Report cards show inferiority of charter schools; Roots of city schools' ills; Ryan as tea party's 'dream boy,'; More kudos to Playhouse; Bad drivers not from Boardman; Abortion clinic closing overdue

State report cards again reinforce the inferiority of charter schools

We, as taxpayers in this state, should hold those accountable for how our tax dollars are being wasted under the Kasich administration. The Ohio Department of Education released its report card data recently and, once again, Ohio’s public school districts significantly outperformed their charter school “competitors.” Public school employees are getting tired of beating this dead horse.

Of the 3,274 school buildings that received a Performance Index Score, 228 charter schools ranked in the bottom 25 percent. Regarding the much-ballyhooed Third-Grade Reading Guarantee of education reform for Ohio boys and girls, 81 percent of Ohio 3rd graders scored proficient or above on the 3rd grade OAA. This is down 0.4 percent from last year, meaning 500 fewer 3rd-graders scored proficient last year. Charter schools’ 3rd graders scored 65.2 percent. (the rate for public schools was 84.6 percent). Put another way, 3rd graders in Ohio’s public schools scored a rate 19.4percent higher than their charter school competition. Plainly stated; Charter schools dragged down the overall rate for our 3rd-graders.

ECOT, the state’s largest charter school and the 10th largest “district” in Ohio, with a reported enrollment of 14,611 put up 7 F’s and 1 D in the state’s new graded categories. ECOT four-year graduation rate was 26 percent lower, and five-year rate was 24 percent lower. I would have to do an entire letter explaining how ECOT wasted $100,000,000 in state tax dollars it received last year.

Remember, charter schools are not simply pulling students from the lowest performing schools: they enroll students from nearly every single district across Ohio. They are not just “competing with the big urban districts,” they have earned the right to be compared with everyone.

Last year, charter schools received more than $900 million directly out of school districts’ budgets at a rate of $7,497 per student. The public school districts, meanwhile, averaged less than half that amount, $3,497 per student, in funding from the state. Once that money leaves our local school districts and goes into the charter school system, the taxpayers are written off. That is now private money. Quite the investment all of us are getting.

Brian McConnell, Girard

Brian McConnell is president of the Niles Education Association.

You can lead kids to classes, but you can’t make them learn

My thoughts on the failing public schools in Youngstown: The problem is not with the teachers, Superintendent Connie Hathorn, the board of education or the state commission. Coming up with all these special curriculums on learning standards isn’t going to solve the problem.

Has anyone gone (undetected) to observe any classes, such as the 7th or 8th grades? If not, I suggest you go have a peek.

You know the old saying — “you can take a horse to water but you can’t make him drink.” This applies to the students. You can have them come to school, but you can’t make them learn.

You have to find a way to teach them in a different way. Why not try Mr. Robert Briggs’ (Vindicator, Sept. 14) suggestion of personalized blended learning? After all, this is a technology world.

Alice Dyce, Austintown

Will Paul Ryan be dream boy of tea party in president race?

Hey! It looks like we might have a front-runner in the tea party for president. You see U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan everywhere making dumb comments about everything and everybody.

This is the guy whose budget proposal puts the screws to every American but the rich and powerful ones. There’s no doubt he’ll have plenty of money coming in from robber barons like the Koch Brothers, the Wal-Mart kiddies and all of the other millionaires and billionaires who need more tax cuts. His ridiculous budget alone should get him axed if he would happen to win the tea-party nomination. He knows that without help he doesn’t stand a chance.

So, what’s the answer? Get the Republican governors to disenfranchise as many voters as they can. With his corporate Supreme Court money, he will buy hours and hours of TV time to spread his lies and while we are talking lies, he will also have help at Tea Party Fox News, “Fair and balanced news;” are you kidding me?

And how about the boss himself. He’ll be spewing the garbage around, and it will really stink. Who’s the boss you say? I’m surprised that everyone doesn’t know that Rush Limbaugh is the tea-party man. He insults all women, he hates minorities, and he really hates the president. I want to see Paul Ryan on stage and hugging the disgusting man.

The American people have voted this Congress the worst in history and it’s time for a change. Vote Democrat, and as far as Paul Ryan running for president, he hasn’t changed his ways in eight years and neither has the tea-party Republicans. So take it to the bank, he hasn’t got a chance.

When all you do is criticize the president and present a budget that takes care of richest 2 percent, then maybe the Koch Brothers will give you a job.

Bud McKelvey, Hermitage, Pa.

Playhouse proves its value again

Congratulations and thanks to the Youngstown Playhouse for once again offering the Mahoning Valley quality entertainment in its 2014-015 season opener, “A Chorus Line.” We were treated to outstanding performances on so many levels: the cast, direction, sets and music.

We’ve seen this demanding gem of a musical several times, including on Broadway, and we are so pleased to say that this production did not disappoint — it was compelling, poignant and loaded with energy and local talent. The Youngstown Playhouse is as vital and entertaining as ever. Keep it coming.

George and Betty Beelen, Canfield

Criticism of Boardman drivers is an insult to 36,000 residents

I have never written a letter to The Vindicator before or called in to a talk show, but after reading the recent letter about rude and bad drivers in Boardman Township, I feel I must respond.

I wonder if it has ever entered the mind of the letter writer that a majority of the drivers on Boardman roads are from out of town. People come from miles away to shop at the Southern Park Mall and at the many fine stores and restaurants in the township.

I have lived here for 48 years and have never seen a driver try to hit a pedestrian or pass a school bus with lights flashing.

Your poison-pen letter degrades my intelligence and that of 36,000 others who live in the township.

August M. Pusateri, Boardman

Abortion-clinic closing overdue

Last month, the article head- lined “Abortion clinic ends fight over closure order” appeared in The Vindicator. This article stated that a Cincinnati area clinic “which opened 35 years ago, provided about 2,000 abortions a year.”

In 35 years, 70,000 children have been slaughtered at this one clinic alone — 70,000 children. This clinic is now closed. Thank God.

We wonder why our children are being targeted, attacked, abused and murdered the way they are, even by their own family members.

Could it be the value we have placed on human life? Wake up, people. God bless all who fight this valiant fight.

Mary Beth Lynn, Boardman