{SPAM} E-News Special Report - Superintendent Search Continues

n Special Edition – March 26, 2013

E-News Special Report

Board of Education to Continue Superintendent Search

Dear Valued Community Member,

As reported in the Columbus Dispatch, Mayor Michael Coleman recently held a press event wherein he demanded the Columbus Board of Education cease its search for a new superintendent to replace Gene T. Harris, Ph.D., who retires at the end of the current school year.  Please know that the Board of Education is committed to fulfilling the responsibilities bestowed upon it by the citizens who democratically elected school board members, including the recruitment and selection of a Superintendent/CEO.  For your convenience, I have included a guest editorial submitted by myself and published by the Dispatch that outlines the Board's position on this critically important issue.

While I appreciate the mayor's interest in the education of our District's children, I believe it is critically important that the Superintendent/CEO search process be allowed to proceed unhindered by the political motivations of a select few.  From the beginning, the search process has been open and transparent; in fact, the Board never received feedback from the community suggesting that an interim superintendent was preferable to immediately finding a strong, visionary leader to help take Columbus City Schools into the future.   Many of the voices now arguing against hiring a Superintendent/CEO are the same as those pushing an agenda through the Columbus Education Commission that would rob you of your right to vote for school board members.  Such attempts do not demonstrate a willingness to "stack hands" and work together for the improvement of our children's academic opportunities.

Rather than issuing ultimatums or threats of intimidation, true collaboration and partnership means working together.   It is not too late, the search process can still be effective and the Board stands ready to partner with the mayor.  Instead of scaring off potential leaders with public posturing, the Mayor and Commission could work with the Board of Education to invite and embrace innovative leaders with an interest in serving our District's students, parents, staff and taxpayers.

Thank you for your continued interest in Columbus City Schools.

Sincerely,

Carol L. Perkins
President, Columbus Board of Education

3/12/13 Carol Perkins commentary: Kids must come first, so search will go on | The Columbus Dispatch www.dispatch.com/content/stories/editorials/2013/03/10/kids-must-come-first-so-search-will-go-on.html 1/2
Carol Perkins commentary: Kids must come first, so search will go on
This has been a difficult time in the Columbus City Schools' history, and a time when we as an organization and as publicly elected leaders have had to confront several internal and external challenges.

Though we will absolutely not allow these challenges to go unchecked or unresolved, we also cannot allow them to distract us from our mission: "To ensure that each student is highly educated, prepared for leadership and service, and empowered for success as a citizen in a global community."

I assure the Columbus community that each of us on the Board of Education takes our responsibility of providing oversight of Columbus City Schools very seriously. We understand and accept without reservation the responsibility that comes with being publicly elected members of this board, and we realize the trust that the voters placed in us when they elected us into this office.

While we as board members have differences in our philosophies, perspectives and approaches to potential solutions, we stand as one body in our commitment to the children of Columbus and to the Columbus community as a whole.

This commitment is the sole reason the board believes we cannot delay the hiring of a new superintendent/CEO. The task of recruiting and selecting a highly qualified, visionary leader to build upon the foundation laid by Gene Harris represents the most important decision the board has to make as we look to the school district's future.

Moving forward with the superintendent search is in no way a "snub" to Mayor Michael B. Coleman or his Education Commission, as a recent Dispatch headline indicated. Attracting and hiring a great superintendent/CEO is our job. To do otherwise would be a snub of our electorate, our students, parents, staff and taxpayers who deserve a sense of stability, the opportunity to heal and a path forward for Columbus City Schools.

While we can appreciate Mayor Coleman and his Education Commission's desire to seek an interim superintendent/CEO rather than a permanent replacement, the board and the school district cannot afford to tread water waiting for an indefinite period of time.

Quite simply, we seek a change agent willing to engage the community, build partnerships and identify innovative and effective methods for managing the district's resources and delivering quality instruction to every student.

Visionary leaders are visionary leaders, regardless of the commission's recommendations or the other political interests at play. Our next superintendent/CEO must be able to collaborate with a wide variety of stakeholders, including the Columbus Education Commission.

