Even in troubled times, Strickland forges ahead

Even in troubled times, Strickland forges ahead

Gov. Ted Strickland earned extra credit Wednesday by giving a State of the State address that outlined an ambitious plan that would provide more days in school for Ohio’s students and stricter standards for their teachers. Those were just two of dozens of changes Strickland suggested at all levels of education in the state during a speech that lasted more than an hour.

Given the state of the nation, it would have been easy for Strickland to turn his annual address to the General Assembly into a call for simply holding the line during these difficult times. Strickland, however, is not interested in treading water.

Among his proposals:

UExpand kindergarten to all-day for every child.

UExpand the school year incrementally over 10 years from 180 days to 200 days.

UEstablish four levels of teachers, from entry-level “resident” teachers to “lead professional” teachers.

UIncrease the time it takes to gain tenure from three years to nine years.

UDemand that every school district meet performance standards or face state intervention that could include putting the district into receivership and under new leadership or even revoking the district’s charter and shutting it down.

UHold charter schools and their teachers to the same standards as public schools.

Strickland also discussed his plans to expand the state’s program of providing health coverage for children who are not insured. He extended his freeze on state university tuitions for a third year. And he discussed expansion of Ohio’s Third Frontier program to attract high-tech industry to the state.

The money question

What the governor didn’t discuss Wednesday was how he intends to reach the balanced budget that state law requires. As of now, the state is looking at a shortfall of about $7 billion. Strickland won‘t be submitting his biennial budget until next week. It will cover two fiscal years that begin July 1.

Strickland acknowledged that his education plan will cost $925 million more than the educational allotment for the present biennium.

And clearly Ohio will face reduced revenues due to the economy.

President Barack Obama’s stimulus package will include some level of aid to the states when it is passed. That won’t happen before Strickland submits his budget, but will before the state’s budget is finalized. Between now and then, the governor will be looking for ways to increase revenue without raising taxes.

With a Democratic governor, a Democratic House and a Republican Senate — all with their own ideals and constituencies — the budget process will be worth watching over the next few months. The state could probably make a few dollars by selling tickets.