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Educators are Asking for Loving Supports, not Weapons of Destruction

For decades, educators, parents and students have been pushing for the supports that provide young people with stability and give them evidence that our society cares about them and is committed to their success. Yet, evidence shows that we have cared more about assessing and standardizing our young people than institutionalizing the cross-sector supports that are necessary to create the types of loving systems where all students will have an opportunity to learn and thrive.

Source: Educators are Asking for Loving Supports, not Weapons of Destruction

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DRAFT RESOLUTION IN OPPOSITION TO HB 512

Attached you will see a draft resolution that will be brought forward at the new business portion of our meeting next Tuesday, March 13th.  The resolution if adopted would express that the State Board of Education is in complete opposition to H.B. 512.

I am a co-sponsor of this resolution and can be reached at:

pat.bruns@education.ohio.gov. or 513.310.8953

DRAFT RESOLUTION

A RESOLUTION IN OPPOSITION TO H.B. 512, OF THE

132nd OHIO GENERAL ASSEMBLY, REGULAR SESSION, 2017-2018

Member District 10, Nick Owens

WERECOMMEND that the State Board of Education ADOPTS the following resolution:

WHEREAS, we, the members of the State Board of Education affirm our constitutional charge to provide general supervision of the system of public education in Ohio. This system of education is a shared vision and responsibility with the Superintendent of Public Instruction, the General Assembly, the Governor and education stakeholders throughout Ohio to ensure all students are well-prepared for success, for college and career readiness; and

WHEREAS, Article VI, Section 4 of the Ohio Constitution, since its adoption in 1953 by the citizens of Ohio, states that there shall be a State Board of Education, which shall appoint a Superintendent of Public Instruction, and the respective powers and duties of the Board and of the Superintendent shall be prescribed by law; and

WHEREAS, the Ohio General Assembly, pursuant to Ohio Revised Code (ORC) Section 3301.07, has granted the State Board of Education policy forming, planning and evaluative functions for all public schools of the State of Ohio; and

WHEREAS, the State Board of Education provides the proper balance between state control and local education autonomy to maximize educational benefits for all of Ohio’s primary and secondary students; and

WHEREAS, such state educational policy decisions should be decided by representatives of the people they serve; and

WHEREAS, members of the State Board of Education stay in constant communication with students, parents, teachers, educational administrators and affiliated stakeholders through in-person meetings, community events, school visits, emails, phone calls, text messages, social media, and numerous other methods of communication, and as such serve as the direct voice to the Ohio Department of Education; and

WHEREAS, members of the State Board of Education are a unifying voice for solutions to the problems that severe poverty and trauma bring to the classroom, particularly in urban and rural settings; and

WHEREAS, members continuously lead robust discussions on how to achieve academically rich, healthy, safe and supportive learning environments so students can graduate ready for a successful future in their chosen paths of life; and

WHEREAS, the State Board of Education in collaboration with the Ohio Department of Education during the past seven months has engaged with more than 150 partners through the education community including but not limited to pre-kindergarten to 12th grade educators, higher education officials, business leaders, philanthropic organizations, local community members, and the Ohio General Assembly to create a comprehensive strategic plan for the entire State of Ohio; and

WHEREAS, the State Board of Education and Ohio Department of Education through the tireless leadership of Superintendent Paolo DeMaria has developed an inclusive, collaborative, and unifying stakeholder model for educational policy development as exhibited through the submission of Ohio’s Consolidated Plan under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) to the United States Department of Education; the establishment of the Graduation Requirements Workgroup which has resulted in additional graduation pathways for Ohio’s current Seniors; the Superintendent’s Advisory Committee on Assessments which has resulted in the reduction of statewide mandated assessments; the recent formation of a working group of stakeholders to fully analyze the Ohio School Report Cards in the Accountability and Continuous Improvement Committee; and most recently the State Board of Education and Ohio Department of Education Draft Strategic Plan Process for statewide stakeholder meetings that begins tomorrow, March 14, 2018; and

WHEREAS, the State Board of Education believes Ohio’s primary and secondary educational system, which includes more than 1.7 million students and 240,000 educators working throughout 3,500 school buildings across the state shall be one of partnerships amongst all statewide policymakers which leads to transformative learning opportunities and achievements for all students in our state and as a result will allow Ohio’s students to become the next generation of innovators and influencers who will go on to change the world—just as those who built our state’s incomparable legacy; and