Let me be clear: The Columbus Board of Education is greatly appreciative of Mayor Coleman and the Columbus Education Commission.  The community conversation and focus on education is critical for the future community conversation and focus on education is critical for the future success of Columbus City Schools. We are willing partners. However, the board is concerned about the commission's interest in the future governance of the school district, as we firmly believe that our voters should determine who will represent their interests.

This is not paranoia; this is the commission's agenda. The Columbus Education Commission is scheduled to discuss the topic at its March 21 meeting.

Standing up for the rights of residents to vote for a democratically elected school board is not "small"; it is fundamental. We look forward to the recommendations of the commission, but make no mistake that any recommendation that takes away the right of our district's residents to elect school-board members to manage the resources and operations of the district is non-negotiable.

Issues such as these serve as a distraction and create discord, negatively affecting both the Board of Education and the Columbus Education Commission. This potential distraction is why the board has sought clarification from the mayor and the commission regarding their desired role in the future governance of our schools. These issues, combined with the ongoing attendance-data investigation, could have a chilling effect on the board's ability to attract the best possible candidates for the next superintendent.

The board, Mayor Coleman and the Columbus Education Commission can take the steps to help potential candidates overcome that uncertainty. If we work together to project excitement and community support for the next superintendent, then we should be able to attract leaders who have the skills, experience, knowledge and vision necessary to manage a district of great complexity — and a district with a great potential for success.


Carol Perkins is president of the Columbus Board of Education

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Disclaimer: This message and any attachments are for the intended recipient's use only. It may contain confidential, proprietary or legally privileged information or otherwise be protected from disclosure by other legal rules. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender immediately by reply e-mail and destroy all copies. If you are not the intended recipient, you may not use, disclose or reproduce this message, its attachment or any part thereof, or take any action in reliance thereon. Emails are not secure and cannot be guaranteed to be error free as they can be intercepted, amended, or contain viruses. Anyone who communicates with us by email is deemed to have accepted these risks.

E-News Special Report - Superintendent Search Continues

n Special Edition – March 26, 2013

E-News Special Report

Board of Education to Continue Superintendent Search

Dear Valued Community Member,

As reported in the Columbus Dispatch, Mayor Michael Coleman recently held a press event wherein he demanded the Columbus Board of Education cease its search for a new superintendent to replace Gene T. Harris, Ph.D., who retires at the end of the current school year.  Please know that the Board of Education is committed to fulfilling the responsibilities bestowed upon it by the citizens who democratically elected school board members, including the recruitment and selection of a Superintendent/CEO.  For your convenience, I have included a guest editorial submitted by myself and published by the Dispatch that outlines the Board's position on this critically important issue.

While I appreciate the mayor's interest in the education of our District's children, I believe it is critically important that the Superintendent/CEO search process be allowed to proceed unhindered by the political motivations of a select few.  From the beginning, the search process has been open and transparent; in fact, the Board never received feedback from the community suggesting that an interim superintendent was preferable to immediately finding a strong, visionary leader to help take Columbus City Schools into the future.   Many of the voices now arguing against hiring a Superintendent/CEO are the same as those pushing an agenda through the Columbus Education Commission that would rob you of your right to vote for school board members.  Such attempts do not demonstrate a willingness to "stack hands" and work together for the improvement of our children's academic opportunities.

Rather than issuing ultimatums or threats of intimidation, true collaboration and partnership means working together.   It is not too late, the search process can still be effective and the Board stands ready to partner with the mayor.  Instead of scaring off potential leaders with public posturing, the Mayor and Commission could work with the Board of Education to invite and embrace innovative leaders with an interest in serving our District's students, parents, staff and taxpayers.

Thank you for your continued interest in Columbus City Schools.

Sincerely,

Carol L. Perkins
President, Columbus Board of Education

3/12/13 Carol Perkins commentary: Kids must come first, so search will go on | The Columbus Dispatch www.dispatch.com/content/stories/editorials/2013/03/10/kids-must-come-first-so-search-will-go-on.html 1/2
Carol Perkins commentary: Kids must come first, so search will go on
This has been a difficult time in the Columbus City Schools' history, and a time when we as an organization and as publicly elected leaders have had to confront several internal and external challenges.

Though we will absolutely not allow these challenges to go unchecked or unresolved, we also cannot allow them to distract us from our mission: "To ensure that each student is highly educated, prepared for leadership and service, and empowered for success as a citizen in a global community."

