Thousands of students all over Ohio are being forced to change up their schooling after their online school closes.
The publicly funded Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow (ECOT) has shut down due to financial problems following a legal dispute with the State of Ohio. Now, already into the Spring semester, the ECOT students will be forced to look at other options such as homeschooling, other online schools and for many, public school. Lima City Schools Superintendent Jill Ackerman says so far they know of around 8 kids who will be transitioning from ECOT to Lima City Schools. High school students will have online education as an option, but students in 8th grade and below will have to enter a traditional classroom setting. Ackerman says the City Schools are prepared for the change as transitional students are not uncommon for them.
"We're used to transitional kids coming in," says Ackerman. "Our staff is really good with that, making everybody feel comfortable. It's a great time right now because today (1/19/18) is the last day of the second semester, so Monday starts the beginning of our third estimate so it's a perfect time to come in. We'll make it the best environment we can."
Ackerman says that students making the move should not be worried about being behind their peers. They will be able to pick up right where they left off in their studies.
