MORE SCHOOL FUNDING > 1 2
The Coalition report Basket of Essential Learning Resources is quite specific in its discussion of state funding for elementary, secondary, and high school facilities and programs for all Ohio school districts. The report is lengthy and quite detailed and is much more of a "systematic" look at public schools in Ohio than anything I've seen come out of the state legislature. The report includes the results of a teacher survey and notes a 1990 court study that Ohio schools need $10.2 billion just to update buildings to meet current health and safety codes.
The Columbus Dispatch reports the new state budget earmarks over $1 billion for school buildings over the next twelve years, including $500 million from Ohio's share of the national tobacco settlement. This is five times what the state spent in the 1990's. (Columbus Dispatch, April 5, 2000)
Fine. But throwing extra money at schools still falls far short of a "systematic overhaul" of state education funding. A total study of how money is collected, how money is spent, and what is effective is clearly needed. I have to agree with the Basket of Essential Learning Resources' final statement:
NOW it is time for the State to cost out these programs...implement them...and get on with the business of educating our children in the way they deserve.
The Coalition Web site features a great history of how our legislators have discussed the need for equality in public schools many times from the state's founding in 1802 through later years.
Here are articles I have written in the past about school funding and the Supreme Court decision:
- School Funding Part 2
School Funding Part 1
School Funding Update
Court Ruling Rocks Education Community
For a timeline of the nine-year court battle, visit the Columbus Dispatch.
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