House bill constructed to turn schools around

We agree with last Monday's Dispatch editorial "More haste by Ohio lawmakers will not solve school takeover mess" in that House Bill 70 was passed hastily after a last-minute amendment to create academic distress commissions was added, and this has resulted in “a gigantic failure.” However, we disagree that it is hasty or premature to take concrete steps to undo that damage.

House Bill 154 is a bipartisan road map for turning our schools around and was the subject of several lengthy hearings, where teachers and school board members testified to the House Education Committee about the devastating impacts on the community — including low morale among students, teachers and staff — of the existing academic distress commissions and their appointed CEOS. They also testified about the positive things that are happening or were happening in their school districts before the ADCS took over.

Here are the facts about HB 154: It restores power to the locally elected school board. It focuses on buildings, not districts. It calls for action when a building gets its first F and not its third F in a row. It provides an evidence-based road map for a building and school district to follow. It allows communities to develop plans with the understanding that no two buildings are the same, even if they are just a few miles apart.

It is rooted in accountability, with turnaround teams consisting of principals, teachers, parents and community stakeholders. HB 154 passed with an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 83-12. The Senate should build on this effort by deliberating on and passing the bill, rather than starting over and attempting to rehash the failed idea of academic distress commissions. Melissa Cropper, president, Ohio Federation of Teachers, Georgetown

Letters serve as warm-up to presidential debates

There were three different letters in Friday's Dispatch with comments from people authenticating their expert opinions on mental issues and Scripture/jesus interpretations. It amazes me that writer Bruce Smith knows exactly what Jesus (a man who roamed the earth for three years) would be thinking and analyzing about today's political climate.

Jack Wolock quoted a Bible passage of 19 words relating to the Democrats' philosophical beliefs. Finally, Mike Howard supported adopting an amendment to combat delusional Republicans' political thinking.

When the actual presidential debates get started in 2020, I hope everyone can hold onto their seats and practice some internal sanity.

Chris Beale, London

Proposed legislation would make elections fairer

As Americans, we take pride in voting, yet our elections are marred by some of the lowest turnout rates among the world's democracies. We have elected our senators to maintain the security of our elections and ensure every American has the chance to participate in our democracy, yet when presented with the opportunity to extend the democratic right to vote to thousands more Ohioans, some senators have declined to support the For The People Act.

Sen. Sherrod Brown recognizes the value in making presidential elections a national holiday, automatically registering citizens to vote, safeguarding our elections from foreign interfering parties like Russia and more. Sen. Rob Portman has neglected to comment on the bill.

Nicholas Giesman, Cincinnati

Emily Salyers, 17, Hilliard

Some unaware that ADA compliance has changed

I am writing this for people with disabilities who need service dogs to help with everyday activities. I am one