Alternative school dropout rate — A state audit calls for more oversight and heightened scrutiny on Oregon’s nearly 50 alternative high schools and online schools in order to stop the flood of dropouts. The report the Secretary of State’s audit division made public Wednesday says these schools account for nearly half of the dropouts in Oregon despite enrolling only 10 percent of the state’s high school students. The roughly 19,000 students enrolled at these schools are at the greatest risk of dropping out, and these schools often avoid state criticism and accountability. The audit says these schools typically serve students who have been previously poorly served at public schools. The audit says the state’s failure to monitor and examine the schools’ techniques and programs leads to more poor service for these students.

Fired OSU professor — Attorneys for Oregon State University have asked a judge to seal the termination records of a faculty member while he reviews the university’s actions to determine if the firing was fair. The motion was filed this week in the case involving toxicology professor Morrie Craig. He was terminated Oct. 30 after a faculty committee found he had bullied two students and had sexually harassed a student and faculty member. Craig filed a petition in Benton County Circuit Court for a review of his case. Judge Matthew Donohue granted his request and directed the university to restore Craig to his job for now. He also ordered OSU to provide the termination records to the court by Jan. 5. An OSU spokesman said the university will comply with that order, but its legal team has taken steps to seal details of Craig’s dismissal.

Scandinavian monument — Scandinavians may finally get their monument in Astoria. The Astoria City Council gave permission last week to the Astoria Scandinavian Heritage Association to design a monument at People’s Park downtown. The monument has been in the works for years, but concerns about maintenance costs slowed the project. The heritage association will get help from the Astoria Rotary Club to maintain the park, limiting the city’s expense to about $4,500 annually. The park will be renamed Scandinavian Heritage Park. The heritage association will be responsible for design, construction and maintenance.