Kudos to county on good review of Head Start

BOUQUETS >> To the Lorain County Community Action Agency for its “qualityaffirming” federal review of its Head Start program.

After monitoring the program for a full week last fall, federal reviewers reported the Community Action Agency met all the stringent requirements, federal performance standards, laws and regulations demanded for the funding. Community Action Agency President and CEO Jackie Boehnlein said, “We are beyond thrilled with this report. It affirms what we already know: our program functions at a high level and promotes school readiness for low-income children in our county.” And earning a stellar review allows the program to continue to receive federal dollars. In 2018, the Head Start program received $7.3 million with a non-federal share attachment of $1.8 million. After examining the agency’s Head Start program in detail, fact-finders found that the agency intentionally uses data and information to improve teaching, assessments and family engagement. The agency also uses community partnerships and collaborations effectively in providing resources to Head Start families. We applaud the Community Action Agency for its positive review, and for preparing children for school.

BOUQUETS >> To Joy Jones, principal of Oakwood Elementary School in Elyria, for her honor as Lorain County Principal or Administrator of the year. Jones, a Cleveland native, also will receive recognition April 6, at a banquet in Columbus by the Ohio Alliance of Black School Educators. On Feb. 24, Jones, 50, was honored at the Lorain County Alliance of Black School Educators annual awards program where numerous students in grades seven to 12 were recognized for their academic achievements. Jones said, “When I received the email, I just sat there and pondered. I’m so honored and really appreciate it, but I’m not used to being in the spotlight.” We congratulate Jones on her honors.

BRICKBATS >> To Lorain Ward 6 Councilman Angel Arroyo who was arrested for the third time in less than 18 months, this time on the night of March 11 stemming from an alleged drunken driving incident. But now, the 36-year-old Arroyo must resign from his council seat because he can’t avoid trouble. To face three criminal charges in a short span, and as an elected official, is unnerving. Lorain police arrested Arroyo on a charge of OVI after a crash about 10:30 p.m. at East 28th Street and Pearl Avenue. He must appear in Lorain Municipal Court on March 14. Arroyo has a pending case on charges of domestic violence and resisting arrest involving his wife Jan. 14. He has a March 26 pre-trial on the case in Lorain Municipal Court. In January 2018, Arroyo was ordered to pay $500 in restitution and $300 in fines after pleading no contest of disturbing the peace and obstructing official business from a Dec. 2, 2017, incident outside of one of his companion’s house. With two pending cases and a conviction in another, it’s time for Arroyo to resign, even though he is not seeking reelection. Arroyo does not deserve the right to represent Lorain anymore. His actions are embarrassing to the city, and his family. Arroyo is not doing his constituents, or the city for that matter, any good staying in office. If Arroyo really wants to help the city, he needs to immediately submit his resignation so he can move on with his life. No more patience with him.

BRICKBATS >> To Martin L. Robinson, the 40-year-old Sheffield Lake man who said he felt no remorse before receiving his sentence March 11 to 55 years in prison for the shooting of a law enforcement officer during a standoff last year. Even after a Lorain County Common Pleas Court jury convicted Robinson in the May 31 shooting of Amherst police officer Eugene (JR) Ptacek, Robinson maintains his innocence. In a bizarre statement to the court during his sentencing, Robinson said, “I’m not going to sit here and say I show any remorse for the so-called victims or victim. If someone came to his (Ptacek’s) house and did what he did, I’m sure he’d feel just like I do.” Ptacek was working as a door breacher with the Lorain County SWAT Team when he was wounded. The team was attempting to serve arrest warrants on weapons charges through Cuyahoga County when Robinson refused to surrender. It’s very disturbing that Robinson had no remorse for what he did. All he had to do was surrender, and this ordeal could have been averted. Robinson deserves the punishment handed down to him. Our streets are a lot safer with him behind bars.