I assure the Columbus community that each of us on the Board of Education takes our responsibility of providing oversight of Columbus City Schools very seriously. We understand and accept without reservation the responsibility that comes with being publicly elected members of this board, and we realize the trust that the voters placed in us when they elected us into this office.

While we as board members have differences in our philosophies, perspectives and approaches to potential solutions, we stand as one body in our commitment to the children of Columbus and to the Columbus community as a whole.

This commitment is the sole reason the board believes we cannot delay the hiring of a new superintendent/CEO. The task of recruiting and selecting a highly qualified, visionary leader to build upon the foundation laid by Gene Harris represents the most important decision the board has to make as we look to the school district's future.

Moving forward with the superintendent search is in no way a "snub" to Mayor Michael B. Coleman or his Education Commission, as a recent Dispatch headline indicated. Attracting and hiring a great superintendent/CEO is our job. To do otherwise would be a snub of our electorate, our students, parents, staff and taxpayers who deserve a sense of stability, the opportunity to heal and a path forward for Columbus City Schools.

While we can appreciate Mayor Coleman and his Education Commission's desire to seek an interim superintendent/CEO rather than a permanent replacement, the board and the school district cannot afford to tread water waiting for an indefinite period of time.

Quite simply, we seek a change agent willing to engage the community, build partnerships and identify innovative and effective methods for managing the district's resources and delivering quality instruction to every student.

Visionary leaders are visionary leaders, regardless of the commission's recommendations or the other political interests at play. Our next superintendent/CEO must be able to collaborate with a wide variety of stakeholders, including the Columbus Education Commission.

Let me be clear: The Columbus Board of Education is greatly appreciative of Mayor Coleman and the Columbus Education Commission.  The community conversation and focus on education is critical for the future community conversation and focus on education is critical for the future success of Columbus City Schools. We are willing partners. However, the board is concerned about the commission's interest in the future governance of the school district, as we firmly believe that our voters should determine who will represent their interests.

This is not paranoia; this is the commission's agenda. The Columbus Education Commission is scheduled to discuss the topic at its March 21 meeting.

Standing up for the rights of residents to vote for a democratically elected school board is not "small"; it is fundamental. We look forward to the recommendations of the commission, but make no mistake that any recommendation that takes away the right of our district's residents to elect school-board members to manage the resources and operations of the district is non-negotiable.

Issues such as these serve as a distraction and create discord, negatively affecting both the Board of Education and the Columbus Education Commission. This potential distraction is why the board has sought clarification from the mayor and the commission regarding their desired role in the future governance of our schools. These issues, combined with the ongoing attendance-data investigation, could have a chilling effect on the board's ability to attract the best possible candidates for the next superintendent.

The board, Mayor Coleman and the Columbus Education Commission can take the steps to help potential candidates overcome that uncertainty. If we work together to project excitement and community support for the next superintendent, then we should be able to attract leaders who have the skills, experience, knowledge and vision necessary to manage a district of great complexity — and a district with a great potential for success.


Carol Perkins is president of the Columbus Board of Education

Printable Version

Are you receiving a pass-along copy of CCS eNews?
To subscribe to our FREE newsletter

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Disclaimer: This message and any attachments are for the intended recipient's use only. It may contain confidential, proprietary or legally privileged information or otherwise be protected from disclosure by other legal rules. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender immediately by reply e-mail and destroy all copies. If you are not the intended recipient, you may not use, disclose or reproduce this message, its attachment or any part thereof, or take any action in reliance thereon. Emails are not secure and cannot be guaranteed to be error free as they can be intercepted, amended, or contain viruses. Anyone who communicates with us by email is deemed to have accepted these risks.

March 18 Highlights

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS   For Immediate Release: March 18, 2013   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

RACE PERMIT CODE CHANGE:  The popularity of road races and charity running events has exploded in the last few years in Columbus.   Many of the courses take participants through some of the most popular neighborhoods and business districts.   Responding to residents and businesses disproportionally impacted by these events, ordinance 0574-2013, sponsored by Rules and Reference Committee Chair President Andrew J. Ginther, allows for improved rules and processes that will streamline the permitting process, diversify running routes, and increase communication to impacted community members. 

