Number of new Ohio charters drops this school year

COLUMBUS (AP) — The relatively low number of new Ohio charter schools that opened this academic year is a sign of increased caution after a high number of closures and an increase in state scrutiny of school sponsors.

The Columbus Dispatch reports only 11 new schools opened statewide. Typically there are dozens, and last year more than 50 charters opened.

Such schools are considered public and get state money but have private operators.

Sometimes they don’t last long. Twenty-eight closed last school year. That’s the highest annual total since 2000.

The closures prompted the state auditor to examine three sponsors in an investigation that’s ongoing. The state Department of Education also is taking a closer look at sponsors through a new evaluation system that starts this month.