A state panel has selected more than 150 schools and educational entities in Ohio as finalists for grants from a new innovation fund established by Gov. John Kasich. The Ohio Department of Education says 24 grants totaling nearly $89 million were recommended today by the Straight A Fund Governing Board. The board's selections must be approved by the state Controlling Board, which meets Dec. 16. About 420 organizations submitted 570 applications for the "Straight A Fund" grants. The winning ideas had to significantly boost student achievement, reduce spending or target an impressive share of resources into the classroom. The $250 million fund came in the state budget signed this summer. A new round of grant funding will be held next year.
Mike Foley joined WCBE in February 2000, coming from WUFT in Gainesville, Florida. Foley has worked in various roles, from producing news and feature stories to engineering Live From Studio A sessions. A series of music features Foley started in 2018 called Music Journeys has grown into a podcast and radio show. He also assists in developing other programs in WCBE's Podcast Experience. Foley hosts The Morning Mix, a weekday music show featuring emerging and established musicians, our Columbus-area and Ohio-based talent, and additional artists that inspire him.