DeWine signs budget bill with plan to return local control to Lorain, Youngstown, East Cleveland schools

There is a light at the end of a six-year tunnel for the three school districts under state control. Gov. Mike DeWine signed the biennial budget bill early Thursday morning. In it is a way for Lorain, Youngstown and East Cleveland schools to exit state control, provided each meets benchmarks set in individualized improvement plans. That language is from a previous bill introduced by Sen. Nathan Manning, R-North Ridgeville. It initially only applied to Lorain Schools, but was expanded to include the other two districts during budget hearings. Lorain School Board President Mark Ballard said he "couldn't be happier" to see the bill pass. "This was a hard-fought battle over the last six years to right what we believe was a flawed approach to trying to improve schools," Ballard said in a statement. "Our community wants local control and local oversight of our schools and today, we now have a path to make that a reality. This legislation is the culmination of years of behind-the-scenes work, dozens of trips to Columbus, and hours of discussions with the state." In a statement, Lorain Schools CEO Jeff Graham said the district is "truly blessed" to have its school board leading the district. "They are true leaders in our community, and I can say without hesitation that they represent this community with as much passion and grace behind the scenes as they do on center stage," Graham said in a statement. "They have been part of every decision every step of the way, and their persistence, resolve, and quite frankly, their level of energy is proof they aren't in their positions for the glory, but for the greater good." Dubbed the "Youngstown Plan" when pushed through in 2015, House Bill 70 outlines the current state takeover model of academically struggling districts based on state report card scores. It establishes a state-appointed academic distress commission, and a CEO with complete operational, managerial and instructional control. Lorain, Youngstown and East Cleveland are the only districts under state control, though several others were set to fall under its purview until moratoriums were put in place. After six years under the state's control, Youngstown School Board President Ron Shadd was glad to "have a shot" at getting out. "This is a huge win for not just Youngstown, but communities … (that) may not even face the issues that we face because of this legislation going forward," he said. "This is a real chance for school improvement." He added later, "We don't have the opportunity to rest on our laurels because that time frame comes up on you quick … Everyone's been making their lists and observations and things that can go into play." The new plan gives districts three years to meet state-approved benchmarks, with the option to apply for up to two years of extensions. During that time, the powers of the CEO are reduced to those of a regular superintendent, and the locally elected school board regains its power. The academic distress commission would remain in place until the district is fully released from the state's purview. If a district does not meet its goals, it will revert back to state control as outlined by House Bill 70. It also requires the auditor of the state to complete a performance audit for each district, examining its efficiency and effectiveness in staffing and spending while under the CEO model. "I think East Cleveland, Lorain and Youngstown have had some major changes done to their structure and their operations," he said. "This audit will truly give us insight to if these were best practices and sustainable practices." In East Cleveland, which came under the state's control in 2018, board member Mary Rice said they were "elated" to see DeWine sign the bill. "There's a process that has been set forth," she said. "But we are anxious to meet the terms of those processes and to be able to get things on a track where we can finally have back control of the district. It took away the citizen's right to speak through the elected board and it never should have been done, but now we at least see a way out." Each district must submit its academic improvement plan to the state in the next 90 days for final approval from the state superintendent. On Thursday, State Superintendent Paolo DeMaria announced his retirement, effective Sept. 24. Contact Carissa Woytach at (440) 329-7245 or cwoytach@chroniclet.com.