Cautious Optimism

A new year. A fresh start. Time for change. Opportunity to begin again.
These are thoughts many have with the coming of a new year. The state of the economy and the constant reporting of bad news makes it particularly difficult to look ahead positively this year. But there is a light beginning to shine in education.
On the heels of 17 public forums on the subject of school funding conducted around the state, Governor Strickland has made some very strong assertions about the positive changes for education coming to Ohio. Even better, he has stated that “his direct personal involvement” is “appropriate” and demonstrates his “ownership of the initiative” as opposed to asking a commission to make the recommendations.
He has committed to speak about the changes in the “State of the State” address scheduled for January 28. He further promises, “…it will be clear the direction we are taking.” He expects to roll out the proposal early in the first quarter of 2009.
All of this is good news to those of us who have waited patiently for the fulfillment of campaign promises made over two years ago. None of us should doubt his sincerity having seen him now tie himself so closely to the process through the forums and ongoing discussions about education.
If, indeed, the state is going to make real progress on complying with four Supreme Court directives and the Constitution of the state it will be a welcome relief to many school districts, yours included. The disparities in funding yield far less than the constitutionally required equality of education across the state.
After Judge Tim Williams swore in new school board member Wendy Myers several months ago I asked only half jokingly if he thought her oath of office obliged her now to sue the state to make it comply with its own constitution. He, like the rest of us, could only give a look of bewilderment as to why the state has been out of compliance for so many years. Perhaps the mandated changes are upon us. One can but hope and give the Governor his opportunity.
Not to be forgotten in all of this is the role of our legislators who make the final determination on budget matters. Our Senators and Congressmen are culpable to date in failing to live up to the obligations and directives.
To her credit, your local Representative Jennifer Garrison has long stood for solving the school funding issue and has worked diligently in that direction. It would seem she now has a Governor who is equally determined and committed to reform.
It would be easy to be cynical about the outcome in light of comments about the condition of state funding and the pending cuts. Many have thought those comments and current conditions would ultimately be used as reason not to follow through with the stated education commitments.
Here, too, the Governor has taken a strong stand by stating, “We must proceed. There are always reasons not to do something. It is important to proceed.” He further speaks of “shared sacrifice” that all departments will have to make.
He acknowledges the Legislature’s part by saying he looks forward to working in a “bipartisan way to pass a bill that improves our schools.”
Your Marietta City Schools Board of Education members look forward with cautious optimism to the promised reforms. We will continue each month to examine and discuss our options and opportunities and responsibilities. Your attendance and participation at monthly meetings is welcome.
Quotes above were taken from the December 23 issue of Focus Education. Rotunda’s Education News.