A new face will grace future discussions about the state of education in Ohio – and this one has actually been the one standing in front of the chalkboard.

Wednesday, August 11, 1999

A new face will grace future discussions about the state of education in Ohio – and this one has actually been the one standing in front of the chalkboard.

Gov. Bob Taft has picked a teacher to act as an adviser to those in state government who will be formulating and implementing education policies in the state in the coming years.

She will offer a new perspective for the legislators and bureaucrats who are charged with looking for ways to improve Ohio schools.

Her addition to the staff should be just one of many interactions the state will have with those who are in the trenches this year.

Hearing what schools are really like, from those who are in them every day, is critical to finding workable, realistic and effective solutions.

Ohio students need better resources, a better attitude and better test scores if they are going to be able to compete in a technology-based future.

Without an up and coming crop of willing – and capable – workers, Ohio will not be able to attract industry or jobs.

Getting the real story and then passing legislation to support an improvement plan should be Ohio’s top priority.