OHIO EDUCATION: FROM A.B.C.S TO MAGA-ZED - THE ALPHABET SOUP OF CHAOS (AKA FLAMING VOUCHERS)

OHIO EDUCATION: FROM A.B.C.S TO MAGA-ZED - THE ALPHABET SOUP OF CHAOS (AKA FLAMING VOUCHERS)

Ohio's education system has become the center of attention, and it's not because they've discovered a new way to teach math that actually makes sense. No, it's because Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine has passed a bill that is hell-bent on destroying the public school system. And, let's be honest, who needs an educated populace anyway? Ignorance is bliss, right?

The bill, known as HB 33, is part of the state's budget bill, and it's causing quite a stir. The policy would transfer much of the power from the Board of Education, which includes publicly elected officials, to a governor-appointed director who would then appoint deputy directors. This has caused seven board members to file a lawsuit against its enforcement, claiming that it's unconstitutional.

But, let's be real, who needs democracy when you have a governor-appointed director? It's not like the people of Ohio have any say in how their education system is run. And who needs local control when you can have a governor-appointed director? It's not like the people who actually live in the community know what's best for their kids.

Opponents of the bill argue that it will undermine public education, democracy, and local control in Ohio. They assert that the overhaul will violate the state constitution, which grants the OSBE the authority to supervise public education in Ohio. They also argue that the overhaul will diminish the voice of voters, parents, teachers, and students in education matters, and give too much power to the governor and business interests.

But who needs voters, parents, teachers, and students when you can have the governor and business interests making all the decisions? It's not like they have any ulterior motives or anything.

The opponents of the bill fear that it will lead to more privatization, standardization, testing, and inequity in Ohio's education system. But who needs equity when you can have a two-tiered education system where only the rich can afford to send their kids to private schools? It's not like education is a right or anything.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced that although a court order had delayed a Republican-backed overhaul of the state's K-12 education system, part of it would still take effect. A lawsuit challenging the overhaul argued that it violated the constitution, and a court magistrate ordered a temporary restraining order until a judge could decide to put it on hold indefinitely.

But who needs courts when you have a governor-appointed director? It's not like they'll be biased or anything.

DeWine stated that the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce would replace the Ohio Department of Education, ensuring that necessary operations such as school funding and approval of voucher applications would continue. The new department would function despite the court order, DeWine added, but his office would not take any affirmative action on major decisions still pending, such as appointing a new director of the department.

But who needs checks and balances when you have a governor-appointed director? It's not like they'll abuse their power or anything.

The law is currently facing a legal challenge in the Ohio Supreme Court. A group of plaintiffs, including the Ohio Education Association and the League of Women Voters, argue that the law is unconstitutional because it gives the governor too much power over the state's education system. The Supreme Court is expected to rule on the case in the coming months.

But who needs the Supreme Court when you have a governor-appointed director? It's not like they'll be biased or anything.

In summary, Ohio's education system is being overhauled by a bunch of right-wing goodies who are hell-bent on destroying public education. But who needs public education when you can have privatization, standardization, testing, and inequity? It's not like education is important or anything. And who needs democracy when you can have a governor-appointed director? It's not like the people of Ohio have any say in how their education system is run. 

So sit back, relax, and watch as Ohio's education system goes up in flames. It's going to be a wild ride.

How Ohio's overhaul of K-12 schooling became a flashpoint - ABC News https://abcnews.go.com/US/overhaul-12-education-center-lawsuit-ohio/story?id=103655330 

DeWine says new education department can exist, despite court order https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/politics/2023/10/02/gov-mike-dewine-to-speak-at-515-about-education-department-lawsuit/71036139007/

Part of Ohio's GOP-backed K-12 education overhaul to take effect | 10tv.com https://www.10tv.com/article/news/local/ohio/part-of-ohios-gop-backed-k-12-education-overhaul-take-effect-despite-court-order/530-c57b3054-6c23-470d-9cbb-8922509adc16 

THE DEFT DIVE

FROM BARD AI

Ohio's GOP-backed K-12 education overhaul, signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine in March 2023, is one of the most significant changes to the state's education system in decades. The law makes a number of changes, including:

• * **Shifting oversight of the state education department from the elected Ohio State Board of Education to a director appointed by the governor.** The law also creates a new cabinet-level position of Secretary of Education and Workforce Development, who will oversee the new education department.
• * **Giving the governor more power over the state's education curriculum.** The law requires the governor to appoint a new State Board of Education, which will be responsible for setting academic standards. The law also gives the governor the power to veto any changes to the state's curriculum.
• * **Expanding school choice options for families.** The law creates a new scholarship program that will allow students to attend private schools using public funds. The law also expands the state's existing voucher program and makes it easier for charter schools to open.
• * **Requiring teachers to undergo more training on topics such as civics and social justice.** The law also requires teachers to post their lesson plans online and to allow parents to opt their children out of lessons that they find objectionable.

