Honesty Welcomes Ohio's
New State Superintendent
May 10, 2022 | FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
COLUMBUS, May 10, 2022 – The Honesty for Ohio Education Coalition thanks the members of the State Board of Education for their work to select a new Superintendent of Public Instruction. It is encouraging that our new public education leader, Stephen Dackin, has a long history as an educator and leader in public education.
In thanking outgoing Interim Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Stephanie Siddens for her role, we acknowledge that this moment presents pressing challenges for Mr. Dackin. Topping the list are the disruptions and trauma caused over the past two years by the pandemic and the dangers COVID-19 still poses, with ongoing threats to the academic achievement and mental health of our young people and increased demands on educators.
That’s why it’s critical for Ohio students and families that our new education leader fully embrace the state’s student, family, and community-centered approach to education and learning clearly defined in the Each Child Our Future strategic plan and ODE’s Whole Child Framework.
“In order to ensure the personal and academic success of every student, our leaders must commit to providing the public vision, competency, and resources needed to support the emotional wellness and safety of all Ohio students,” said Cynthia Peeples, founding director of the Honesty Coalition. “This commitment must continue into the future, as ODE and the board will soon need to engage a broad group of stakeholders to write a new strategic plan to guide Ohio public education in the coming years.”
Another clear challenge Mr. Dackin must navigate is efforts by certain board members and state legislators over the past year to impose educational gag orders by censoring honest education and discussion about racism, sexism, sexuality, and gender identity, whitewashing our history, creating division and fear, and fomenting distrust of Ohio's brave, hard-working educators.
“From day one, Mr. Dackin must lean in with honesty, courage, and a commitment to do what’s right for our young people,” said Peeples. “He must ensure that facts, hard truths, and diverse perspectives and experiences are infused into instruction in our public schools. Failure to do so will allow our students and state to fall behind – we must actively build an educated workforce and communities that are ready and able to engage in our civic life.”
The Honesty Coalition stands ready to partner with the new superintendent to ensure every young Ohioan gets the education they need to be successful in life, and that families, educators, and communities where they live partner in the success of our students. More information on what Ohio needs in a superintendent is available here.
In thanking outgoing Interim Superintendent of Public Instruction Dr. Stephanie Siddens for her role, we acknowledge that this moment presents pressing challenges for Mr. Dackin. Topping the list are the disruptions and trauma caused over the past two years by the pandemic and the dangers COVID-19 still poses, with ongoing threats to the academic achievement and mental health of our young people and increased demands on educators.
That’s why it’s critical for Ohio students and families that our new education leader fully embrace the state’s student, family, and community-centered approach to education and learning clearly defined in the Each Child Our Future strategic plan and ODE’s Whole Child Framework.
“In order to ensure the personal and academic success of every student, our leaders must commit to providing the public vision, competency, and resources needed to support the emotional wellness and safety of all Ohio students,” said Cynthia Peeples, founding director of the Honesty Coalition. “This commitment must continue into the future, as ODE and the board will soon need to engage a broad group of stakeholders to write a new strategic plan to guide Ohio public education in the coming years.”
Another clear challenge Mr. Dackin must navigate is efforts by certain board members and state legislators over the past year to impose educational gag orders by censoring honest education and discussion about racism, sexism, sexuality, and gender identity, whitewashing our history, creating division and fear, and fomenting distrust of Ohio's brave, hard-working educators.
“From day one, Mr. Dackin must lean in with honesty, courage, and a commitment to do what’s right for our young people,” said Peeples. “He must ensure that facts, hard truths, and diverse perspectives and experiences are infused into instruction in our public schools. Failure to do so will allow our students and state to fall behind – we must actively build an educated workforce and communities that are ready and able to engage in our civic life.”
The Honesty Coalition stands ready to partner with the new superintendent to ensure every young Ohioan gets the education they need to be successful in life, and that families, educators, and communities where they live partner in the success of our students. More information on what Ohio needs in a superintendent is available here.
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Honesty for Ohio Education is a nonpartisan statewide coalition that champions honest education, affirmation of identities and cultures, and local control in education. The coalition serves as a centralized source for the education, advocacy, resources, and partnerships necessary to protect honesty in education across Ohio. Born from a grassroots effort of committed Ohioans, Honesty for Ohio Education proudly represents more than 30 state and local organizations and hundreds of students, families, and educators across Ohio.