Strickland to focus next round of education forums on funding

The Ohio Supreme Court has declared Ohio's school-funding formula unconstitutional three times. The court determined it was inequitable because it relied too heavily on property tax revenues that can vary widely from rich to poor school districts.

Gov. Ted Strickland (D-Lisbon) has previously tied his success as Governor to his promise to Ohioans to find a plan in 2009 for fixing the way it pays for public schools. This summer, Strickland hosted 11 educational forums around the state to discuss the system. He has now announced an additional six regional forums across the state in November and December focusing specifically on school funding.

Strickland's office said the forums will be an opportunity to garner feedback on Ohio's school funding system before the governor introduces his education reform and school funding proposal in 2009.

"Nothing is more important to Ohio's long-term success than improving education," Strickland said. "The future of our economy depends on our ability to make sure all Ohio children have the quality education opportunities they need to build their careers right here in Ohio."

Strickland's summer forums focused on the six principles for education reform as outlined in his 2008 State of the State address as well as specific education reform policy ideas.

"The first round of education forums gave Ohioans from all regions of the state an opportunity to share their thoughts and expertise on how to truly craft a reformed system of education here in Ohio," Strickland said.

Most regional forums will also air live on local PBS stations. Stations without a live broadcast will tape and air their local forums following the event. Feeds of the forums will be provided to media outlets by Ohio Government Television.

Educators, business leaders, parents and students, among others, will make up the live studio audience. Watch parties will be organized in other communities in the region hosting the forum.

During the forums, Lt. Governor Lee Fisher, First Lady Frances Strickland, University System of Ohio Chancellor Eric D. Fingerhut and newly-selected Ohio Department of Education Superintendent Deborah Delisle will attend regional watch parties.

Strickland has several options for how he could introduce his school funding plan. He could choose to make his school-funding plan his next state budget proposal, covering the two fiscal years that begin July 1, or introduce it as a self-standing legislative or ballot proposal.

With the Democrats in control of Ohio's House, Strickland can now rest assured that his plan will at least make it through that chamber, but Senate President Bill Harris (R-Ashland) has said that any proposal that would end school choice or raise taxes would be dead on arrival in his chamber.

Strickland's office has said that no decisions have yet been made as to how Strickland's proposal will be presented.

The state budget deadline of July 1 would put heavy pressure on the Republican-held Ohio Senate, should a funding solution be included. Strickland has also made promises not to raise taxes, and it is unclear whether school-funding can be fixed without doing so.

The Strickland offices list of planned forums:

Thursday, November 20th

FRANKLIN COUNTY

WHAT:              Governor's Conversation on Education

WHEN:               4:30-6:00 PM

WHERE:            WOSU Studio at COSI

                          333 W. Broad St.

                          Columbus, OH 43215    

Thursday, December 11th

CUYAHOGA COUNTY

WHAT:              Governor's Conversation on Education

WHEN:               4:30-6:00 PM

WHERE:            WCPN Studio

                         1375 Euclid Ave.
                         Cleveland, OH 44115

Friday, December 12th

LUCAS COUNTY

WHAT:               Governor's Conversation on Education

WHEN:                4:30-6:00 PM

WHERE:             WGTE Public Media

                           1270 S. Detroit Ave.

                           Toledo, OH 43614

Thursday, December 18th

RICHLAND COUNTY

WHAT:              Governor's Conversation on Education

WHEN:               4:30-6:00 PM 

WHERE:            Ohio State University Mansfield Campus

                          Ovalwood Hall, Founders Auditorium

                          1680 University Dr.

                          Mansfield, OH 44906

Friday, December 19th

HAMILTON COUNTY

WHAT:               Governor's Conversation on Education

WHEN:                4:30-6:00 PM

WHERE:             CET Studio

                           1223 Central Parkway

                           Cincinnati, OH 45214

Saturday, December 20th

ATHENS COUNTY

WHAT:                Governor's Conversation on Education

WHEN:                2:30-4:00 PM

WHERE:             WOUB Center for Public Media
                           5th Floor Television Studio A

                           9 S. College St.

                           Athens, OH 45701