The law has been met with mixed reactions from education stakeholders. Supporters of the law argue that it will give parents more control over their children's education and improve the quality of education in Ohio. Opponents of the law argue that it will give the governor too much control over the state's education system and that it will harm public schools.

The law is currently facing a legal challenge in the Ohio Supreme Court. A group of plaintiffs, including the Ohio Education Association and the League of Women Voters, argue that the law is unconstitutional because it gives the governor too much power over the state's education system. The Supreme Court is expected to rule on the case in the coming months.

Regardless of the outcome of the legal challenge, the Ohio's GOP-backed K-12 education overhaul is a significant change to the state's education system. The law is likely to have a major impact on students, parents, teachers, and administrators across Ohio.

In addition to the changes listed above, the law also includes a number of other provisions, such as:

• * **Creating a new accountability system for schools.** The law requires the state to develop a new system for measuring school performance. The system will take into account factors such as student test scores, graduation rates, and chronic absenteeism.
• * **Providing more funding for early childhood education.** The law increases funding for Ohio's Early Head Start program, which provides early childhood education services to low-income families.
• * **Expanding access to mental health services for students.** The law requires schools to provide mental health assessments to students who are struggling academically or behaviorally. The law also provides funding for schools to hire more mental health counselors and social workers.

The law is still in its early stages of implementation, so it is too early to say what its long-term impact will be. However, the law has the potential to significantly change the way that education is delivered in Ohio.

FROM BING AI

Ohio's GOP-backed K-12 education overhaul is a controversial legislation that aims to restructure the state's education system and create a new department of education and workforce. The overhaul was passed as part of the state budget in June 2023 and was supposed to take effect on October 1, 2023. However, a lawsuit filed by seven Ohio State Board of Education members and some parents challenged the constitutionality of the overhaul and sought to block its implementation. A county judge issued a temporary restraining order on September 21, 2023, halting the overhaul until further notice.

The main features of the overhaul are:

• - It abolishes the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) and replaces it with the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (DEW), which will be headed by a director appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate. The director will have broad powers over the state's education policies, standards, assessments, funding, and accountability.
• - It reduces the size and role of the Ohio State Board of Education (OSBE), which is currently composed of 19 members, 11 elected and eight appointed by the governor. The overhaul reduces the number of elected members to five, one from each congressional district, and eliminates the appointed members. The OSBE will no longer have authority over the state superintendent of public instruction, who will be appointed by the DEW director. The OSBE will also lose its oversight over charter schools, vouchers, and other education programs.
• - It creates a new Ohio Commission on Student Success (OCSS), which will consist of 15 members appointed by the governor, legislative leaders, and business groups. The OCSS will advise the DEW director on various education issues, such as curriculum, graduation requirements, career pathways, workforce development, and data collection.

The proponents of the overhaul argue that it will bring more efficiency, accountability, and innovation to Ohio's education system, which they say is failing to meet the needs of students and employers in the 21st century. They claim that the overhaul will streamline the bureaucracy, reduce political interference, align education with workforce demands, and empower local districts and schools to make decisions that best suit their communities.

The opponents of the overhaul contend that it will undermine public education, democracy, and local control in Ohio. They assert that the overhaul will violate the state constitution, which grants the OSBE the authority to supervise public education in Ohio. They also argue that the overhaul will diminish the voice of voters, parents, teachers, and students in education matters, and give too much power to the governor and business interests. They fear that the overhaul will lead to more privatization, standardization, testing, and inequity in Ohio's education system.

