Columbus on the Record

The Governor’s office has released some details on how he would fix Ohio’s school funding system which the Ohio Supreme Court has ruled relies too heavily on local property taxes.

From the Gov’s office:

Effective Funding for a 21st Century System of Education

Districts that use a conversion levy, and all districts whose tax structure already allows growth on 20 mills, will see their tax revenues grow with increased property values, helping schools to keep up with inflation.

From Ohio Public Television:

Republican State Senator Tim Grendell says he does not know how on earth Governor Strickland can pay for all the programs he proposed with out raising taxes. He says only Houdini could do all Strickland wants to do without raising taxes.

Governor Strickland proposes that school districts be allowed to ask voters to approve something he calls a “conversion levy”.

It will need a little more clarification but here’s what it sounds like ….

It would be a permanent move to allow school districts to increase the percentage of the districts’ school funding are made up by local property taxes. Strickland said it would eliminate the need for school districts to ask voters year after year for increased school taxes.

Now the governor is comparing Ohio to geese flying in “V” formation. He says geese fly in that formation to reduce wind resistance and fly farther. He says Ohioans are as “smart as the goose.”

He says Ohioans can strengthen themselves by working together.

Governor Strickland promises a way to make sure public schools districts in Ohio are spending money properly - on the students. Districts will be reviewed annually. If the district repeatedly fails to meet state requirements, the state “will shut it down.”

As part of his plan to do away with the Ohio Graduation test, Governor Strickland says requiring all high school seniors take the ACT will measure Ohio against schools around the world and provide inspiration to all students.

Governor Strickland proposes a teacher “residency program” in which teachers complete a four-year residency under the tutelage of senior teachers.

He says it will foster an atmosphere of mentoring in the public schools and weed out candidates who are not cut out for teaching.

To weed out poorly performing teachers, Strickland also calls for school administrators to have the power to dismiss teachers “for good cause”.

Governor Strickland says he will boost the state’s share of public education to almost 60 percent. It’s part of what he calls his “plan to build Ohio’s education system anew.”

Key components:

* The plan will lower what taxpayers are expected to contribute to their local schools.

* Expansion of the school year by 20 days to an average of 200 days.

* The state will also require universal all-day kindergarten and is scrapping the Ohio graduation test and replace it with the ACT college entrance test.

Still no word on how the state will pay for it.

Continuing he tone of defiance in the face of economic turmoil, Strickland quoted Ralph Waldo Emerson. He said Ohioans must take advantage of these difficult times.

Governor Strickland says no changes to tax cuts which began in 2005. Some have said those tax cuts are partly responsible for the deficit the state now faces.

The governor also promised to leave in place property tax exemptions for seniors.