Miami Student

Issue date: 11/13/07 Section: Editorials

By Eric Frey

Ohio Attorney General Marc Dann is pursuing lawsuits against three charter schools in the state that have been deemed as failing to meet academic standards. Dann has argued the charter schools have failed to meet their obligation of properly educating their students. While The Miami Student editorial board acknowledges widespread problems with many charter schools throughout Ohio, prolonged litigation against individual charter schools appears both inefficient and a job best left to the Ohio legislature.

The root of the problem with charter schools in Ohio is also not addressed by Dann's lawsuit. Ohio's requirements and criterion for establishing a charter school in the state are especially lax when compared to other states. While the entire state of New York has only three charter schools, Ohio has more than 300. People with little to no educational experience are forming charter schools with perhaps noble intentions but a lack of wherewithal to make their charter schools successful.

Ohio's political leaders-Governor Ted Strickland, Attorney General Marc Dann and the various leaders of the Ohio legislature-should explore different options in regulating charter schools. Schoolchildren in Ohio should be afforded opportunities and access to the best education possible. In some areas of Ohio, the options available to parents are between a failing public school and a failing charter school. The solution for a better education system in Ohio is certainly not simple. The answer may or may not be found in charter schools but it is apparent to this editorial board that more attention and resources should be placed on education.

The legislature did draft some new regulations concerning charter schools late last year but more is likely needed. The debate over the future of Ohio's education system and charter schools is a debate that the Ohio legislature must have for the sake of this state's future. And the legislature is the best place for this debate to take place. While Dann may have good intentions, litigation is often a slow process and in the end will only effect three schools.

While it is encouraging and positive to see Ohio's elected leaders address concerns with higher education in the state, significant reform is also necessary in primary education as well. Ohio's schoolchildren will simply be unequipped for the challenges and rigorous coursework they will find in college if their grade schools fail to prepare them adequately.

The implication of a mediocre primary education system is broader than just its immediate impact on schoolchildren. Ohio's standing and competitive edge could be lost to other regions of the country if the state does not fix its schools. Education is a significant component of making Ohio a desirable place to live and restoring a vibrant economy throughout the state.

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