Bing, 10/3/2023

• (1) Part of Ohio’s GOP-backed K-12 education overhaul will take effect despite court order. https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/part-of-ohios-gop-backed-k-12-education-overhaul-will-take-effect-despite-court-order/ar-AA1hBj0k.
• (2) Ohio judge puts massive GOP-backed education overhaul on hold. https://www.foxnews.com/politics/ohio-judge-puts-massive-gop-backed-education-overhaul-hold.
• (3) Overhaul of Ohio's K-12 Education System Is Unconstitutional, New Lawsuit Says. https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/ohio/articles/2023-09-19/overhaul-of-ohios-k-12-education-system-is-unconstitutional-new-lawsuit-says.
• (4) Part of Ohio's GOP-Backed K-12 Education Overhaul Will Take Effect .... https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/ohio/articles/2023-10-02/part-of-ohios-gop-backed-k-12-education-overhaul-will-take-effect-despite-court-order.
• (5) Part of Ohio's GOP-backed K-12 education overhaul will take effect .... https://apnews.com/article/ohio-education-state-board-overhaul-lawsuit-8c31c3714d122490c8f1bd2a4891aa84.
• (6) Ohio judge puts massive GOP-backed education overhaul on hold. https://www.allsides.com/news/2023-09-22-0830/politics-ohio-judge-puts-massive-gop-backed-education-overhaul-hold.
• (7) Ohio Judge Issues Temporary Restraining Order, Halting GOP-Backed K-12 .... https://www.bollyinside.com/news/education/ohio-judge-issues-temporary-restraining-order-halting-gop-backed-k-12-education-overhaul/.
• (8) GOP-proposed overhaul of Ohio's education system clears Senate .... https://www.foxnews.com/politics/gop-proposed-overhaul-ohios-education-system-clears-senate-committee-vote-full-senate.
• (9) Ohio Senate panel Oks bill to overhaul education oversight - WOUB. https://woub.org/2023/03/01/an-ohio-senate-panel-oks-a-bill-to-overhaul-ohios-education-oversight/.
• (10) Judge temporarily blocks overhaul of Ohio's K-12 educational system. https://www.wcpo.com/news/state/state-ohio/judge-temporarily-blocks-overhaul-of-ohios-k-12-educational-system.

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING TURNS INTO JERRY SPRINGER EPISODE THANKS TO KAREN

 

SCHOOL BOARD MEETING TURNS INTO JERRY SPRINGER EPISODE THANKS TO KAREN

It's a tale as old as time: you elect a Karen to the school board, and suddenly you're knee-deep in restraining orders and court appearances. Such is the case with Darbi "Karen" Boddy, a conservative member of the Lakota school board who has caused quite the stir in her short time in office.

Now, I know what you're thinking: "But wait, isn't 'Karen' just a derogatory term for entitled white women who demand to speak to the manager?" And while that may be true, it's also a fitting description for Ms. Boddy, who seems to relish in causing drama and making outrageous claims.

Let's start at the beginning. Ms. Boddy was elected to the Lakota school board in 2021, along with fellow conservative Isaac Adi. From the get-go, she made her presence known by spreading false and inflammatory claims about the district's curriculum, diversity initiatives, and LGBTQ+ issues. It's almost as if she was trying to stir up controversy for the sake of it.

In April 2022, Ms. Boddy took things to a whole new level when she posted a typo on Facebook that led to a pornographic website. She claimed that students were being exposed to inappropriate sexual materials at school, which the district and other board members denied. Needless to say, this did not go over well with her colleagues or the community at large.

The board censured Ms. Boddy and asked her to resign, but she refused. She also faced backlash from parents and community members who called for her removal. But that didn't stop her from attending a conference in Sarasota, Florida, hosted by The Leadership Institute, a conservative organization that trains conservatives on how to campaign, fundraise, and organize.

At the conference, Ms. Boddy allegedly embarrassed Mr. Adi and the Lakota School District by making a scene in front of other attendees. She also accused Mr. Adi of voting against her on LGBTQ+ issues and grabbed the microphone from the stage to make her claims. Mr. Adi said he felt harassed and threatened by Ms. Boddy and filed a civil protection order against her in September 2023.

And that's where things really started to get interesting. A judge granted the order, which barred Ms. Boddy from being within 500 feet of Mr. Adi or contacting him. The order also prevented Ms. Boddy from attending any school board meetings while Mr. Adi was present, effectively suspending her from her duties as a board member.

But did that stop Ms. Boddy from trying to attend meetings? Of course not! She filed an emergency motion to partially suspend the order so that she could attend the board meetings. A judge granted the motion on September 29, 2023, but imposed strict conditions on Ms. Boddy's behavior.

