http://www.daytondailynews.com/localnews/content/localnews/daily/0725schoolcount.html
Effective July 1, Ohio shifted the oversight of charter schools from the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) to "sponsors" that, once approved by the ODE, will review applications, write contracts, and hold the schools accountable. Fourteen groups, not including school districts, now have the authority to sponsor schools. Prior to July, the only authorized sponsors were the state board, the Lucas County Educational Service Center, the University of Toledo, and districts. The law requires that charter sponsors be a nonprofit organization, have an education background, and be at least 5 years old. Few states allow private sponsors. Nelson Smith of the Charter School Leadership Council said, "There's a lot of interest from states that only allow school districts to sponsor, that are looking for other options. Ohio is certainly ahead of the curve." The shift has brought applause from the charter community and angered the Ohio Federation of Teachers.
Source: Dayton Daily News
Date: 07/25/2005
Note: Please be aware that online publishers often change URLs or no longer provide access to articles after 7 days. If the above link no longer works, access the publishing newspaper and search the archives for the keywords in the subject matter. Good luck.
