Latest news with #JohnPatterson
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Is Ohio's funding fair yet? Fair School Funding Plan sponsor says not quite
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — When high school history teacher John Patterson won his first state House race, he wanted to fix Ohio's public school funding. More than a decade later, the state has once again implemented his funding plan, but Patterson said Ohio still has a ways to go. 'It's going to be, again, a commitment to right this ship,' Patterson said. 'We didn't get here overnight. We're not going to get out overnight.' Ohio uses the Cupp-Patterson Fair School Funding Formula to determine how much money each public school district should get from the state. Under Ohio's new biennial budget, which was signed late on June 30 by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, the formula was phased in as the 'largest overall school funding investment' in Ohio's history, per DeWine. Public school advocates say the state is still underfunding schools by $2 billion. Patterson said Ohio is not yet fairly funding districts, as the state needs to consider all aspects of the formula, update its financial data more regularly and embrace bipartisan solutions. How Ohio's recently passed budget will expand driver's ed requirements Patterson, a Democrat, created the Fair School Funding Plan alongside former Speaker of the Ohio House Robert Cupp, a Republican. The pair spent several years working with legislators, superintendents and school treasurers to develop a formula to fund schools adequately. This formula weighs individual factors for each of Ohio's 611 public school districts to determine which needs more state support. Patterson said although he's glad the formula was continued, equitable funding requires a better implementation of the formula's categorical inputs. The categorical portion examines transportation demands, economically disadvantaged students, English language learners, special education and other important factors that Patterson said have been largely sidelined in Fair School Funding discussions. He also asked the state to consider more efficient updates. Under the current funding plan, districts have to update their data inputs with the most recently available data. However, the state will use data from 2022 through the end of Fiscal Year 2027, widening the gap between districts' inputs and the state's annually. Patterson said the cost of running a school, like the cost of groceries, has noticeably increased since 2022, so using outdated data points minimizes how much schools get under the formula. Public school advocates have long echoed Patterson's worry about the state's use of outdated financial data, encouraging the state to use the most recently available information. Patterson said although the data should be more recent, a slight delay in the state's inputs is needed to properly plan allocations. However, he said districts still need to update their data annually to avoid skewing the formula. 'There's got to be a cushion there to make sure that there's enough money to cover what ought to happen,' Patterson said. 'Because remember the data inputs there, that's real dollars.' Ohio equal rights, gay marriage amendment eyes 2026 ballot Patterson said the funding plan blends property and income wealth to better understand a school district's ability to fund education. Property tax reform was a major issue this budget cycle, but Patterson was grateful DeWine vetoed reform proposals that could have skewed the formula. Patterson was glad to see DeWine created a new work group to tackle property tax instead, saying the problem is too ingrained in local funding systems to fold into the budget. Patterson said the legislators who were involved in developing and passing the Fair School Funding Plan are being phased out of the legislature, leaving a newer General Assembly without input from the original work group. He encouraged lawmakers to learn as much as possible about the funding plan and public districts' funding needs. 'That's the beauty of the Fair School Funding Plan. It's not a wish list. It's a real depiction of what school districts are spending in a certain amount of time in order to meet their obligations,' Patterson said. Patterson said Ohio's school funding — and adjacent property tax relief concerns — need bipartisan collaboration like his with Cupp on the formula. He said he spent more time with Cupp than he did with any other lawmaker except for his roommate, another Republican representative who shared an apartment with Patterson. 'It can be done if we want to do what's best for the people, and by doing what's best for the people, both parties are benefited as well,' Patterson said. 'Some are more concerned with climbing the ladder or holding on to power. I believe in doing what's right for the people, and that's who Bob Cupp is, too.' Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Associated Press
04-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
IKE Tech's PMTA for First-Ever Standalone Age-Gating System at Point of Use Accepted for FDA Review Just One Month After Submission