WHEREAS, on February 14, 2018 in the House of Representatives of the 132nd Ohio General Assembly, H.B. 512 was introduced which would effectively consolidate the Ohio Department of Education, the Ohio Department of Higher Education, and the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation into a new mega state agency called the Department of Learning and Achievement which would be under the sole authority of the Governor of Ohio; and

WHEREAS, if such legislation was enacted into law it would fully eliminate the current structure of collaborative partnerships and policy development of educational stakeholders throughout Ohio; and

WHEREAS, the State Board of Education desires to make known publicly its opinion of H.B. 512; and

SO NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the State Board of Education through its inherent authority vested under Article VI, Section 4 of the Ohio Constitution and Ohio Revised Code 3301.07 HEREBY states it is in complete opposition to H.B. 512 of the 132nd Ohio General Assembly and as a result instructs the Superintendent of Public Instruction to communicate this resolution as the official position of the State Board of Education.

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Ohio would merge its school, university and workforce systems into one under new bill

State Rep. William Reineke explains his plan to merge the state departments of Education, Higher Education and Workforce Development into a single department at a press conference this morning.(Ohio Channel). http://s.cleveland.com/GHe3IDX

Voters who believe that All STUDENTS, no matter their zip code, deserve equitable and adequate access to high-quality education, should pay close attention to HB 512! Elected State Board of Education members are accountable to tax-payers, not just who sits in the Governor’s seat.

Ironically, the rationale for this proposed reorganization are being addressed in the ODE/SBOE Strategic Plan that we have been working on for 6 months and included over 150 educators, business, parents, and community in evidence-based discussions!

PLEASE JOIN US AND MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD…BECAUSE, THIS IS HOW A DEMOCRACY WORKS!

Help Chart the Future of Education in Ohio:

Review and Respond to Ohio’s Strategic Plan!

Mark your calendar for April 17, 2018

6-8 pm. (Registration opens at 5:30 PM)

Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency

1740 Langdon Farm Road

Cincinnati, OH 45237

Please RSVP BY MARCH 28 @

http://education.ohio.gov/About/Ohios-Strategic-Plan-for-Education

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Help Chart the Future of Education in Ohio: Review and Respond to Ohio’s Strategic Plan!

Mark Your Calendar for April 17, 2018

6-8 pm. (Registration opens at 5:30 PM)

Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency

1740 Langdon Farm Road

Cincinnati, OH 45237

Please RSVP BY MARCH 28 @

http://education.ohio.gov/About/Ohios-Strategic-Plan-for-Education

Please also share with your networks and on your social media!

Sponsored by Philanthropy Ohio, the State Board of Education, The Greater Cincinnati Foundation and United Way of Greater Cincinnati

Engage in community conversations to provide input on Ohio’s Draft Strategic Education Plan which will create a unified system that results in success for each student.

The plan will be Ohio’s roadmap for taking innovative approaches to meet the state’s major education challenges. It identifies a clear, statewide goal for preK-12 education, along with enabling strategies and tactics that explain how the goal will be achieved. The ultimate outcome: creating a unified system that results in success for each student.

During the last six months, the State Board of Education and the Ohio Department of Education have engaged more than 150 partners from preK-12, higher education, business, philanthropy, community and the state legislature to craft a comprehensive strategic plan for education. This is the first prepared by the state in more than a decade.

Philanthropy Ohio, in partnership with the State Board, will host 11 regional stakeholder meetings to review the plan and receive targeted feedback that will inform the final draft of the plan.

These meetings are an opportunity to gather valuable input from various perspectives, including local educators, funders, parents, students and community members. The meeting will include an introduction from State Superintendent Paolo DeMaria, a brief overview of the draft plan and group discussions around specific provisions and options. Discussions will focus on the plan’s vision for education, goal for high school graduates and strategies in teaching and learning that will enable the goal and fulfill the vision.

Questions?