 

ARTS FUNDING:  The arts community in Columbus creates hundreds of millions of dollars in economic spending and supports thousands of jobs in our area.   That is why the City of Columbus’ investment in the Greater Columbus Arts Council (GCAC) is so important to continue leveraging this economic engine.   Councilmember Priscilla R. Tyson, the Finance Committee Chair and one of City Council’s two representatives on the GCAC board, is sponsoring ordinance 0600-2013 to move $5,111,900 from the Columbus Hotel/Motel Excise Tax, or bed tax, to GCAC to continue their programming and foster arts and cultural services in our community.

 

SUPPORTING HIGH TECH START-UPS:  TechColumbus is a business incubator located near the Ohio State University campus and is a regional, state, national, and international leader in assisting technology firms become successful businesses.   Councilmember A. Troy Miller, chair of the Technology Committee and a small business owner himself who specializes in technology consulting, is sponsoring ordinance 0569-2013 to provide TechColumbus a $500,000 grant that will be used to leverage a matching state grant as part of the State of Ohio’s Entrepreneurial Signature Program (ESP).  ESP provides early stage capital to meet the needs for pre-seed capital of Ohio start-up technologies companies.

 

COWIC INTERNSHIP PROGRAM:  With summer fast approaching, the Columbus City Council is again supporting the Successful Opportunities to Achieve and Reconnect (SOAR) program that provides paid work experiences for area youth and young adults during summer break.  Ordinance 0299-2013, sponsored by Recreation and Parks Committee Chair Zach M. Klein, provides $440,000 to the Central Ohio Workforce Investment Corporation (COWIC), the agency that runs the SOAR program, to continue their mission of preparing the most skilled and work ready community possible.   

 

SANITARY SEWER UPGRADE:  Sanitary sewer systems are as important to the health and safety of Columbus as well maintained sidewalks and roads.  Councilmember Eileen Y. Paley, chair of the Public Utilities Committee, is sponsoring ordinance 0485-2013 to allow the Director of Public Utilities to enter into a construction contract with Underground Utilities, Inc. for construction services for the Skyline Drive Sewer Improvements project. This project will help lessen the overflow from the Olentangy River watershed and also eliminate standing water in the front and back yards of residents living in the project area.

 

IMPROVING WORKPLACE SAFETY:  In an effort to create the safest workplace environment possible, the City is again contracting with a female-owned local business to provide industrial hygiene services.  Ordinance 0268-2013, sponsored by Administration Committee Chair Hearcel F. Craig, allows the Human Resources department to enter into a $100,000 contract with Safex Inc. to help the City reduce workplace injury claims and hours lost as a result of those claims.

 

COMMUNITY MEETING REMINDER:  Columbus City Councilmembers will be holding their second community meeting of 2013, Tuesday, March 19, 5:30-7:00 pm at the Barnett Recreation Center, 1184 Barnett Road.  Everyone is welcome to attend. 

 

-30-

 

 

JOHN IVANIC

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

_____________________________________________________

 

 

 

 

90 W. Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43215

Direct: 614-645-6798

Cell:     614-701-1411

www.columbus.gov

    

 

    

 

E-News Bulletin - Stories and News from Columbus City Schools

March 15, 2013   2013 Columbus Board of Education Front, l-r: Hanifah Kambon; Carol L. Perkins, Pres.; and Ramona Reyes. Second Row, l-r: Mike Wiles; Gary L. Baker II; W. Shawna Gibbs, Vice Pres.; and Bryan O. Steward. Click here for scheduled meeting dates, podcasts and how to contact CCS Board of Education members.   Mark Your Calendar!  KEY UPCOMING CCS DATES · March 18 - 26 –TerraNova Exams Grades 1 & 2 · March 19 – BOE Meeting at Southwood Elementary School · March 20 – NSDP Subcommittees to meet · March 26  – Olde Orchard ES Building Dedication · March 27  – Special Needs Summer Resource Fair · March 28 – Board of Education NSDP Committee to meet · March 28 – Board of Education Audit & Accountability Committee to meet · March 28  – Early Release Day · March 29  – Spring Break Begins · March 29, April 1 & 2 -   – All Administrative Offices Closed · April 9  – BOE Meeting · April 23 - 25 – OAA Tests grades 3 - 8   For a full list of upcoming public meetings - click HERE    We want to hear from you. Please send your feedback and story ideas to: e-News@columbus.k12.oh.us Are you receiving a pass-along copy of CCS eNews? To subscribe to our FREE newsletter  Click here     or here to opt out. Previous editions of the CCS E-News Printable Version

