Meeting Schedule, Agendas and Minutes
August 7, 2003 Minutes
The first meeting of the Governor's Blue Ribbon Task Force on Financing Student Success convened at 2:00 pm on August 7, 2003.
Presentation:
In attendance were Governor Bob Taft, Chairman Bill Wilkins, Vice Chair Jim Hyre, Ted Adams, Barbara Byrd-Bennett, John Brandt, Eric Burkland, Charles Calvert, Walt Davis, Paolo DeMaria, Matt Filipic, Chuck Gossett, Christine Hansen, Russ Harris, William Hartnett, Jim Hoops, Jeff Jacobson, Tom Johnson, David Locke, Dick Maxwell, Jim Mahoney, Tom Mooney, Dan Navin, C.J. Prentiss, Barbara Shaner, Jennifer Sheets, Barbara Sprague, Richard Stoff, David Varda, Scott Williams, Dennis Woods, Tom Zaino, and Susan Zelman.
Chairman Wilkins opened the meeting by welcoming the members of the Task Force and spoke briefly about the challenge facing the group to develop a school funding system that is effective and for which a consensus can be developed. Mr. Wilkins added that any solution will require future refinement, but his hope is that the Task Force generates a solution that will sustain Ohio for years to come.
Chairman Wilkins added that there will be a need for compromise. The Task Force members need to try to see things from different perspectives. He will be contacting each member of the Task Force to set up individual meetings. Mr. Wilkins introduced Vice Chairman Jim Hyre and asked for his comments.
Mr. Hyre observed that the time is right for a major reform in how Ohio funds its schools. He noted that the Task Force has an opportunity that is unique in its timing. He feels that there is much work to do, but that it can be done, and done in a way that will have a significant impact.
Following Mr. Hyre's remarks, Governor Taft addressed the Task Force. The Governor thanked the chair and vice chair for their willingness to serve in their capacities. He further thanked all Task Force members for their participation. In his presentation to the Task Force, Governor Taft noted that education was his top priority and provided examples of improvements to education that he has supported as Governor. The Governor charged the Task Force to develop recommendations for a funding system for primary and secondary education that has the following seven characteristics:
- It should promote higher levels of student achievement.
- The system should provide funding that is stable and grows appropriately.
- Funding should be predictable far enough into the future to allow for good planning.
- It needs to meet the needs of all children – special education students, gifted students, career technical students, disadvantaged students and those who are not yet proficient at grade level.
- All students should be able to succeed, regardless of the property wealth of the school district.
- The system needs to be affordable within the capacity of Ohio's economy.
- Finally, the system needs to promote the effective use of resources.
Governor Taft observed that, from his perspective, the greatest weakness in the previous studies of how to improve school funding has been the lack of a practical and realistic transition plan. Whatever plan is recommended by the Task Force needs to provide for an orderly transition so that everyone can adjust to the changes and make logical and reasonable choices in the interest of their future success and viability.
In closing, Governor Taft expressed his confidence that the Task Force would solve the difficult challenge of finding a school funding solution that is right for Ohio and our children. He pledged his full support in advocating for the consensus recommendations that the Task Force will develop. A copy of Governor Taft's remarks to the Task Force is attached to these minutes.
Task Force members generally expressed their optimism that the timing was right for a group such as this to be able to generate a proposal that could achieve consensus. After hearing the Task Force members describe their backgrounds, Chairman Wilkins noted his increased optimism about the Task Force's chances for success. If this group comes to agreement on a solution, it will be very difficult for anybody to say "No."
Senator C.J. Prentiss would like for the Task Force to consider meeting in different parts of the state to offer the opportunity for citizen input.
Chairman Wilkins would like to meet with each Task Force member individually in the near future. He would like to meet again later this month to hear presentations on school funding and how Ohio compares with other states. Chairman Wilkins introduced Paul Marshall, the Executive Director of the Task Force.
Richard Stoff asked how the Task Force is going to work through the issues. He asked whether the Task Force should break into working groups. Mr. Stoff suggested that the Task Force could cluster the 10 issues into logical groupings and divide the workload among committees.
Chairman Wilkins answered that the first two meetings would be the entire group, but beyond that we could possibly break into working groups. Work of such committees would need to be coordinated and reported back to the full committee.
David Varda suggested that the Task Force should hear from all parts of the state. Paolo DeMaria recommended looking at individual buildings that have turned their academic programs around and whether finances played a significant role
The meeting adjourned at approximately 4:15 pm.