Please contact Adrienne Wells at 614.914.2249, awells@philanthropyohio.org

On Facebook at Pat Bruns for State Board of Education

On Twitter @VotePatBruns

http://www.FriendsofPatBruns.com

“Great things do not just happen by impulse but as a succession of small things linked together.” Vincent Van Gogh

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MEDICAID $$$ For Most Vulnerable in Jeopardy

The Ohio Department of Education’s Ohio Every Student Succeeds (ESSA) Plan was recently approved by the federal government.

It replaces the No Child Left Behind State Plan that has been in place for over a decade.

See our Ohio ESSA Plan @

http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Every-Student-Succeeds-Act-ESSA

It appears that Congress’ proposed cuts to Medicaid will undermine the availability of resources as outlined in our plan…resources we all know our most vulnerable students need to thrive and grow into their full potential. See EdWeek Blog below.

Republicans in Congress may have kicked the can down the road—for now—on ditching the Affordable Care Act.

But advocates for school superintendents, who mobilized against a potential reduction to Medicaid funding last year, are still warning of serious consequences for schools if lawmakers decide to make changes to the program.

Schools receive about $4 billion a year from Medicaid, a health-care program for the poor. That makes Medicaid the third-largest source of federal K-12 funding, behind special education grants and Title I grants for disadvantaged kids.

The money is used for a slew of purposes, among them: vision and hearing screenings, medical equipment, and salaries for staffers who work with Medicaid-eligible students, such as speech therapists. It’s also used to connect students with community health services.

GOP lawmakers have pitched distributing Medicaid funds on what’s called a “per capita” basis, based on how many people a state has from particular groups, including children and the elderly. Fans of this approach argue that it would spur states to think more innovatively about how they structure their Medicaid programs. But detractors, including a lot of education advocates, worry it would mean big cuts to the program over time.

That proposal was part of health care bill that bill that failed to make it over the finish line last year. But isn’t going away just because a Republican health care bill faltered. In fact, it was part of President Donald Trump’s recent budget proposal for fiscal 2019.

So what could that mean for schools? AASA, the School Superintendents Association, surveyed its members last December, asking what would happen if Medicaid were cut. It found that 57 percent of school districts have concerns about meeting special education mandates, 36 percent of districts would have to reduce mental health services, and more than a quarter would have to cut general education funding and positions.

For more info:

http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/campaign-k-12/2018/02/trump_medicaid_cuts_AASA_survey_2017.html

http://aasa.org/uploadedFiles/Policy_and_Advocacy/Resources/CuttingMedicaid2018Addendum.pdf

To contact your Congressional Legislator:

Senator Sherrod Brown (D- OH)

202-224-2315 

FAX 202-228-6321

http://www.brown.senate.gov/contact

Senator Rob Portman (R- OH)

202-224-3353

FAX 202-224-9075

https://www.portman.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/conta …

Representative Steve Chabot (R – 01)

202-225-2216

FAX 202-225-3012

http://chabot.house.gov/contact/

Representative Brad Wenstrup (R -02)

202-225-3164  

FAX 202-225-1992 http://wenstrup.house.gov/con

2017 SBOE YEAR IN REVIEW

COMING SOON!

2018 Makeover for Pat Bruns’

Re-Election Campaign!

In the meantime….Here is what I have been doing on behalf of Ohio’s students

as your elected member of the State Board of Education!

 

 

Warren
Warren
Harrison H. S. DECA student shares her Business Plan for local boutique!
Harrison H. S. DECA student shares her Business Plan for local boutique!

In reviewing my work in 2017 and the over 8000 miles logged meeting with my constituents, I am honored to be able to continue to serve as your District 4 State Board member. With the end of the No Child Left Behind era of repressive testing and regulations, we have an opportunity with ESSA to reinvent ODE as a service-based partner with our school districts. We have laid the groundwork for such reform this past year. I remain committed to policies that will further strengthen our public schools and give them the resources they need, make charter schools accountable for public tax dollars, reduce/eliminate state-mandated testing, expand career-tech, problem-based learning and arts opportunities for all students. I will continue to encourage innovative and challenging educational environments that place high-quality teaching and learning at their center.

Respectfully submitted,

January, 2018

2017:

A New Year and a New Day at the Ohio State Board of Education!

We welcomed ten new board members, some elected and some appointed, but all with an interest to speak as one voice for all of Ohio students. Superintendent Paolo DeMaria continues reorganizing the department, getting to know board members through weekly updates and monthly individual phone conferences, and visiting seemingly every stakeholder in Ohio.