It's almost like Ms. Boddy is a character straight out of a sitcom. She's the wacky neighbor who always causes trouble but somehow manages to come out on top. But in reality, her behavior is no laughing matter. She's wasting taxpayer money on court appearances and causing unnecessary drama when she should be working to improve the district.

In the end, it's clear that electing a Karen to the school board is never a good idea. They may be entertaining at first, but their antics quickly become tiresome and detrimental to the community they serve. Let's hope that Lakota voters have learned their lesson and elect someone more competent next time around.

Court orders Lakota school board member Darbi Boddy to stay away from fellow board member https://www.fox19.com/2023/09/20/lakota-school-board-member-darbi-boddy-ordered-stay-away-fellow-board-member/ 

Judge overrules request to keep Lakota board member Darbi Boddy from today’s meeting https://www.journal-news.com/news/lakota-board-member-given-permission-to-attend-todays-meeting-despite-protection-order/2WE2TNLBUNER3ANNI57S7CQD6E/ 

School board member attends first meeting since protection order issued | WKRC https://local12.com/news/local/school-board-member-attends-first-meeting-since-protection-order-issued-lakota-liberty-township-darbi-boddy-crt-ela-classes-isaac-adi-harassment-file-pattern-cincinnati-ohio 

Darbi Boddy attends Lakota Schools meeting despite protective order https://www.wcpo.com/news/local-news/butler-county/darbi-boddy-attends-lakota-schools-meeting-despite-protective-order-from-fellow-board-member 

THE DEFT DIVE

FROM BING AI

Here is a summary of the controversy involving Lakota school board member Darbi Boddy:

• - Darbi Boddy is a conservative board member who was elected in 2021 along with Isaac Adi, another conservative candidate¹.
• - Boddy has been accused of spreading false and inflammatory claims about the district's curriculum, diversity initiatives, and LGBTQ+ issues¹²³.
• - In April 2022, Boddy posted a typo on Facebook that led to a pornographic website. She claimed that students were being exposed to inappropriate sexual materials at school, which the district and other board members denied⁴.
• - The board censured Boddy and asked her to resign, but she refused. She also faced backlash from parents and community members who called for her removal⁴.
• - In May 2022, Boddy attended a conference in Sarasota, Florida, hosted by The Leadership Institute, a conservative organization that trains conservatives on how to campaign, fundraise and organize¹.
• - At the conference, Boddy allegedly embarrassed Adi and the Lakota School District by making a scene in front of other attendees. She also accused Adi of voting against her on LGBTQ+ issues and grabbed the microphone from the stage to make her claims¹.
• - Adi said he felt harassed and threatened by Boddy and filed a civil protection order against her in September 2023. A judge granted the order, which barred Boddy from being within 500 feet of Adi or contacting him¹².
• - The order also prevented Boddy from attending any school board meetings while Adi was present, effectively suspending her from her duties as a board member².
• - Boddy filed an emergency motion to partially suspend the order so that she could attend the board meetings. A judge granted the motion on September 29, 2023, but imposed strict conditions on Boddy's behavior².
• - Boddy was also excluded from the new Lakota Community Diversity Council, which was created in June 2023 to replace the district's disbanded Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee³.
• - The previous committee had a heated meeting in May 2023, where Boddy accused the staff members of promoting terrorism for supporting the Black Lives Matter movement and trying to indoctrinate children with Critical Race Theory³.
• - The other board members voted 4-1 to approve the new council without Boddy's participation. They said they wanted to have more productive and respectful conversations about diversity and inclusion in the district³.

Bing, 10/3/2023

• (1) Lakota School Board excludes controversial member in new diversity .... https://www.wvxu.org/education/2023-06-05/lakota-school-board-diversity-council-darby-boddi.
• (2) Darbi Boddy allowed to attend school board meetings despite civil .... https://www.wvxu.org/education/2023-09-29/darbi-boddy-allowed-attend-school-board-meetings-civil-protection-order.
• (3) Lakota School Board's Darbi Boddy receives civil protection order - WVXU. https://www.wvxu.org/education/2023-09-21/darbi-boddy-lakota-school-board-civil-protection-order.
• (4) Lakota school board meets Monday after censuring member. https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2022/05/09/lakota-school-board-meets-monday-after-censuring-member/9702399002/.

