Strickland to conduct forums on education

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Ohio Governor Ted Strickland (D-Lisbon)

The governor seeks public input as he finalizes plans for education reform for Ohio.

VINDICATOR STAFF REPORT

COLUMBUS — Gov. Ted Strickland will have 12 forums across the state this summer, including one in Youngstown, focusing on reforming education in Ohio.

“There is nothing more important to Ohio’s economic future than making sure that we have a world-class system of education,” Strickland said. “These forums are the beginning of a conversation with the people of Ohio about how best to reform education in our great state.”

The “Governor’s Conversation on Education” forums will focus on the six principles for education reform as outlined in the Governor’s State of the State address as well as specific policy ideas for fostering a system of education in Ohio that is innovative, personalized and linked to economic prosperity.

A second round of education forums will be held later in the fall and will focus on how to properly finance a truly reformed system of education. The governor plans to introduce his education reform proposal in 2009.

Strickland also launched a Web site, www.ConversationOnEducation.Org, which provides the public and forum participants with details about the regional forums and will include ways to submit feedback during and after the forums.

He will have a forum from 4 to 5:30 p.m. Sept. 3 in the Chestnut Room of Kilcawley Center at Youngstown State University.

Most regional forums will also air live on the local PBS station. Stations without a live broadcast will tape and air their local forums after the event.

Educators, business leaders, parents and pupils, among others, will make up the live audiences. In addition, each school district in the region will be encouraged to organize at least one “watch party” for the broadcast or Webcast and conduct a facilitated group discussion after the forum.

At each meeting, Strickland will discuss his six principles for education reform and specific ideas while facilitating an interactive conversation with audience members and Webcast and television viewers.