Kindergarten Enrollment Now Open Sign Up at Your Neighborhood School Columbus City Schools was one of the first school district in Franklin County to offer full-day kindergarten.  The District also made a significant investment in its implementation by hiring highly-qualified teachers and instructional assistants for kindergarten classrooms. Columbus parents with a child who will be age five by Sept. 30, 2013, are encouraged to enroll their child in Kindergarten at their neighborhood school. Use the Student Assignment Directory to determine your assigned school, or call the FACTLine, 221-3228, open school days from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. For assistance, refer to the Kindergarten Enrollment flyer to view details on what is needed to enroll your student. Summer School Information Available Summer school courses will begin on June 3 for OGT tutoring, June 10 for high school and 8th grade courses, and June 17 for grades K-7. Courses and registration details are still being finalized. Click on the 2013 Summer School Flyer to see exact dates and locations.   CAHS Student Named National Merit Scholarship Finalist Congratulations to Columbus Alternative High School senior Jeshurun A. Gnanasegaram.  He was notified in February that he has advanced to "Finalist" standing in the National Merit Scholarship Corp., (NMSC) competition.  Of approximately 1.5 million entrants nationwide, Jeshurun is among the 15,000 semifinalists named as a finalist.  National Merit Finalists are considered "top choices" among some of the nation's most selective colleges and universities.  NMSC winners are chosen based on their abilities, skills, and accomplishments as documented in the student's academic record, a recommendation by a high school official, and the student's essay.  NMSC will begin notifying the 8,300 finalists beginning in March and continuing through mid-June if they've won one of the National Merit Scholarships worth more than $32 million, and earning the Merit Scholar title. CCPSG Student Finalist in Laws of Life Essay Contest Columbus City Preparatory School for Girls student Amari Gwinn is among 12 finalists in the statewide Laws of Life Essay contest. For the contest, students wrote about the "laws" or values by which they live their lives. Designed to further both academic goals and character development, the contest also advances students' knowledge of and conviction to good character. The contest structure also builds in participation of the wider community, encouraging business and community members to aid schools and parents in helping youth develop good character. All 12 finalists will be recognized at a banquet on April 25. District Students Vie for State Geography Bee Title Three Columbus City Schools students have advanced to the State Geography Bee to be held on April 5. Mahamed Majumder from Dominion Middle School, Cedric Fausey from Ecole Kenwood and Will Zimmerman from Ridgeview Middle School will compete with other student from around the state for a chance to go on to the National Geographic Bee in Washington, D.C., in May. Alum Crest Students Build Working Robot  with Grant from Donorschoose.org Alum Crest High School computer and technology teacher Timothy Foster applied to the on-line nonprofit organization donorschoose.org for a grant to pay for a Lego Robotics Mindstorm robot kit for his students. He was awarded the grant in February and his students have already begun building the robot and learning to program it.  Foster plans to use the robotics kit to help teach a range of valuable real-world engineering skills and also to launch an after school robotics club. Donorschoose.org allows teachers to post grant ideas on-line and members of the public to directly pick the projects they want to support. Are you on Social Media? Be sure to follow us on Twitter (ColsCitySchools) and Like us on Facebook (ColumbusCitySchools)

Disclaimer: This message and any attachments are for the intended recipient's use only. It may contain confidential, proprietary or legally privileged information or otherwise be protected from disclosure by other legal rules. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender immediately by reply e-mail and destroy all copies. If you are not the intended recipient, you may not use, disclose or reproduce this message, its attachment or any part thereof, or take any action in reliance thereon. Emails are not secure and cannot be guaranteed to be error free as they can be intercepted, amended, or contain viruses. Anyone who communicates with us by email is deemed to have accepted these risks.

