A state panel has selected more than 100 schools and educational entities as finalists for grants from an innovation fund established by Gov. John Kasich.
The Ohio Department of Education says 34 grants totaling nearly $142 million have been recommended by the Straight A Fund Governing Board for funding in fiscal year 2015. Another three grants have received tentative approval pending review of additional information. The board's selections must be approved by the state Controlling Board, which meets July 28. About 662 organizations applied for the "Straight A Fund" grants from the fund created to promote innovative local ideas and programs to help modernize Ohio's education system. The fund was created in the state budget signed last summer by Kasich. More than 150 entities received $100 million last year.