The organization's blockchain technology is set to redefine public health safeguards and help end youth vaping for good. LOS ANGELES, June 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- IKE Tech LLC ('IKE Tech'), a leading innovator at the intersection of Internet of Things (IoT), identity verification, and tokenization technology, has received an Acceptance Review letter from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its Premarket Tobacco Product Application (PMTA), just one month after submission on April 26. This marks the first time the FDA has proceeded with a PMTA for a standalone, interoperable age-gating component providing real-time age verification at the point of use for electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). Potentially compatible with all ENDS devices, the IKE system integrates a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) System-on-a-Chip with the smartphone-enabled IKE Mobile Application, enabling secure, continuous age and identity verification. In a multi-center Human Factors Validation Study, submitted with the PMTA, 0% of underage users were able to activate a device, showcasing the reliability of IKE Tech's blockchain-based technology in safeguarding public health. Receipt of the FDA's Acceptance letter confirms that the IKE Tech PMTA meets regulatory requirements to be accepted and moves the application into the FDA's filing review phase. John Patterson, President of IKE Tech, said: 'Receiving the Acceptance Review letter from the FDA faster than most applications is a major milestone for IKE Tech and a promising step forward for public health in the ENDS category. By leveraging Bluetooth, biometrics, and blockchain, we're unlocking a new era of vaping – one that gives regulators and manufacturers the power to lock out youth and ensure adult-only access. We're proud to be leading the way with a secure, scalable solution that could become the new baseline for responsible product access in the US and beyond.' – ENDS – Notes to Editors: Human Factors Study Design and Key Results Conducted with 102 participants (51% male, 49% female, aged 18–67 across race/ethnic demographics), the study simulated real-world use of the IKE system. Participants downloaded the app, verified their age, paired with a test device and interacted with BLE-based access controls including biometric activation. Key performance highlights: Devices could only be activated after successfully passing the age-gating process. Demographic data (age, race/ethnicity, gender) was accurately verified in all cases. The results confirm the IKE System's ability to reduce user error and prevent underage access. About IKE Tech IKE Tech LLC ('IKE Tech') is pioneering real-time age and identity verification at the point of use, helping to safeguard access to age-restricted products. A leading innovator at the intersection of Internet of Things (IoT), identity verification (IDV), and tokenization technology, IKE Tech has developed an industry-first, scalable age-gating component that provides continuous, real-time verification for electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and other restricted consumer products. IKE Tech's interoperable Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) System-on-a-Chip, powered by a user-friendly mobile app available on iOS and Android, integrates seamlessly into ENDS devices, giving manufacturers and regulators a flexible, future-proofed solution to combat underage vaping and illicit markets. By setting the new standard for responsible, adult-only access, IKE Tech is helping eliminate youth vaping for good. Media contact [email protected] View original content: SOURCE IKE Tech LLC
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
IKE Tech's PMTA for First-Ever Standalone Age-Gating System at Point of Use Accepted for FDA Review Just One Month After Submission
The organization's blockchain technology is set to redefine public health safeguards and help end youth vaping for good. LOS ANGELES, June 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- IKE Tech LLC ("IKE Tech"), a leading innovator at the intersection of Internet of Things (IoT), identity verification, and tokenization technology, has received an Acceptance Review letter from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its Premarket Tobacco Product Application (PMTA), just one month after submission on April 26. This marks the first time the FDA has proceeded with a PMTA for a standalone, interoperable age-gating component providing real-time age verification at the point of use for electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS). Potentially compatible with all ENDS devices, the IKE system integrates a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) System-on-a-Chip with the smartphone-enabled IKE Mobile Application, enabling secure, continuous age and identity verification. In a multi-center Human Factors Validation Study, submitted with the PMTA, 0% of underage users were able to activate a device, showcasing the reliability of IKE Tech's blockchain-based technology in safeguarding public health. Receipt of the FDA's Acceptance letter confirms that the IKE Tech PMTA meets regulatory requirements to be accepted and moves the application into the FDA's filing review phase. John Patterson, President of IKE Tech, said: "Receiving the Acceptance Review letter from the FDA faster than most applications is a major milestone for IKE Tech and a promising step forward for public health in the ENDS category. By leveraging Bluetooth, biometrics, and blockchain, we're unlocking a new era of vaping – one that gives regulators and manufacturers the power to lock out youth and ensure adult-only access. We're proud to be leading the way with a secure, scalable solution that could become the new baseline for responsible