E-News Bulletin - Stories and News from Columbus City Schools

March 15, 2013   2013 Columbus Board of Education Front, l-r: Hanifah Kambon; Carol L. Perkins, Pres.; and Ramona Reyes. Second Row, l-r: Mike Wiles; Gary L. Baker II; W. Shawna Gibbs, Vice Pres.; and Bryan O. Steward. Click here for scheduled meeting dates, podcasts and how to contact CCS Board of Education members.   Mark Your Calendar!  KEY UPCOMING CCS DATES · March 18 - 26 –TerraNova Exams Grades 1 & 2 · March 19 – BOE Meeting at Southwood Elementary School · March 20 – NSDP Subcommittees to meet · March 26  – Olde Orchard ES Building Dedication · March 27  – Special Needs Summer Resource Fair · March 28 – Board of Education NSDP Committee to meet · March 28 – Board of Education Audit & Accountability Committee to meet · March 28  – Early Release Day · March 29  – Spring Break Begins · March 29, April 1 & 2 -   – All Administrative Offices Closed · April 9  – BOE Meeting · April 23 - 25 – OAA Tests grades 3 - 8   For a full list of upcoming public meetings - click HERE    We want to hear from you. Please send your feedback and story ideas to: e-News@columbus.k12.oh.us Are you receiving a pass-along copy of CCS eNews? To subscribe to our FREE newsletter  Click here     or here to opt out. Previous editions of the CCS E-News Printable Version

Kindergarten Enrollment Now Open Sign Up at Your Neighborhood School Columbus City Schools was one of the first school district in Franklin County to offer full-day kindergarten.  The District also made a significant investment in its implementation by hiring highly-qualified teachers and instructional assistants for kindergarten classrooms. Columbus parents with a child who will be age five by Sept. 30, 2013, are encouraged to enroll their child in Kindergarten at their neighborhood school. Use the Student Assignment Directory to determine your assigned school, or call the FACTLine, 221-3228, open school days from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. For assistance, refer to the Kindergarten Enrollment flyer to view details on what is needed to enroll your student. Summer School Information Available Summer school courses will begin on June 3 for OGT tutoring, June 10 for high school and 8th grade courses, and June 17 for grades K-7. Courses and registration details are still being finalized. Click on the 2013 Summer School Flyer to see exact dates and locations.   CAHS Student Named National Merit Scholarship Finalist Congratulations to Columbus Alternative High School senior Jeshurun A. Gnanasegaram.  He was notified in February that he has advanced to "Finalist" standing in the National Merit Scholarship Corp., (NMSC) competition.  Of approximately 1.5 million entrants nationwide, Jeshurun is among the 15,000 semifinalists named as a finalist.  National Merit Finalists are considered "top choices" among some of the nation's most selective colleges and universities.  NMSC winners are chosen based on their abilities, skills, and accomplishments as documented in the student's academic record, a recommendation by a high school official, and the student's essay.  NMSC will begin notifying the 8,300 finalists beginning in March and continuing through mid-June if they've won one of the National Merit Scholarships worth more than $32 million, and earning the Merit Scholar title. CCPSG Student Finalist in Laws of Life Essay Contest Columbus City Preparatory School for Girls student Amari Gwinn is among 12 finalists in the statewide Laws of Life Essay contest. For the contest, students wrote about the "laws" or values by which they live their lives. Designed to further both academic goals and character development, the contest also advances students' knowledge of and conviction to good character. The contest structure also builds in participation of the wider community, encouraging business and community members to aid schools and parents in helping youth develop good character. All 12 finalists will be recognized at a banquet on April 25. District Students Vie for State Geography Bee Title Three Columbus City Schools students have advanced to the State Geography Bee to be held on April 5. Mahamed Majumder from Dominion Middle School, Cedric Fausey from Ecole Kenwood and Will Zimmerman from Ridgeview Middle School will compete with other student from around the state for a chance to go on to the National Geographic Bee in Washington, D.C., in May. Alum Crest Students Build Working Robot  with Grant from Donorschoose.org Alum Crest High School computer and technology teacher Timothy Foster applied to the on-line nonprofit organization donorschoose.org for a grant to pay for a Lego Robotics Mindstorm robot kit for his students. He was awarded the grant in February and his students have already begun building the robot and learning to program it.  Foster plans to use the robotics kit to help teach a range of valuable real-world engineering skills and also to launch an after school robotics club. Donorschoose.org allows teachers to post grant ideas on-line and members of the public to directly pick the projects they want to support. Are you on Social Media? Be sure to follow us on Twitter (ColsCitySchools) and Like us on Facebook (ColumbusCitySchools)

