Gov. Strickland seeks overhaul of Ohio schools

COLUMBUS -- Gov. Ted Strickland is proposing a dramatic reinvention of Ohio's public schools, from classroom learning to teacher preparation to the way districts are funded.

The plan he laid out in his third State of the State speech on Wednesday is aimed at both better preparing schoolchildren for the work force and resolving the school-funding crisis that has dogged the state for more than a decade.

Strickland called for expanding the school year by 20 days, creating a universal all-day kindergarten program and making it easier to fire bad teachers.

He told a crowd of lawmakers and dignitaries that he wants to see Ohio use the latest education research to model a new generation of schools that will take Ohio to the forefront of innovation.

In addressing the state's money crunch, the Governor said he won't raise taxes but he warns that Ohio will have to make sacrifices.

The Democrat said in his State of the State address today that government programs will have to be reduced and a variety of fees will be increased.

Strickland told lawmakers that Ohio is in a "steadfast" state despite an economic recession and declining tax revenues.

He says he'll balance the two-year budget by reducing state spending by $3.2 billion and using $3.4 billion in federal aid to help cover a projected $7 billion deficit.

Strickland also proposed expanding health care coverage to offer insurance to every child in Ohio and restoring passenger rail service between the state's largest cities.