Kasich plan for schools not just cuts

Apr. 9, 2011, Bucyrus Telegraph-Forum

By JESSICA ALAIMO

CentralOhio.com

A questioner at Gov. John Kasich’s town hall had a daughter who had just been identified as gifted and talented by her school.

But now, it appeared, Kasich planned to strip all funding for specialized gifted programs. The father wanted to know: Would services still be provided for her?

Kasich’s budget proposal goes beyond basic cuts to schools in an effort to mend an $8 billion budget gap. He wants to completely revamp how Ohio’s public and private schools do business.

Kasich’s answer during the March 15 meeting embodied much of his approach: Take money out of the specialized pots. Put it into one big pot, so schools can use it how they see fit.

If gifted education is important to your school, Kasich told the man, “Go and see the superintendent and stand up for your daughter.”