IT YOU AREN'T OUTRAGED YOU ARE NOT PAYING ATTENTION: THE PROBLEM WITH NO ACCOUNTABILITY CHARTER SCHOOL BULLSHIT

IT YOU AREN'T OUTRAGED YOU ARE NOT PAYING ATTENTION

THE PROBLEM WITH NO ACCOUNTABILITY CHARTER SCHOOL BULLSHIT

Charter schools have been in the news a lot lately, and not for good reasons. They've been charged with fraud, embezzlement, mismanagement, and child abuse. And now, to add insult to injury, one of the co-founders of Breakthrough Charter Schools in Cleveland, Ohio has been arrested and charged with engaging in prostitution as part of a statewide human trafficking operation called "Operation Buyer's Remorse." I mean, come on! When will Congress act to stop the no accountability of charter schools instead of spending on scandal-riffic charter schools?

John Zitzner, the founder of Breakthrough Charter Schools, was among 160 people taken into custody from September 25-30. 149 suspects were charged with engaging in prostitution, two charged with seeking to have sex with minors, and six charged with promoting prostitution. Zitzner's case is being handled through the Rocky River Municipal Court. The Ohio Attorney General's Office said that Zitzner told task force members "he works in education at Friend of Breakthrough Schools." Board Chair Jeff Berlin confirmed that Zitzner worked for Friends of Breakthrough, a separate organization from the schools, and did not work at any of the Breakthrough Schools.

But let's not focus solely on Zitzner. Let's talk about the bigger issue at hand: the lack of accountability in charter schools. The U.S. Department of Education has requested and received $440 million from Congress for the CSP grant every fiscal year. That's a lot of money! And yet, 14 percent of charter schools that received CSP State awards closed or never opened between fiscal years 2006 and 2020. That's just 638 schools that received about $152 million (8 percent) of the approximately $2 billion provided in CSP State awards during that period. That's not so bad, right? Wrong!

Charter schools are supposed to be held accountable for their actions, but time and time again we see instances where they are not. The lack of oversight and regulation is alarming. It's like giving a teenager a credit card with no limit and no consequences for their spending habits. They're going to go wild! And that's exactly what we're seeing with charter schools.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that all charter schools are bad. There are some great ones out there that are doing amazing things for their students. But the bad apples are spoiling the bunch. And until we start holding these schools accountable for their actions, we're going to continue to see scandals like the one involving John Zitzner.

So what can be done? Well, for starters, Congress needs to start taking a closer look at how these schools are being run. They need to put more regulations in place to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being spent appropriately. They also need to hold these schools accountable for their actions. If a school is found to be engaging in fraudulent or illegal activities, they should be shut down immediately.

In addition, parents need to do their homework before sending their children to a charter school. They need to research the school's history and reputation. They need to talk to other parents and students who have attended the school. And they need to ask tough questions about how the school is being run and how their tax dollars are being spent.

In conclusion, the problem with no accountability charter school bullshit needs to be addressed. We can't continue to turn a blind eye to the scandals and illegal activities that are happening within these schools. It's time for Congress to step up and start holding these schools accountable for their actions. And it's time for parents to start doing their homework before sending their children to a charter school. Let's make sure that every child has access to a quality education, but let's do it in a way that is transparent, accountable, and responsible.

Charter school founder arrested in Ohio human trafficking sting | wkyc.com https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/local/human-trafficking/john-zitzner-cleveland-breakthrough-charter-schools-statewide-human-trafficking-operation/95-fbdcdfa0-b6b1-4db0-9539-ee4846be1871 

John Zitzner, Founder of Breakthrough Charter Schools, Arrested in Human Trafficking Sting AG Dave Yost announced the arrests of nearly 150 suspects in 'Operation Buyer's Remorse.' Zitzner was charged with engaging in prostitution https://www.clevescene.com/news/john-zitzner-founder-of-breakthrough-charter-schools-arrested-in-human-trafficking-sting-42860285 

Charter Scandals - Network For Public Education https://networkforpubliceducation.org/charter-scandals/ 

Big Education Ape: US DEPT. OF EDUCATION SENDS MISSOURI CHARTER SCHOOL CHAIN A 36 MILLION STARTUP MONEY BOMB http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2023/09/us-dept-of-education-sends-missouri.html