product access in the US and beyond." – ENDS – Notes to Editors: Human Factors Study Design and Key Results Conducted with 102 participants (51% male, 49% female, aged 18–67 across race/ethnic demographics), the study simulated real-world use of the IKE system. Participants downloaded the app, verified their age, paired with a test device and interacted with BLE-based access controls including biometric activation. Key performance highlights: 100% of users (n=101) successfully completed age verification 0% of underage users were able to activate a device 100% of devices deactivated after set period of inactivity or loss of Bluetooth signal 91% rated the app "Extremely Easy" or "Very Easy" to use Errors occurred in only 1% of task attempts Devices could only be activated after successfully passing the age-gating process. Demographic data (age, race/ethnicity, gender) was accurately verified in all cases. The results confirm the IKE System's ability to reduce user error and prevent underage access. About IKE Tech IKE Tech LLC ("IKE Tech") is pioneering real-time age and identity verification at the point of use, helping to safeguard access to age-restricted products. A leading innovator at the intersection of Internet of Things (IoT), identity verification (IDV), and tokenization technology, IKE Tech has developed an industry-first, scalable age-gating component that provides continuous, real-time verification for electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) and other restricted consumer products. IKE Tech's interoperable Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) System-on-a-Chip, powered by a user-friendly mobile app available on iOS and Android, integrates seamlessly into ENDS devices, giving manufacturers and regulators a flexible, future-proofed solution to combat underage vaping and illicit markets. By setting the new standard for responsible, adult-only access, IKE Tech is helping eliminate youth vaping for good. Media contactiketech@ View original content: SOURCE IKE Tech LLC Sign in to access your portfolio
Associated Press
03-06-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Ispire-Backed IKE Tech to Present 7th Annual Next Generation Nicotine Delivery USA Conference
Conference Attendance Follows Groundbreaking FDA PMTA Filing for Blockchain-Powered Age-Gating System LOS ANGELES, June 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ispire Technology Inc. ('Ispire' or the 'Company') ( NASDAQ: ISPR ), a trailblazer in vaping technology and precision dosing, announced that IKE Tech LLC ('IKE Tech'), a joint venture that includes Ispire as a founding partner, will showcase their technology at the 7th Annual Next Generation Nicotine Delivery USA at the Hyatt Regency in Miami from June 4-5th. This event convenes key business leaders from the FDA, the ENDS (Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems) sector, and the tobacco industry across the U.S. market to explore strategies for legal compliance and commercial success. The announcement comes on the heels of IKE Tech's historic milestone, in which the joint venture filed a component Pre-Market Tobacco Product Application (PMTA) and Tobacco Product Master File (TPMF) with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) System-on-a-Chip. IKE Tech has now received an Acceptance Review letter from the FDA, confirming that their PMTA meets regulatory requirements to be accepted, and moves the application into the FDA's filing review phase. This marked the first-ever complete PMTA submission for a standalone, interoperable, blockchain-enabled age-verification component designed for universal integration across all ENDS devices. Unlike traditional systems that verify age only at the point of purchase, IKE Tech's platform requires continuous, real-time identity verification, offering an unprecedented level of security against underage vaping. IKE has formally requested expedited review of the application, citing its potential to significantly enhance public health. At the conference, John Patterson, senior vice president of International Nicotine at Ispire and president of IKE Tech, will speak on a panel titled " Technology to End Youth Vaping for Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems,' scheduled for Wednesday, June 4, at 2:00 p.m. In his capacity as President of IKE Tech, Patterson will discuss: To schedule a meeting with John Patterson or other Ispire representatives, please email [email protected]. About IKE Tech LLC IKE Tech LLC is a joint venture comprised of three leading technology and research companies -- Ispire Technology Inc, Touch Point Worldwide Inc. d/b/a Berify, and Chemular Inc. -- dedicated to revolutionizing Identity and Age Verification (IAV) technology solutions. Recognizing the absence of a universal point-of-sale IAV solution and recognition of the need for one, these companies joined forces to create a unique IAV technology component. IKE's mission is to set the gold standard for IAV by (i) permitting access to electronic nicotine delivery systems by authorized adult users while (ii) preventing underage access through a 'plug and play' component compatible across different devices and platforms. About Ispire Technology Inc. Ispire is engaged in the research and development, design, commercialization, sales, marketing and distribution of branded e-cigarettes and cannabis vaping products. The Company's operating subsidiaries own or license more than 400 patents worldwide. Ispire's branded e-cigarette products are marketed under the Aspire name and are sold worldwide (except in the U.S., People's Republic of China and Russia) primarily through its global distribution network. The Company also engages in original design manufacture (ODM) relationships with e-cigarette brands and retailers worldwide. The Company's cannabis products are marketed under the Ispire brand name primarily on an ODM basis to other cannabis vapor companies. Ispire sells its cannabis vaping hardware in the US, Europe and South Africa and it recently commenced marketing activities and customer engagement in Canada and Latin America. For more information, visit or follow Ispire on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and YouTube. