, as we transition out of several buildings and more of our activities are concentrated in the Shuer Center in Oregon, which houses the amazing Challenger Learning Center, and the main administrative facility at 2275 Collingwood. These are fiscally responsible moves - we will have the same programs at a lower cost. As a fiscal semi-conservative, I am pleased with this approach.
Contracts for 2008-09 have been finalized with Rossford, Sylvania, Springfield, Perrysburg, Anthony Wayne, Ottawa Hills, Maumee and Washington Local school districts. What does this mean? It means that if the school district has a need - say, one day a week or twice a week for half a day - we can provide that. Perhaps the school doesn't need a full-time staff psychologist; we can provide the school with a psychologist for one or two days a week, and then that individual can be contracted for a different school for the other days. This saves the school district the time and energy required to find a high-quality part-time person. Oregon City schools are working independently this year: it will be interesting to see how that turns out for all involved.
Remember that all meetings are open to the public, and that not only can you listen, you are also welcome to speak. Let your voice be heard! I am also grateful for the responses I receive here. I value your insight. Please feel free to post or to contact me privately. Thank you for the opportunity to serve!