5/29/09

The Columbus Dispatch

Darrel Rowland

Gov. Ted Strickland’s much-touted “evidence-based” school-funding plan was decimated today in a revamped state budget proposal unveiled by Republicans who control the Ohio Senate.

Gone is the very basis for the funding proposal Strickland rolled out in his State of the State address in January, along with requirements for districts to provide tutors, nurses, counselors, lower student-to-teacher ratios, and all-day kindergarten although local districts still have the option for the latter.

“We feel we need a lot more information” on the evidence-based approach, said Senate President Bill M. Harris of Ashland. Until a special committee can study the topic, Republicans are sticking to the current school-funding method based on per-pupil amounts.

Today’s spending proposal also eliminates the Strickland plan to greatly increase funding over the eight years following this budget, which would cover July 2009 through June 2011.

Still up in the air are such Strickland proposals as extending the school year by 20 days and dumping the Ohio Graduation Test in favoring of the ACT.

The GOP restored funding to charter and e-schools that had been cut by Strickland and his Democratic colleagues in the Ohio House.

In all, Ohio school districts would see a 0.25 percent increase in funding next year, and another 0.5 percent the following year. Fast-growing districts would get another 2 percent annually.

“When you look at the cuts made in this budget, that is significant,” Harris said. “Every other agency is flat funded or has been cut.”

Because of new, lower projections for state revenue since the House passed its version of the budget last month, the Senate was required to make almost $900 million in adjustments, including an outright $650 million in cuts. About $200 million of the rest is made up in additional cost-cutting measures announced by Strickland.

Once the measure passes the Senate now scheduled for Wednesday or Thursday the hard work really begins. The Senate version must be reconciled with a substantially different House-approved budget. Complicating a conference committee’s work: As much as $2 billion in additional cuts may have to be made.

Possible tax increases and gambling also may be on the table to reduce the need for such sweeping reductions.

Harris called the revamped budget “balanced, fiscally responsible and sustainable,” and said it should reduce the need for a tax increase.