Governor to Host Education Reform
Forums Across Ohio

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today announced that he will host 12 forums across the state this summer focusing on reforming education in Ohio.

“There is nothing more important to Ohio's economic future than making sure that we have a world-class system of education,” Strickland said. "These forums are the beginning of a conversation with the people of Ohio about how best to reform education in our great state."

The “Governor’s Conversation on Education” forums will focus on the six principles for education reform as outlined in the Governor’s State of the State address as well as specific policy ideas for fostering a system of education in Ohio that is innovative, personalized and linked to economic prosperity. A second round of education forums will be held later in the fall of 2008 and will focus on how to properly finance a truly reformed system of education. The governor plans to introduce his education reform proposal in 2009.

“Ohio’s education system has many strengths, but despite our progress we haven’t kept pace with the rest of the world,” Strickland said. “It will take collaboration among business leaders, parents, students, teachers and school administrators to develop a plan that makes Ohio a leader in innovation and gives our students the preparation and skills they need to be successful in a global environment.”

Strickland also launched a Web site, http://www.ConversationOnEducation.Org, which provides the public and forum participants with details about the regional forums and will include ways to submit feedback during and after the forums.

The dates, times and locations for the “Governor’s Conversation on Education” regional forums are listed below. Each forum will be available through a live Webcast at http://www.ConversationOnEducation.Org.

Most regional forums will also air live on the local PBS station. Stations without a live broadcast will tape and air their local forums following the event. Feeds of the forums will be provided to media outlets by Ohio Government Television.

Educators, business leaders, parents and students, among others, will make up the live audiences. In addition, each school district in the region will be encouraged to organize at least one “watch party” for the broadcast or Webcast and conduct a facilitated group discussion following the forum.

At each meeting, Strickland will discuss his six principles for education reform and specific ideas while facilitating an interactive conversation with audience members and Webcast and television viewers.

WHERE: University of Dayton

Boll Theater, Kennedy Union

300 College Park

Dayton, OH 45469