Bill sets bar higher for Ohio reward for U.S. certification
1/27/2008
By Catherine Candisky
The Columbus Dispatch
Ohio will pay nearly $6.9 million in bonuses this year to public-school teachers who have earned national board certification, which is considered the profession’s highest credential.
But a proposal before the Ohio House of Representatives would end the $2,500-a-year benefit for many […]

 1/24/2008
By Mark Niquette
The Columbus Dispatch
At a glance
What happened: Projections released yesterday show that there could be a state budget shortfall ranging from $733 million to $1.9 billion by the end of June 2009, depending on how the economy performs.
What’s causing it: The national economy likely is heading toward a recession, which is hammering an […]

 Fall ballot options likely to include an income tax
1/24/2008
By Jennifer Smith Richards
The Columbus Dispatch
This is how crucial passing a levy this year is for the Columbus schools, officials said yesterday: Without it, the district’s cash balance will shrink to $12.6 million in 2009 and be in the red by 2010.
The 2009 figure wouldn’t cover […]

 Privatizing could save Columbus $4.3 million a year
1/24/2008
By Bill Bush
The Columbus Dispatch
Columbus schools are considering privatizing most or all of their food-service operation in an effort to save money, potentially eliminating between 90 and 450 positions.
Superintendent Gene Harris recommended that the district outsource all its food-preparation operations for kindergarten through eighth grade by next […]

 1/24/2008
Education Week
By Andrew Trotter
A majority of U.S. voters agree that building students’ imaginations to equip young people with the ability to innovate is as important as teaching them the academic basics, according to a poll commissioned by an advocacy coalition for education in the arts.
The Washington-based Arts Education Partnership cited the results, released today, in […]