Ohio is leading the way
We want to share some very exciting news with you: Ohio has been named the recipient of the Frank Newman Award for State Innovation by the Education Commission of the States!
This award is given in recognition of the success of our fight to reform our public education system. Governor Strickland deserves recognition for his bold leadership and you deserve recognition for standing up and letting the Governor, the House and the Senate know that you believe every Ohio child deserves an excellent education that prepares him or her to succeed in the 21st century.
As the Education Commission of the States press release states,
“Criteria for this award include policies that are bold, courageous and nonpartisan; include the potential for large-scale impact; show evidence of continued support; and are replicable and hold valuable lessons for other states.”
In other words, they’re saying that Ohio is leading the way for other states.
The bi-partisan Education Commission of the States is the leading organization that compares and analyzes education policies of the various states. Chaired by Minnesota Republican Governor Tim Pawlenty, the Education Commission of the States helps states develop effective policy and practice for public education by providing data, research, analysis and leadership; and by facilitating collaboration, the exchange of ideas among the states and long-range strategic thinking.
As a supporter of Education Voters of Ohio, you are a big part of why our state has been recognized as a leader in the fight to reform public education. At every turn, you insisted that state leaders listen to the concerns of parents, teachers, students, and community leaders. You provided valuable insights and feedback to legislators who were debating reforms and funding. You met up at Education Voters’ listening tours to put together recommendations for the governor and the General Assembly. You signed petitions, called your legislators, and helped fund a public-information campaign that mobilized communities all across the state.
And you made it clear that you wouldn’t settle for anything less than real, forward-looking reform.
Our work, along with the help and support of other reform-minded community organizations across Ohio, led to the successful passage of House Bill 1, which contained the reform package recognized by this award.
Education Voters is committed to ensuring that these reforms are properly implemented and fully funded over time. We will continue to monitor the administration, our elected officials and the State School Board and keep the residents Ohio informed on the progress and pace of reform.
You should all be extremely proud of the work we did together to make this a reality.
In their award announcement, ECS put your hard work into a larger context: “Ohio’s education reforms will transform Ohio classrooms and strengthen the teaching profession to prepare students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the jobs of the future. At a time when other states are dramatically reducing education funding, Ohio’s governor and legislature made an unmatched commitment to education.”
Congratulations to Ohio!
