Gov. Ted Strickland to hold town hall meetings on education reform – Scott Stephens’ Education
Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Scott Stephens

Plain Dealer Columnist

Gov. Ted Strickland begins a summer tour this week that will take him to 12 regions of the state in seven weeks. The purpose: To get feedback and build support for the education reform plan he laid out in his State of the State address earlier this year.

The 12 regional town hall meetings are invitation-only events. Those left out can catch the 90-minute shows streamed live on the Web and on local public broadcasting stations.

The governor’s office is also encouraging educators and other interested people to hold “watch parties” in which folks gather at someone’s house to view the events.

The tour kicks off today in Columbus before winding over to Akron on Wednesday. There Strickland will host a forum beginning at 4:30 p.m. at Akron North High School.

A forum in Cleveland is scheduled for Aug. 6.

Strickland’s six-point education reform plan includes concepts such as personalizing education, fixing the state’s school-funding system and preparing students for the modern job market. The governor plans to deliver an education reform proposal to the legislature next year.

For more information on the regional forums, visit conversationoneducation.org.

Rally:

Members of the Ohio Association of Public School Employees and concerned members of the community are planning to rally today at the Madison Board of Education to protest the Lake County school district’s decision to privatize school bus service.

The board recently decided to hire Com munity Bus Service of Youngstown to handle hauling students to and from school. Board members say their decision will save the district $1.5 million over five years.

The break with union drivers occurred just as their contract with the district expired, but before negotiations on a new contract could begin.

The episode has angered U.S. Rep. Stephen LaTourette, Republican of Bainbridge Township, who publicly blasted the school board last week.

One of the dangers of privatizing school bus service came to light last school year, when it was revealed that some Ohio school districts that had hired outside transportation firms had little or no control over whether driver background checks had been done.

Today’s rally takes place from 4 to 6 p.m. at the district offices on North Ridge Road.

Ed poll:

Education remains a top issue with most Americans, and the majority believe that every child should be given a good shot at getting one, according to a new poll.

But the survey, commissioned by Education Voters, also found that most people are unclear about the role of elected officials in improving education.

Education Voters is a national group that lobbies for education reform in specific states, including Ohio. The survey is posted on the group’s Web site, edvotersinstitute.org.