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And as the preachers say—can we get an “Amen” to that!  As this very challenging year winds down— hooray! —folks are preparing for the arrival of the jolly old fat man, and we don’t mean Burl Ives!  We’re waiting on the arrival of the guy in the red velvet coat, in his sleigh powered by Rudolf and friends.   In the meantime — here is an early rundown—of folks who’ve been nice—and some who’ve been naughty…some of them very naughty.

OHIO GOVERNOR DEWINE SHOULD BE HIGH ON SANTA’S “NICE” LIST.  Governor Mike Dewine signed a bill that will expand Ohio’s EdChoice Program that allows students to apply for vouchers for private schools if they are in low-performing schools (the bottom 30%) or low-income districts.  Ohio already ranks #8 nationally in our Parent Power Index (PPI), and this should move it up in the future .

ELECTIONS HAVE CONSEQUENCES. In the case of New Hampshire — very nice ones!  Because school innovation and choice advocates achieved a majority in the Legislature last month, that majority will very likely have the state accept a $46 million grant that would double the number of charter schools in New Hampshire. Strong charter supporter Governor Chris Sununu has been a voice in the wilderness  — one reason the Granite State receives a mediocre rating of #23 in our PPI. But with the new legislation, the state will use the $46 million  to expand five existing schools, add locations to seven more schools and start 20 new schools to supplement the 31 existing ones — all charters. Ho, ho, ho indeed!

TEACHER UNION GRINCHES. Joe Biden has indicated that he will likely appoint a union leader as Secretary of Education.  Sounds nice, but in reality could be very naughty, and very harmful to America’s kids.  
THE BIG APPLE GETS IT RIGHT – SORT OF. From Gotham comes word that New York City is reopening schools for special education students and younger grades.  A nice first step –— but a baby step.   Someone please bring to Mayor DeBlasio’s attention:

• The study from the Texas Education Agency – “Schools Are Remarkably Safe Environments”

• This very relevant question from “The Federalist” — 195 million Chinese students are in school – why aren’t our kids?”  The answer by the way is because educating kids is far from the top of the unions “to do” list.

VERY NICE IN FLORIDA. To end on a most happy note, this item from the “Florida Times Union” paper, “New School Looks Like a Classic Success.” It relates the story of Jacksonville Classical Academy, a charter school only a few months old, but as the paper notes, “already has the sweet smell of success…Students smile easily. Teachers are engaging the students…a poster that reflects the school’s values: Courage. Honesty. Perseverance. Self-government. Service. Courtesy, Responsibility.” The school will eventually have 1,000 K-12 students. Not coincidentally, the Sunshine State ranks #2 in our PPI with a score of 88.5%.