'Sign It For The Kids'

From Molly Janczyk, July 20, 2007
Subject: editorial/note: Campaign for Ohio's Future: Education Petition

Thank you, Janet! Please ALL help by requesting petitions at: www.ohea.org Page down to 'Request Petitions'

From: drjan@ctcn.net
Subject: Fw: editorial/note: there is a photo already at the Citizen Date: Thu, 19 Jul 2007 23:29:09 -0400

Molly: Thought you might like to see the editorial that was printed in the Urbana Daily Citizen Tuesday, July 17, 2007. Janet

Subject: editorial

"Sign It For The Kids" guest editorial by Dr. Janet W. Ebert

Vice President Champaign County Retired Teachers

What can be done "for the kids" of our community and the state? How can we provide a QUALITY education for the youngest members of Ohio's citizenry? How can the sad trail of "no" votes on school issues be addressed? And, finally, how can the unconstitutional funding for Ohio's schools be revised to ensure a quality education for every child in the state?

Ohio's Supreme Court has ruled FOUR TIMES that the current means of education funding in the State of Ohio is unconstitutional. The legislature has been directed to change the laws, but has been unresponsive.

A large coalition of interested groups came together to hammer out the answers to these questions. Members of these groups are often at odds with one another, yet they marched forward in deliberations to forge a new educational funding policy for Ohio. The coalition included businessmen, teachers and former teachers, city officials, and many others, who feel strongly about Ohio's children.

The coalition was driven by an imperative belief that "Education is fundamental. Every child has a right to a quality public education, regardless of the child's place of residence."

Recently, members of the Champaign County Retired Teachers Association were privileged to hear Mr. Bill Phillis, who is an education activist. He initiated the first case in the courts stating that Ohio's method of school funding is unconstitutional. The case went to the Ohio Supreme Court, which agreed.

Mr. Phillis presented the results of the coalition's work. An Ohio constitutional amendment is being sought. This amendment has been well-thought through, and provides a quality education for each student in the state. Funding is guaranteed through the State of Ohio, and its administration is without the possibility of assault from the legislature or other entities. Senior citizens and others on fixed incomes have not been forgotten in the amendment. The impact on their income is likely to be minimal. Also of concern was the thought that school districts with excellent successes in education might be "cut back." There is nothing in the amendment that prohibits districts from asking their constituents for more funds to enhance their schools and staffing. Provision for funding institutions of higher learning also has been made in the amendment.

Phillis boldly proclaimed, "State-wise, we are at the point where we have to protect our kids from the state government." He pointed out the occasions when education has become a political matter, unheeding of the needs of children and educators. He further said, "The state needs to establish funds for education - tamper proof."

A number of newspapers recently reported that the efforts to gather signatures supporting the amendment were to stop. The person who authorized the article's release was in error. This was a most unfortunate announcement, as those carrying petitions are to continue to collect signatures. When the appropriate number of signatures is available, the issue for the amendment will be placed on the Ohio ballot.

The issue at hand is; "What can be done for Ohio's 'kids'?" It seems that the best solution, so far, is the amendment. A person signing the petition should know that the petition asks only for the amendment to be placed on the ballot. In and of itself, a signature does not endorse the amendment.

Petitions will be available on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Tuesday at the Champaign County Fair. Members of the Champaign County Retired Teachers Association will collect signatures at a tent near the center of the fairgrounds. Champaign County residents are encouraged to sign. The coalition, Mr. Phillis, and the retired teachers say, "Sign it - for the kids".