AP: Ohio urban schools target data system

COLUMBUS (AP) — Ohio’s “Big 8” urban school districts say administration of a state computer system at the center of a statewide attendance-tampering investigation is riddled with deficiencies.

A new evaluation of the Educational Management Information System, or EMIS, provided to The Associated Press highlights errors, delays, inconsistencies and a lack of training.

The districts are asking to work with the Ohio Department of Education to address problems they’ve experienced.

The call comes from districts in Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati, Toledo, Dayton, Akron, Canton and Youngstown.

Auditor Dave Yost is investigating allegations that certain Ohio districts might have manipulated data to boost performance ratings or employee bonuses.

Columbus City Schools Superintendent Gene Harris has announced she’ll retire when the school year ends as questions of unusual attendance and enrollment practices dog her district.