- There was a full day of hearings on Governor Kasich’s proposed budget yesterday in the House Finance and Appropriations Committee’s Primary and Secondary Education Subcommittee. Not sure if it was opponent testimony or just what they call “interested party” testimony, but everyone quoted in these two stories seemed pretty negative. First up, lots of union reps who a) didn’t like the funding formula changes proposed, and b) want many additional aspects of the bill (charter law reforms, increases in voucher amounts, testing changes, etc.) stripped out in favor of standalone legislation on these issues. You can read coverage of this testimony on Gongwer Ohio. On the topic of the funding formula, union friend Howard Fleeter did most of the talking. He’s not a fan. But neither he nor the other witnesses had much concrete to offer as an alternative. Said the subcommittee chair: “Every [potential formula] you look at has its own flaws.” Coverage of Fleeter’s testimony is in the Columbus Dispatch.
- Speaking of Kasich, he was quoted on the record yesterday in regard to the tempest in a teacup that is parents opting their children out of standardized testing. What’s he got to say? Ohio is working on review of testing time via several mechanisms. “But I would encourage parents to let your kids be tested. I mean, I think it’s what you should be doing.” (Ideastream Public Media, Cleveland)