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended ('Securities Act') as well as Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, that are intended to be covered by the safe harbor created by those sections. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe the Company's future plans, strategies and expectations, can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as 'believe,' 'expect,' 'may,' 'will,' 'should,' 'would,' 'could,' 'seek,' 'intend,' 'plan,' 'goal,' 'project,' 'estimate,' 'anticipate,' 'strategy,' 'future,' 'likely' or other comparable terms, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this press release regarding the Company's strategies, prospects, financial condition, operations, costs, plans and objectives are forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause the Company's actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties including those regarding: the Company's ability to collect its accounts receivable in a timely manner, the Company's business strategies, the ability of the Company to market to the Ispire ONE™, Ispire ONE's success of meeting its goals, the ability of its customers to derive the anticipated benefits of the Ispire ONE™ and the success of their products on the markets; the Ispire ONE™ proving to be safe, and the risk and uncertainties described in 'Risk Factors,' 'Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,' 'Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements' and the additional risk described in Ispire's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2023 and any subsequent filings which Ispire makes with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. You should not rely upon forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. The forward-looking statements made in the press release relate only to events or information as of the date on which the statements are made in the press release. We undertake no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, after the date on which the statements are made or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events except as required by law. You should read this press release with the understanding that our actual future results may be materially different from what we expect. IR Contacts: For more information, kindly contact: Investor Relations Sherry Zheng 718.213.7386 [email protected] KCSA Strategic Communications Phil Carlson 212.896.1233 [email protected] PR Contact: Ellen Mellody 570.209.2947 [email protected] View original content: SOURCE Ispire Technology Inc.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Meet the Chambersburg school board, Region 1 candidates: Faye Gaugler and John Patterson
The incumbent representing Region 1 on Chambersburg Area school board will face a Democratic challenger in the primary election on Tuesday, May 20. Faye H. Gaugler, who is seeking a second term, is being challenged by John J. Patterson for the Democratic nomination but is running unopposed in the Republican primary. School board candidates may cross-file and seek the nomination from both parties. Gaugler and Patterson could both move on to the general election in November if Patterson wins the Democratic primary, or Gaugler could win both nominations and effectively win the seat. A write-in campaign could lead to another outcome. Region 1 includes Letterkenny and Lurgan townships and the third and sixth voting districts in Greene Township. Other school board seats up for election in 2025 are Region 3, Region 4 and Region 6. The only other race is in Region 4, where Amy Weibley and Gary Piper are vying for the Republican nomination. Sherian Diller is running unchallenged for a second term in Region 3, and no one filed to run against Edward Norcross as he seeks a fourth term representing Region 6. School board members are elected to four-year terms. On Election Day on May 20, polls are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mail-in and absentee ballots must be received by the Voter Registration Office at the Franklin County Administration Building (272 N. Second St., Chambersburg) by 8 p.m. May 20. Who else is running in Franklin County? These are the candidates on ballots for the 2025 primary Check out our Q&A with the Region 1 candidates below. Age: 57 Town: Greene Township Education: B.A. in Liberal Arts and some graduate study towards a Master's in Education, all at Penn State University Professional experience: In Marketing, Training, and Telecommunications products. More recently 10 years in Human Services. Why are you the best candidate for this seat? I am the best candidate for Region 1 director because I want to see the Chambersburg Area School District achieve excellence for all of its constituents; students, staff, and the