I am particularly proud of the board’s dialogue with Superintendent DeMaria to develop his 2018 goals. I believe it illustrates our shared interests and emphasis on inclusion and the educational improvements for which we are striving together. In particular, Paolo is committed to:

  • Nurture strong, positive relationships with Board members, members of the legislature, associations and advocacy groups, educators, and other stakeholders.
  • Create opportunities for focused stakeholder engagement on key educational topics – particularly for parents and students.
  • Strengthen and focus the Department’s efforts to support school improvement including the implementation of the school improvement features of the state’s ESSA application and research and dissemination of evidence based practices in closing achievement gaps.
  • Drive policy improvement work on the following:
  1. Graduation requirements
  2. Teacher Evaluations and the enactment and implementation of Board approved recommendations
  3. Report Cards and opportunities to improve clarity, fairness and meaning
  4. Assessments and opportunities to appropriately reduce testing, and the exploration of alternative modes of assessment

Refreshing, right? But what have we accomplished in 2017? Well, from my perspective….

WORKGROUPS:

We began by tackling the Graduating Class of 2018 Crisis through a workgroup that included myself, key stakeholders from education, business and community. Our recommendations were included in our biennial budget recommendations and were adopted by the legislature.
http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Ohio-s-Graduation-Requirements

Important topics emerged from this workgroup that have framed much of our discussion throughout the year. Topics included alternative assessments to demonstrate competency, real world problem-based and integrated curriculum, career-technology paths and importance of 21st century and social-emotional skills.

The Superintendents Assessment Advisory Workgroup then made further assessment recommendations to reduce state-mandated testing. To date, the board has recommended to the legislature to eliminate English language arts and WorkKeys and will vote to recommend that the Class of 2018 Options be extended to 2019 and 2020 graduating classes.  UPDATE:  BOARD VOTED TO EXTEND AT JANUARY MEETING.  RECOMENDATIONS NOW GO TO LEGISLATURE FOR CONSIDERATION.

http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Ohio-s-Graduation-Requirements

In March, we began work on a 5-year ODE Strategic Plan process with a SBOE Retreat to establish the board’s core priorities. I sit on the ODE SP Steering Committee and the Excellent Educators & Instructional Practices Workgroup. Attracting and retaining high-quality educators has been at the heart of our research and concern. Four other workgroups also include a majority of educators: Student Supports & School Climate and Culture; High School Success & Post secondary Connections; Standards, Assessments, and Accountability; and Early Learning & Literacy. We hope to adopt a final draft this spring. http://education.ohio.gov/Miscellaneous/Search-Results?q=strategic%20planning%20ohio%20department%20of%20education

FYI: https://knowledgeworks.org/resources/future-learning-redefining-readiness/
(We reviewed this report to jumpstart out-of-box thinking to begin each of our workgroups)

As a member of SBOE’s Professional Development Workgroup, I discussed and approved our Policies & Procedures Manual revisions.

BOARD ACTIONS:

As a member of the board, I approved the Educator Standards Board recommendations to streamline the Teacher Evaluation process (OTES) and the Resident Educator Program.
http://education.ohio.gov/Miscellaneous/Search-Results?q=resident%20educator%20program

In February, Ohio Every Student Succeeds (ESSA) Plan was submitted to the federal government for review. I worked closely with the Ohio Alliance for Arts Education to include “well-rounded education” in six sections that will continue to position the arts in education as an important component of a child’s overall education. ESSA also offers more opportunities to target resources for our most vulnerable students: the homeless, economically-disadvantaged, and our youngest scholars.

http://digital.watkinsprinting.com/publication/?i=394129#{“issue_id”:394129,”page”:22

http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Every-Student-Succeeds-Act-ESSA

The board unanimously voted to support ECOT’s repayment of $60 million for inability to verify 2015-16 enrollment. Legal challenges about the ruling from ECOT remain as well as ECOT’s interest in moving to a dropout recovery school. Questions about accurate enrollment data persist for the 2016-17 school year. Related Sponsor Evaluation Review at
http://education.ohio.gov/Miscellaneous/Search-Results?q=sponsor%20ratings%20rules%20and%20evaluation%20tools%20

