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Many Ohio educators are retiring at a young age and returning to positions in public schools following retirement. Some states restrict retirees' returning to public-school employment. Ohio is the most lenient state of eight states reviewed in allowing retirees to return to work in public schools. This report provides the results of a study of 25 percent of the school districts in Ohio selected randomly by quadrant regarding the hiring of retired administrators. Data for the study were gathered through a survey. A total of 60 percent of those responding to the survey indicated that their district rehired administrators due, in part, to a shortage of qualified administrators or the difficulty in finding qualified individuals to fill administrative positions. More than 400 retired administrators were working in administrative positions in Ohio public schools during the time of the study. Hiring retired administrators is helping reduce the shortage of qualified administrators in Ohio. School districts, however, should use caution with this practice. This practice may help eliminate the current shortage, but could lower the pool of future candidates for administrative positions. (Contains 2 tables and 19 references.) (Author/WFA)

Most school consolidations have exercised a plan, but few have followed up with an evaluation. This report provides a history of consolidation in Ohio and a follow-up study of the last school consolidation to take place in Ohio in 1992. The study, conducted in 2000, included a survey of teachers, parents, and students to determine the success of the consolidation and the feelings of those involved 8 years later. When asked in 1992 if the consolidation were good for everyone, 11 of the 13 teachers responding to the survey offered a positive response. The same response was offered 8 years later. Fifty-eight parents (78 percent) surveyed in 1992 expressed satisfaction with the consolidation. The same number were still pleased with the arrangement 8 years later. Also, 60 percent of parents believed their children enjoyed school after the consolidation. Those who responded with written comments were very positive about the consolidation. Additionally, superintendents of the smallest school districts in the state were surveyed to get a sense of what they were thinking about consolidation. They did not appear to be concerned with the issue of consolidation. (Contains 1 table and 23 references.) (WFA)

An Ohio superintendent's need to contain administrative costs, replace aging buses, and improve his district's financial health prompted consideration of contracting for student transportation. After 2 years of contracting out, students are safer, a $215,000 savings has been realized, the bus drivers (former district employees) are happier, and the board still oversees the transportation function. (MLH)