Long after Ohio moved school online during COVID shutdowns, several virtual schools from that era remain.

Why it matters: Proponents say they offer flexibility to kids facing unique challenges, from health concerns to unstable homes and demanding jobs.

• But the number of traditional K-12 districts offering them has dropped by about a third since 2022, from 81 to 57, the latest state data shows.

Case in point: Pickerington will end its program for grades 7-12 this summer, citing costs and declining enrollment.

How it works: The programs, which lawmakers authorized in 2021, operate like a school building within a traditional district, but virtually.

• They're separate from online charter schools, which took off in the early 2000s.
• Students typically receive a combination of live video instruction and self-paced schoolwork on district-issued devices.

What they're saying: "We all remember how chaotic that first couple months online was" in 2020, Columbus Online Academy counselor Julia Mac Nair tells Axios.

• "A lot of people remember that and hold onto that specific memory of online learning, and either don't want to or can't see that it's evolved."

Zoom in: With over 400 students, the Columbus City Schools academy was among Ohio's largest online schools last year.

• That's even after scaling back to grades 7-12, not K-12.
• Its staff of about 30 works on a floor of the Preparatory School for Boys in Eastmoor, where students can stop by for help.

Friction point: Tracking students' work remains a hurdle, much like during the pandemic, principal Christian Angel says.

• Students self-report attendance minute-by-minute for state funding.
• Based on the state's "full-time equivalent" calculation — which measures coursework completed, not headcounts — the academy's enrollment was 122, per state data.

Yes, but: Overall, the program is showing promise for students who struggle in a traditional classroom setting, Angel says.

• She's proud of the school's success with student parents, including a nursery-style setup full of donated items and other support.
• All 18 moms enrolled so far have graduated.

The bottom line: "It's not for everyone," Angel says, "but for the kiddos who need this space, we're here for them."

Ted Carter Jr.'s resignation is yet another in a long line of unplanned leadership transitions for Ohio State, which now begins the search for its 18th president.

Flashback: The university appointed its first president, Edward Orton, way back in 1873, when it was known as Ohio A&M College.

• Since Orton, there have been 16 more official appointments and six interim or acting presidents.

OSU's last five official presidents:

🔴 Kristina M. Johnson (2020-2023): Carter's predecessor reportedly resigned due to a power struggle with Les Wexner.

🔴 Michael V. Drake (2014-2020): Drake, who came from the University of California, Irvine, saw record growth and scandals including the Richard Strauss abuse investigation, Urban Meyer's suspension, sexual harassment within the marching band and a review of previous donations related to Jeffrey Epstein.

🔴 E. Gordon Gee (2007-2013): Gee returned to OSU after serving as president from 1990-1998, and is back once again as part of a "one-year engagement" that includes a residency with the John Glenn College of Public Affairs.

🔴 Karen Ann Holbrook (2002-2007): The first woman president, Holbrook — a former professor of biological structure and medicine — brought a tech and research focus to the role.

🔴 William English Kirwan (1998-2002): Kirwan focused his tenure on improving the school's academic standing and diversity, leading to the creation of the university's Kirwan Institute.

Go deeper

🏟️ A Franklin County judge has temporarily paused Ohio's plan to give sports teams millions in unclaimed funds based on a pending lawsuit by two former Democratic state lawmakers. (Statehouse News Bureau)

🏢 Nearly half of Ohio's renters are paying more than they can afford in rent each month and the state has a rental unit shortage of 266,000, according to a new report. (Ohio Capital Journal)

🛶 Hocking Hills, a popular tourist destination with in-demand Airbnbs, is divided over the possibility of new regulations for short-term rentals. (WCMH-TV)

🏥 Facing increased suicide rates, Carroll County nonprofits, governments and health care networks are trying to connect isolated residents with care and resources. (The Ohio Newsroom)

🏒 The Blue Jackets, red hot to start 2026, lost a second straight overtime game Monday and remain just out of the playoff picture. (AP)

The Miami University RedHawks' historic undefeated run heads into the postseason this week.

Driving the news: The biggest MAC men's basketball tournament in more than 25 years kicks off tomorrow at Cleveland's Rocket Arena.

The intrigue: Miami went 31-0 during the regular season and will likely earn an at-large bid in the NCAA tournament regardless of what happens over the next few days.

• Should Miami lose, it would open the door for the MAC tournament winner to earn an automatic trip to the big dance as well.

Flashback: The last time that happened was in 1999, when Miami and Kent State both made the NCAA tournament.

Rocket Arena is also hosting the women's MAC tournament, which starts today.

• Miami's women's team is also a No. 1 seed.

"I've never believed more strongly that Ohio's greatest accomplishments and greatest days are truly ahead of us."

Seven years after being sworn in as governor, DeWine's final State of the State address was proud and optimistic.

• In an hourlong speech, DeWine expressed gratitude, shared anecdotes and touted achievements in economic development, health care, conservation and education.

What's new: DeWine also urged lawmakers to pass child protection measures related to tech, including social media and AI regulation, Cleveland.com reports.

What's missing: He did not, however, address hot-button issues like property tax abolishment, data centers or the death penalty.