Charter schools have emerged as one of the central policy debates in U.S. education - and the Thomas B. Fordham Institute team has been a key participant in this debate since day one, both nationally and in Ohio. Despite President Obama's call for states to strengthen the charter sector and widen the options it provides to needy youngsters, established interests in education and politics oppose this disruption of the status quo. Ohio has struggled with these issues for more than a decade, struggles in which the authors of this book have played influential - and controversial - roles, including that of an actual authorizer of charter schools. They write from wide experience on the ground as well as extensive research and nationally-respected policy expertise.

"It is indeed a privilege to give this endorsement of this collection of Paul Krupp's memoirs of Fostoria and its environs. They have covered so many different subjects, people, and personal memories as he grew up. Everyone looked forward to his next column in our daily local Fostoria Review-Times newspaper." -George A. Gray Retired Chairman and President, The Gray Printing Company President, Fostoria Area Historical Society "Paul Krupp was a friend of mine. He may not have known it, but I knew his writings very well. I read all of his material that he had printed in our local Fostoria Review Times. He would write about an old neighborhood of his, and then take a "walk" down the street, without missing a house, and tell you who lived there, and the makeup of each respective family. . . . this gives me the opportunity of speaking of the great admiration I had for him. If Paul Krupp wrote something, it was true." -Mel Murray, former owner, WFOB Curator emeritus, Fostoria, Ohio Glass Heritage Gallery "I thoroughly enjoyed reading Paul Krupp's columns in the Fostoria Reveiw Times when they appeared. His recounting the history of Fostoria in his columns explained the past and also helped to explain why some present situations exist, which was very beneficial as the mayor." -Barbara L. Marley, Mayor, 1990-95 "The always interesting, informative columns of Paul Krupp constitute a community treasure. Collecting and publishing them will provide a wonderful addition to the historical record of Fostoria." -James E. Bailey, Mayor, 1996-99 "Paul H. Krupp's Fostoria, Ohio book is a great historic account of a great city. By compiling historical articles that appreared for over twelve years in the local newspaper, this book captures the essence of the wonderful way of life in Fostoria, Ohio. It is a must read for every Fostorian as well as all Americans." -John Davoli, Mayor, 2000-