community. What do you believe are the top three issues relevant to CASD? An issue that will significantly affect many of our students is the plan to realign grades and schools, perhaps build new schools, and renovate older ones. Whichever of the many options we decide on, students should never experience what I did at the end of 7th grade at CAMS - saying goodbye to friends in my class as we headed off to different junior high schools for a couple years. As our students are promoted, they should remain together and be able to support each other in new environments. If we're going to have excellent teachers, administrators, and support staff, we have to be sure they are fairly compensated for their work. Housing costs in our district have risen dramatically over the last decade. If there was a time when it was cheap to live in Chambersburg, that time is long gone. Lastly, it's amazing to me that we spend tens of millions of dollars to build, renovate, and maintain almost 20 schools that we use just 180 days a year. If elected to the board, I will work with the current school administration, local agencies, and community members to significantly expand adult education in our district, leveraging our existing resources. Is the district on the right track with the 'Schools of Distinction by 2030' plan? Please elaborate. I'm not exactly certain if the CASD is on the right track, but I'm reasonably sure that paying the former Superintendent 2 years of salary to go away was an expense we could ill afford. That's something existing board members should be held to account for. 'Tall order': CASD about halfway to having all students read and comprehend by 3rd grade Cyber charter tuition: CASD announces $53K in savings so far in update on cyber charter tuition audit Age: 77 Town: Life-long Resident of Greene Township Education: CASHS Graduate; Diploma Harrisburg Polyclinic School of Nursing; BS and MS in Health Care Administration St. Joseph's College Professional Experience: Retired Instructor FCCTC Practical Nursing Program 1988 to 2014; Previously Chambersburg Hospital Staff Nurse and Nursing Administrator Why are you the best candidate for this seat? After serving as the Region 1 School Director for the past four years, I have the experience and knowledge needed to continue to serve the constituents of the school district. I am serving my second year as the Vice-President of the CASD School Board and am a member of the Franklin County Career and Technology Joint Operating Committee. I approach my responsibilities with information obtained by review of current educational research while understanding the value of considering the historical data that has provided the foundation for the present. What do you believe are the top three issues relevant to CASD? CASD, like most PA school districts, is facing a need to improve the educational outcomes of all students who will become the future leaders in our community. Reading by 3rd grade and proficiency in Math by 5th grade is essential regardless of the career aspirations of the student. The district is implementing strategies that a team of parents, teachers, and administrators have researched. I anticipate that continued improvement will be experienced as these changes are instituted. Using current data instead of embracing the status quo is vital to advance in any business. 'Change is not a season; it is a way of life'. Education needs to prepare students for the advancing technology that is changing daily such as in the world of Artificial Intelligence. The chronic absenteeism problem is also not unique to CASD. Parents are a key aspect of the change needed to assure that students recognize the value of their free public education. The district is actively engaged in this challenge. Providing options that interest and challenge the diverse learners in the district will be vital to assure students want to learn. Finally, the aging infrastructure of school buildings is an issue that is under discussion and decisions are upcoming. Developing plans that maximize the current sites while limiting the long-term debt is a challenge that is facing the current school board. Decisions made today will influence education for years to come. I have visited all seventeen schools during the past four years and attended all public forums offered by the superintendent to seek input from stakeholders. Is the district on the right track with the 'Schools of Distinction by 2030' plan? Please elaborate. Professional development is vital for educators and the high quality training to assure that teachers are prepared for innovative techniques needed in the classroom is a priority. Teachers, administrators, and the school board support curricula centered on competencies that empower students to reach their potential. The recent recognition of four CASD schools by the US News and World Report demonstrates that the district is on the right tract with the 'Schools of Distinction by 2030' plan. Providing opportunities for students to explore and engage with various career pathways while in high school through apprenticeships while supporting the college-bound students through transferable college credits achieved during their high school years provides a higher return on the investment in public education and CASD is actively implementing these strategies. Amber South can be reached at asouth@ This article originally appeared on Chambersburg Public Opinion: Meet the CASD school board, Region 1 candidates: Gaugler and Patterson
