BY SUSAN TEBBEN
Ohio libraries are set to receive $5 million through the Ohio Department of Education for expanded learning and literacy efforts.
The ODE is distributing federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) funds “to further the strategies of Future Forward Ohio,” a state program implemented “to help students recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
The grants are awarded through the Libraries Accelerating Learningprogram, serving pre-K through 12th grade students through tutoring, summer reading and community learning programs, according to the ODE.
“Libraries can play a critical role in accelerating learning, including helping students read, providing hands-on learning opportunities and encouraging students to explore careers,” said Stephanie Siddens, interim superintendent of public instruction for the ODE, in a statement.
The Ohio Library Council said the funds “will help Ohio’s public libraries continue and expand the work they are already doing to help students overcome the learning loss.”
Also, from Ohio Capital Journal:
‘Moderate’ Republican Jason Stephens snatches Ohio House Speaker position in surprise upset
News5Cleveland.com
Moderately conservative Republican Jason Stephens, with the help of the Democratic Party, snatched the coveted Ohio House Speaker job Tuesday from a far-right lawmaker who was already elected speaker in a non-official party vote. In the surprise upset, Stephens, R-Kitts Hill, who is allegedly pledging to stop far-right policies and act as a full moderate, is chosen as one of the most significant and influential leaders in the state. READ MORE