BOARD COMMITTEE WORK:

As a member of the Achievement and Graduation Committee, I reviewed and adopted the English Language Arts, Math and Technology Ohio Learning Standards. Science, Social Studies, and Financial Literacy Ohio Standards have been under our review and we expect to adopt them at our January 2018 meeting.
http://education.ohio.gov/Miscellaneous/Search-Results?q=ohio%20learning%20standards

I enthusiastically supported adding the Ohio Seal of Biliteracy as an option for graduates.
http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Learning-in-Ohio/Foreign-Language/Ohio-Seal-of-Biliteracy

OhioMeansJobs Readiness Seal is also one of the nine options available as part of the non-career tech alternative graduation option for the Class of 2018.

http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/New-Skills-for-Youth/SuccessBound/OhioMeansJobs-Readiness-Seal

ODE rolled out a $2 Million Grant opportunity that encourages integrated curriculum. You can count on me to continue to enthusiastically advocate for increasing opportunities for educators to collaborate, especially with their arts colleagues to create important connections across curriculum for deeper student learning!   https://education.ohio.gov/Topics/New-Skills-for-Youth

Online Professional Learning Module for Gifted Training: As you know, I supported the recently approved changes to the gifted rules to require general education teachers who are designated providers of gifted education services to receive high-quality professional development in gifted education. This professional development must meet eight gifted education competencies and include a minimum of 30 clock hours during year one and a minimum of 30 clock hours during year two with additional clock hours in subsequent years. These teachers also receive ongoing support from an educator with gifted licensure or endorsement. To help Ohio school districts meet these requirements, the Ohio Leadership Advisory Council (OLAC) is creating free professional learning resources. Developed by nationally-recognized experts in gifted education, these resources can be used by districts for individual or group-based learning. The first 30 hours is now available.  There is no cost for these modules, but they must be supported by a trained facilitator. More information can be found here. The OLAC website is: http://www.ohioleadership.org

As a member of the Accountability Committee, I voted to modify the newly revamped 22+ Adult High School Diploma program so that individuals working will have their best chance to receive a high school diploma and hopefully continue to gain employable skills.
http://education.ohio.gov/Miscellaneous/Search-Results?q=Adult%20diploma%20plus

We reviewed ESSA Section G: 21st Century Community Learning Centers and Section I: Education for Homeless Children and Youth Program and McKinley-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. My board colleague, Meryl Johnson, gave us an overview of best practices in trauma-informed interventions critical for students affected by adverse childhood experiences (ACES) and reaffirmed a critical need for more counselors and social workers in our schools.

https://education.ohio.gov/getattachment/Topics/Other-Resources/School-Safety/Building-Better-Learning-Environments/PBIS-Resources/Project-AWARE-Ohio/Project-AWARE-Ohio-Statewide-Resources/Trauma-Informed-Schools.pdf.aspx

SPOTLIGHT ON TEACHING:

Dustin Weaver, an English teacher at Chillicothe High School, represented us well as the 2017 Ohio Teacher of the Year. I am confident that Powell’s Liberty Tree Elementary art teacher, Jonathan Juravich, will also prove to be an outstanding ambassador as the 2018 Ohio Teacher of the Year! Working with my districts to nominate excellent educators for this prestigious award is my favorite part of the job! http://education.ohio.gov/Miscellaneous/Search-Results?q=ohio%20teacher%20of%20the%20year

LOOKING AHEAD:

At our January 2018 meeting, we will discuss a resolution to appoint a working group to review and recommend changes to improve understanding and usability of the State Report Card.
I see this as a logical component for review as part of the implementation of our ODE Strategic and Ohio ESSA Plan.  UPDATE:  TABLED UNTIL FEBRUARY MEETING.

Paper vs Computer Testing  questions persist in regard to whether the tests are developmentally appropriate and whether these tests measure knowledge or computer skills.

End-of-Course State Testing has some wanting us to continue to administer the Social Studies EOC test because they are concerned that the Founding Fathers Documents will not be taught otherwise. I have found that this is completely contrary to what is happening in schools. A reliance of memorizing amendments, etc. to pass a test has nothing to do with gaining an understanding of the important of these documents through authentic learning experiences that teachers no longer have time to implement because of testing!

