Members of the legislative committee reviewing Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland's plan for education reform will visit Marietta Monday to listen to what local educators and residents think of the new strategies.
Three hearings are being held outside Columbus for members of the House Primary and Secondary Education Subcommittee to hear feedback from around the state. The subcommittee is part of the House Finance and Appropriations Committee, which is reviewing the reform plan, announced in January.
Strickland's outline for education in the state includes lengthening the school year by 20 days, reducing student-teacher ratios and having the state provide a greater share of school funding.
"I think people should see this as an opportunity to get their voices heard," said Lauren McMillin, legislative aide to Ohio Rep. Stephen Dyer, D-Green, a committee member. "We're having this as an open process... and we want to bring this to as many people as possible. We do want to hear what they have to say."
Ohio Rep. Jennifer Garrison, D-Marietta, is also on the subcommittee and is expected to be at the hearing, scheduled for 4 p.m. Monday at Washington State Community College's Graham Auditorium. Garrison did not return calls Tuesday.
Also expected to be at the hearing are representatives from each of Washington County's school districts.
"We're taking a group down," said Troy Thacker, superintendent of Frontier Local Schools. "At least they're listening to us. We're on the right track."
Thacker said his main concerns with the plan are the funding changes, with his district possibly poised to have a cut in funding under Strickland's vision.
"Southern Ohio has small schools and low property values, and it seems like we always take a hit," he said.
Warren Local Superintendent Tom Gibbs said he also plans to testify at Monday's hearing on two concerns he has with the education bill.
The first is the rescinding of a rule allowing districts to have a reduction in force among teaching staff for financial reasons.
"That doesn't make sense," he said. "What other reason would we have?"
Gibbs said he also plans to address health insurance benefits not being included when the state calculates average teacher salaries used in funding formulas. At nearly $2 million, those benefits amount to the second largest expenditure in Warren's budget but aren't being counted.
"I have a couple concerns but my general feelings are positive about this legislation," Gibbs said. "At least an attempt is being made to make some changes."
Anyone can come to the hearing, fill out a witness slip and address the committee members. Those who want to submit written testimony the committee can use to follow along and keep as part of the public record are encouraged to do so at least 24 hours before Monday's meeting, said McMillin.
"It's a public hearing in every sense of the word, so people can show up that day and speak if they need to do that," she said.
Those planning to speak should keep their remarks to a maximum of five minutes, she said.
The first of the hearings, held in Akron on Monday, lasted six hours and drew more than 60 people who testified, said McMillin.
"We were completely floored by how many people came," she said. "It accomplished exactly what the hearing was supposed to because they were able to hear from everyone."