Disclaimer: This message and any attachments are for the intended recipient's use only. It may contain confidential, proprietary or legally privileged information or otherwise be protected from disclosure by other legal rules. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender immediately by reply e-mail and destroy all copies. If you are not the intended recipient, you may not use, disclose or reproduce this message, its attachment or any part thereof, or take any action in reliance thereon. Emails are not secure and cannot be guaranteed to be error free as they can be intercepted, amended, or contain viruses. Anyone who communicates with us by email is deemed to have accepted these risks.

{SPAM} E-News Special Report - CCS' actions helped to identify fraud in state tutoring program

n Special Edition – March 13, 2013

E-News Special Report

CCS' actions helped to identify fraud in state tutoring program
U.S. Attorney issues first indictment in statewide investigation

It's been nearly two years since Columbus City Schools (CCS) first brought concerns regarding potential fraudulent activities of Supplemental Education Services (SES) program tutors to light.  Today, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced its first indictment against an owner of a former tutoring service provider.

According to a press release issued by United States Attorney Carter M. Stewart, of the Southern District of Ohio, "Allegations surfaced of possible misconduct by providers of the Supplemental Education Services Program in 2011.  A special audit of the Columbus City School District began in June 2011 after a request was made by Superintendent Gene Harris."

In June, 2011, Columbus City Schools requested the Auditor of State's Office conduct a special audit of the District's Supplemental Educational Services (SES) program as a result of the District's concerns over the legitimacy of some invoices and other documents submitted by individuals and organizations providing tutoring services through the Ohio Department of Education's Supplemental Educational Services program.

Columbus City Schools aggressively monitored SES program providers and had notified the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) in September of 2010 of concerns with WAISS due to non-payment of the company's tutors.  The contract between CCS and WAISS was terminated by the District on September 27, 2010.   In May 2011, CCS officials notified ODE of concerns with several ODE-approved providers, and asked that 12 providers, including WAISS be removed from the approved list due to documented concerns.

Columbus City Schools monitored the program very closely and took swift action in making officials aware of our concerns that led to an investigation into the SES program.

The Supplemental Education Services tutoring program was mandated as part of the federal No Child Left Behind Act.  It was administered by states, and in the case of Ohio, school districts were provided with a list of state-approved vendors from which they must offer services to eligible students.  Districts were required to sign an agreement with approved providers.  The provider then contacted the parent to begin the tutoring services. Districts were able to monitor the providers, but did not have authority to have a Provider removed from the state's approved list as a result of concerns regarding lack of documentation or the effectiveness of the program.  Payment for the tutoring services came from federal Title I funds previously provided directly to schools to support students.

Last year, after allegations of fraud and questions surrounding the efficacy of the SES tutoring program itself, the federal government offered a waiver that discontinued the requirement that states offer the services to eligible schools. Ohio received a waiver to discontinue its program.

Thank you for your continued support of Columbus City Schools.

Respectfully,

Gene T. Harris, Ph.D.
Superintendent/CEO

Printable Version

Are you receiving a pass-along copy of CCS eNews?
To subscribe to our FREE newsletter

Click here  

or here to opt out.

Disclaimer: This message and any attachments are for the intended recipient's use only. It may contain confidential, proprietary or legally privileged information or otherwise be protected from disclosure by other legal rules. If you have received this e-mail in error, please notify the sender immediately by reply e-mail and destroy all copies. If you are not the intended recipient, you may not use, disclose or reproduce this message, its attachment or any part thereof, or take any action in reliance thereon. Emails are not secure and cannot be guaranteed to be error free as they can be intercepted, amended, or contain viruses. Anyone who communicates with us by email is deemed to have accepted these risks.

E-News Special Report - CCS' actions helped to identify fraud in state tutoring program

n Special Edition – March 13, 2013

E-News Special Report

CCS' actions helped to identify fraud in state tutoring program
U.S. Attorney issues first indictment in statewide investigation

It's been nearly two years since Columbus City Schools (CCS) first brought concerns regarding potential fraudulent activities of Supplemental Education Services (SES) program tutors to light.  Today, the U.S. Attorney's Office announced its first indictment against an owner of a former tutoring service provider.