State Report Card data collection re: Chronic Absenteeism and End-of-Course Test Retakes continue to be controversial.

The New Academic Distress Commission, that was added to HB 70 in 2015
in the eleventh hour, remains besieged by numerous legal challenges in Youngstown City Schools. Lorain City School District has become the second district to fall under terms of HB 70, which reduces the elected board of education to an advisory role and replaces the superintendent with a CEO. Also, after the first report card a district receives under HB 70, the CEO has the power to reconstitute any school in the district. As part of that change, principals and administrative staff can be replaced. A majority of the school’s staff, including teaching and non-teaching employees, can also be replaced. The CEO can hire a nonprofit or for-profit organization to manage operations of the school. Schools can be re-opened as a community school, a STEM school, or even permanently closed.  https://www.lsc.ohio.gov/

LEGISLATION TO WATCH:

We developed required legislative policy in response to HB 410 Chronic Absenteeism.
http://education.ohio.gov/Miscellaneous/Search-Results?q=HB%20410

Speaker’s Task Force on Education and Poverty

Senate Bill 85 (Senator Huffman) To create the Opportunity Scholarship Program: https://www.legislature.ohio.gov/download?key=6844&format=pdf

House Bill 200 (Representative Koehler) To create the Opportunity Scholarship Program:

Senate Bill 197 BULLYING (Williams) To require a tiered disciplinary procedure for harassment, intimidation, or bullying in school; to require annual student instruction about preventing such acts; and to create the offense of aggravated bullying as a third-degree misdemeanor. 1st Hearing, Sponsor testimony.
House Bill 170 COMPUTER SCIENCE (Carfagna, Duffey) With regard to academic content standards and curriculum requirements for computer science; to revise educator qualifications regarding computer science; and to authorize public schools to establish computer science and technology funds. 3rd Hearing, All testimony.

Senate Bill 216 (Huffman) includes:

Educational aide permits and educational paraprofessional licenses:
Removes requirement for licensure for non-teaching employees working as an educational aide in non-federally funded programs. (ORC 3319.088)
Removes all qualifications for educational aide licensure besides an initial background check. (ORC 3319.088)

Non-teaching employees as substitute educational aides:
Allows non-teaching employees to serve as substitute educational aides without holding a permit or license. (ORC 3319.088)

Educator license grade bands:
Sets educator license grade bands as only K-8 or 6-12. (ORC 3319.22)

Educator licenses for substitute teaching:
Requires the State Board to establish new standards and requirements for obtaining an educator license for substitute teaching. Prohibits the new standards from (1) requiring an applicant to hold a postsecondary degree in any specified subject area and (2) restricting the number of school days that the holder of the license may work. (ORC 3319.226)

Teacher employment outside of licensure area:
Permits a school district superintendent to employ a licensed teacher to teach a subject area or grade level for which the person is not licensed. (ORC 3319.361)

Go to Ohio Legislative Service Commission for summaries at https://www.lsc.ohio.gov/

FYI!

SBOE meetings can now be viewed

on The Ohio Channel at
https://www.google.com/search?q=the+ohio+channel&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en-us&client=safari

 

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Join in the conversation and contribute to Ohio’s Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan

Under the new Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), Ohio will create a plan for how our local, state and federal programs are aligned to help all of our students be successful. The Ohio Department of Education will be seeking your involvement at a series of meetings throughout the state. Everyone is welcome to attend and share their ideas. Please join us at a meeting near you.

Additionally, the department will host a series of webinars covering focus areas within ESSA. Participants can learn more about specific topics and share their thoughts through a variety of response options.

The Ohio Department of Education is committed to comprehensive and collaborative community engagement leading to the development of our state Student Success Plan. A plan that is deeply rooted in the needs of Ohio’s students, educators and communities requires everyone’s input.

More information is coming soon. Please visit this website for the latest.

http://education.ohio.gov/Topics/Every-Student-Succeeds-Act-ESSA

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Paolo DeMaria, Superintendent of Public Instruction

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Much of DeMaria’s 30-year career has focused on school finance and promoting higher student achievement, college readiness and completion, and school choice for families. DeMaria is an unabashed cheerleader for Ohio’s public schools, having sent his children to Columbus Public Schools and The Graham School.

