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The governor stopped in Akron to discuss public schools. Dare Ohioans hope that he will deliver on his promise?
Published on Friday, Jul 25, 2008
Soon, the momentum faded, the funding problems largely unaddressed. Eleven years have passed since the Ohio Supreme Court declared the financing system unconstitutional, stressing the overreliance on local property taxes, ordering a complete makeover.
Will Strickland deliver more than words?
Ninety minutes of talk suggest the answer is no. Yet there was a serious purpose to the performance. This editorial page has applauded in the past the governor's grasp of the importance of theater in political life. In Akron and the 11 other cities scheduled for one of these conversations, the governor hopes to start generating interest, energy and consensus, the ingredients necessary to counter doubt and skepticism.
In that way, the Akron audience proved encouraging. Those participating plunged into the substance, starting with Conni Ramser, an intervention specialist with the Jackson schools in Stark County. She discussed a state testing regimen seemingly always in a state of revision, amounting to a moving target for schools. These forums aren't the perfect vehicle for discussion. They do provide for developing a visible connection between Strickland and those on the front lines of education, reinforcing the mandate of his election, his pledge to tackle school funding or amount to a ''failed governor.''
Strickland understands the difficulty of the job, and the importance of pulling together a coalition critical to sustaining the effort. That explains the governor adding to the size of the task, seeking now to do more than overhaul the funding system. He wants Ohioans to think boldly about reordering education for the decades ahead. A longer school day? A longer school year? A more personalized education for each student? A mentoring program for teachers along the lines of physicians?
All of that makes sense on its own. What the governor adds is that success in repairing school funding is more likely if Ohioans can see an accompanying advance in the quality of education. He has learned a thing or two since entering the office. He argues that it isn't enough to fix the funding system and then proceed with business as usual in the classroom.
Again, much high-minded talk has been uttered, and many rocky paths remain, interest groups defiant, even destructive. Yet here is a governor mobilizing his office in a vigorous way, seeking to rally its considerable power. The governor plans a second set of conversations in the fall specifically about funding. Yes, he may fail, ultimately. For now, Ohioans are right to consider: Maybe this time will be different.
Get the full article here.
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