Opponents of state takeovers of local school districts made a last-minute push Thursday to get rid of academic distress commissions through the state budget bill.
A coalition of teachers, school administrators, and community advocates want Governor Mike DeWine to step in. Ohio Public Radio's Andy Chow reports.
Three school districts are under control of these commissions. And critics say the takeover model doesn’t allow for enough collaboration in their communities.
Steve Cawthon is on Lorain’s Academic Distress Commission, and he says it’s just not working.
Cawthon: “Our schools should have a unique and impartial opportunity to allow their unique social and economic opportunities to shape the structures that will allow their districts to prosper.”
Supporters of distress commissions have said it’s important for outsiders to come in and shake things up.
A repeal and replace measure was added to the budget in the House but removed in the Senate. Both chambers are working out a final deal.