The son of European immigrants, the West Virginia native is the product of the public education systems of Easton, Pennsylvania; Charleston, South Carolina; Scotch Plains, New Jersey; and Greenville, South Carolina. DeMaria has a 25-year record of public service for the state of Ohio, having formerly served as a staff member in the Ohio Senate, assistant director and director of Ohio’s Office of Budget and Management and as chief policy advisor to former Ohio Gov. Bob Taft.

Later, as associate superintendent for the Ohio Department of Education’s Center for School Options and Finance, he supervised the distribution of more than $7 billion annually to Ohio K-12 school districts and developed policies and legislative recommendations on school finance and educational choices for families. Afterward, he served as executive vice chancellor of the Ohio Board of Regents, leading initiatives to improve college completion, increase credential attainment, make textbooks more affordable and increase college readiness.

Before being chosen as chief executive officer of Ohio’s K-12 education system, DeMaria served for six years as principal consultant for Education First Consulting, guiding policy, implementation and strategy projects for K-12 and higher education clients in several states.

DeMaria earned his bachelor of arts, summa cum laude, from Furman University of Greenville, South Carolina, and a master’s of public administration from The Ohio State University’s John Glenn College of Public Affairs. He has co-authored several publications, including K-12/Higher Education Alignment: An Action Agenda for Increasing Student Success, for Core to College and the State Higher Education Executive Officers Association.

His honors include The Ohio State University Alumni Association’s Distinguished State Government Service Award and being named by Columbus Business First Magazine as one of 20 [People] to Know in Education.

DeMaria speaks fluent Italian. He lives with his wife, Patty, and their cats in the Schumacher Place neighborhood of Columbus, Ohio, and often bicycles to work. The DeMarias have two grown children, Sara and Tristan.

Contact Information

877-644-6338
superintendent@education.ohio.gov

SBOE HIRES NEW SUPERINTENDENT

May 13, 2016

To My Fellow Public School Advocates,
After two days of excellent candidate interviews and candid conversations amongst our board members, we have hired Paolo DeMaria as our new state superintendent. As many of you, I, too, was looking for someone who had experience in the field. Although Shonda Hardman was my top choice, I do believe that the sSate Department of Education will benefit from someone with Paolo’s background in policy at all levels of state government, his strong organizational skills, and his ability to build consensus. He has worked for governors from both sides of the aisle and those who I respect and who know him, spoke very highly of his persistence, honesty and genuineness.

Several of his remarks during the interview struck a particular cord with me. They included:
“I believe in servant leadership that creates the conditions to succeed…We should start with the locals’ challenges and know that you do not earn trust overnight…I believe in the power of a collective look at best practices to advance the strategic plan…and [to be ing] diligent in the leadership to implement it…We need to get things done, monitor and measure, and celebrate when we get there…This is a collaborative effort and if people are not involved, they will not own it…We must be much more deliberate in engagement and build consensus around policy.”

In regard to my question about the teacher and administrator shortage, his remarks included:
“We don’t often give teachers the resources they need to be successful…We somehow have failed to keep children at the center of our perspective and we need to bring the students’ voice to the table to help shape policy and implementation…We need to create a climate where teachers want to come to Ohio to teach and a condition so that every day is a joyful day of learning.”

Finally, I was very pleased with the transparent process that President Gunlock put in place and the spirit of collaboration amongst my colleagues. I believe that our unanimous endorsement by a vote of 19/0, speaks to a new day and a new way of communicating at the Ohio Department of Education.

We have much work to do together to make ODE a true partner in your work and through the ESSA process to develop our Ohio Plan; a roadmap that will guide our education system for the next decade.

We have a real opportunity to make Ohio the “go to” state for 21st Century Best Practices. We have a sacred responsibility to create a learning environment that honors the potential of each child and gives them the tools they need to be successful. I believe we have hired an individual who can thoughtfully and creativity lead us through this journey.

The Cleveland Plain Dealer article can be found at http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2016/05/who_is_paolo_demaria_new_state.html

Together, we can build a brighter tomorrow for all our children! I am looking forward to our work with a renewed energy!

Respectfully,

Pat Bruns

SBOE DISTRICT 4