According to a press release issued by United States Attorney Carter M. Stewart, of the Southern District of Ohio, "Allegations surfaced of possible misconduct by providers of the Supplemental Education Services Program in 2011.  A special audit of the Columbus City School District began in June 2011 after a request was made by Superintendent Gene Harris."

In June, 2011, Columbus City Schools requested the Auditor of State's Office conduct a special audit of the District's Supplemental Educational Services (SES) program as a result of the District's concerns over the legitimacy of some invoices and other documents submitted by individuals and organizations providing tutoring services through the Ohio Department of Education's Supplemental Educational Services program.

Columbus City Schools aggressively monitored SES program providers and had notified the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) in September of 2010 of concerns with WAISS due to non-payment of the company's tutors.  The contract between CCS and WAISS was terminated by the District on September 27, 2010.   In May 2011, CCS officials notified ODE of concerns with several ODE-approved providers, and asked that 12 providers, including WAISS be removed from the approved list due to documented concerns.

Columbus City Schools monitored the program very closely and took swift action in making officials aware of our concerns that led to an investigation into the SES program.

The Supplemental Education Services tutoring program was mandated as part of the federal No Child Left Behind Act.  It was administered by states, and in the case of Ohio, school districts were provided with a list of state-approved vendors from which they must offer services to eligible students.  Districts were required to sign an agreement with approved providers.  The provider then contacted the parent to begin the tutoring services. Districts were able to monitor the providers, but did not have authority to have a Provider removed from the state's approved list as a result of concerns regarding lack of documentation or the effectiveness of the program.  Payment for the tutoring services came from federal Title I funds previously provided directly to schools to support students.

Last year, after allegations of fraud and questions surrounding the efficacy of the SES tutoring program itself, the federal government offered a waiver that discontinued the requirement that states offer the services to eligible schools. Ohio received a waiver to discontinue its program.

Thank you for your continued support of Columbus City Schools.

Respectfully,

Gene T. Harris, Ph.D.
Superintendent/CEO

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City Council Set to Increase Area Commission Funding

COLUMBUS CITY COUNCIL MEDIA ALERT   March 12, 2013   For More Information: John Ivanic, (614) 645-6798 Web – Facebook – Twitter

 

 

(Columbus)--Columbus City Council, working in collaboration with area commission leaders, has included in the 2013 General Fund Budget greater funding for area commissions to support and continue their important work to improve Columbus neighborhoods.   While meeting with Franklinton Area Commissioners at their regularly scheduled meeting, Councilmember A. Troy Miller, chair of the Small & Minority Business Development Committee, announced that Ordinance 0667-2013 is expected to be on an upcoming Council agenda.  The legislation increases funding from $1,000 to $2,500 for all 17 area commissions.

 

“Area commissions serve as a vital link between City Hall and Columbus neighborhoods,” said Councilmember Miller, who also chairs the Zoning Committee.   “Commissioners bring a wealth of commitment and passion to their service and our community is a better place for it.”

 

The money can be used for a variety of purposes, including mailings and programming.   An increase in commission funding was first suggested to Council in a comprehensive report completed in 2007 by area commission leaders.   That discussion has led to dialogue during a series of Commission on Commission meetings between City Council and commission leaders who are studying a number of issues that impact area commissions and their ability to improve the quality of life in Columbus. 

 

“The commission meetings have maintained a line of communication not just between commissioners and city leaders, but between neighborhoods,” said Becky Obester, chair of the 5^th by Northwest Area Commission.  “While there is much more work that must done, this announcement of an increase in commission funding will help us at the street level build a stronger Columbus.”

The allocation of additional resources for direct area commission funding is just one of the many ways City Council is providing financial support for these groups this year.  Included in the 2013 General Fund Budget is $100,000 set aside to support website hosting and page design, record retention and storage, and other needs that may be identified as discussions between City Council and area commissions continue.

 

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JOHN IVANIC

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR

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90 W. Broad Street
Columbus, OH 43215

Direct: 614-645-6798

Cell:     614-701-1411

www.columbus.gov