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Not the way to address low-performing schools

Editorials

Ohio Sen. Andrew Brenner is again pitching an idea that seems to have zero support in Columbus. Earlier this month, he spoke in support of Ohio Senate Bill 127, which would automatically close low-performing public schools. Brenner, R-Delaware, told the state Senate Education Committee, “It is my hope that this bill will help to standardize the law surrounding school closures for public and community schools and help ensure that each student in Ohio receives the best education possible,” according to the Ohio Capital Journal. For Brenner’s purposes, a low-performing school is one ...

Liv’s Law creates harsher penalties for drunk driving

Editorials

On Wednesday in Ohio, the penalties for operating a vehicle while under the influence will get harsher. Liv’s Law (House Bill 37) will take effect. It was born of tragedy, when Olivia Wright was killed by a drunken driver, and her father decided to act. “A constituent, Bryan Wright, brought this issue to my desk after losing his daughter, Olivia, to a drunk driver,” said state Rep. Mark Johnson, R-Chillicothe. “He pointed out to me how weak Ohio’s laws are compared to other states in the nation, and that is what inspired me to work on this legislation in an attempt to try and ...

A looming port and trade catastrophe

Local Columns

During the pandemic, Americans learned how painful supply chain disruptions can be. Now, a newly proposed action from the Trump administration could unintentionally make the pandemic’s supply chain disruptions seem tame. President Trump is looking to rapidly rebuild American shipbuilding. That’s an important goal since the erosion of U.S. shipbuilding—and China’s growing dominance in global shipbuilding—must be confronted. But the administration’s proposed plan could send costs soaring for U.S. consumers, grind U.S. exports to a halt, wreak havoc at U.S. ports, and ...

Disappointed with State Senator Cutrona

Letters to the Editor

To the editor: On a Friday night in February, State Senator Al Cutrona stood me up for a date at La Pizzaria. To be clear, it wasn’t just me; it was a group of educators from the ECOEA (East Central Ohio Education Association) at our annual Legislative Dinner. We invite all legislators who represent public schools in our district for a dinner and panel discussion. Senator Cutrona RSVP’d that he would be there. As a constituent who has called his office numerous times and not once received a call back, I sat at his table next to his reserved seat name tag and eagerly anticipated a ...

Now is the time to prep for a safe boating season

Editorials

They say the two best days in a boat-owner’s life are the day they buy the boat and the day they sell the boat. But somewhere in between is a good day on which boaters finish their Ohio Boating Education Course and know they are better prepared for a safe summer on the water for themselves and their guests. “Spring is the perfect time to get prepared for a fun and safe boating season,” said Andy Foos, Ohio Department of Natural Resources boating education coordinator. “The Ohio Boating Education Course is a great way to make sure you understand key safety measures, navigate ...

Senate Bill 156 doesn't deserve consideration

Editorials

No two Ohioans’ life and career paths look the same. Every individual finds their own way. And what qualifies as “success” to one person might mean nothing to another. Ask any classroom teacher whether a one-size-fits-all approach to helping students succeed will work and they may well laugh. But state Sen. Al Cutrona, R-Canfield, doesn’t see it that way. He introduced Senate Bill 156, which would require integration of the “success sequence” in the required curriculum for middle and high school students. The idea is for students to be taught that the proper order in which ...