SEPTEMBER 2012

OhioA PUBLICATION OF THE EDUCATIONSchools ASSOCIATION

Keith Yunker, Voters First Troy High School A Troy government teacher’s students explore redistricting problems, while Ohioans consider the Voters First Amendment for Redistricting Reform. Voting Yes on Issue 2 would make our redistricting system accountable, fair and impartial. p16 School Funding Debate When money follows the child, charter schools and vouchers gain, not traditional public schools p4

Education at Stake in 2012 Campaign Bus drivers deserve respect, says ESP Kelly Grimm p14

INSIDE: OEA’s 2012 Election Guide

COVER STORY OhioSchools VOL. 91 NO. 7 SEPTEMBER 2012 16 Voters First The professional publication of the 124,000 members A Troy government teacher’s of the Ohio Education Association students explore redistricting The OEA Mission Statement: problems, while Ohioans consider The OEA will lead the way for continuous improvement of public education while advocating for members the Voters First Amendment for and the learners they serve. Redistricting Reform. Voting Yes on OEA Board of Directors Issue 2 would make our redistricting President Patricia Frost-Brooks system accountable, fair and East Vice President William Leibensperger impartial so that no political party or South-Western special interest can rig the system. Secretary-Treasurer Tim Myers photo by James DeCamp Elida Barry Alcock, South-Western; Barb Armour, Brunswick; Diana Ball, Amanda- Clearcreek; Kevin Cain, Northwest (Hamilton); Heidi Caskey, Orrville; Barbara Catalano, Mayfield; Patricia Cohen, PATMR; Arnette G.P. Collins, Stark Co. DD; James Cutlip, Wilmington; Michael Dossie, Bellaire; Sandra Duckworth, FEATURES Westerville; Matthew Durham, Washington; Joel Gleason, Clearview; Kevin Griffin, Dublin; Katie Hendrickson, Athens; Robin Jeffries, Columbus; Gary 4 School Funding Debate Kapostasy, Findlay; Tammy Koontz, S.C.O.P.E; Theresa Lemus Santos, Fairless; Sandra Lewis, Dayton; Ivan Maldonado,Youngstown State University-ACE; Martha When money follows the child, charter schools and vouchers gain, Miller, Ashtabula ESP; Rebecca Miller, Tallmadge; Diane Norton, Middletown; not traditional public schools Emilly Osterling, Lakota (Butler); Jeff Pegg, Warren (Trumbull); Haven Reardon, Reading; Jeff Rhodes, North Royalton; Kim Richards, Cardinal; Sophia Rodriguez, Coldwater Exempted Village; Molly Rogers, Youngstown State University; Kecia Sanders-Stewart, East Cleveland; Bill Sears, OEA Retired; Tim 6 Diane Ravitch to Keynote Public School Skamfer, Gahanna-Jefferson; Pamela Smith, Jackson; Patrick Snee, Mentor; Kriston Crombie Stotik, Columbus; Bradley Strong, Mansfield; Lillian M. Tolbert, Preservation Conference East Cleveland; Janice Vaughan, Springfield (Clark); Wil Vickery, Chillicothe; Diana Welsh, Columbus; Jeffrey Wensing, Parma; Rebecca Whited, Huber 14 Education at Stake in 2012 Campaign Heights. Bus drivers deserve respect, says ESP Kelly Grimm NEA Directors Mary Binegar, Urbana; Dale Kain, Mayfield; Jim McClure, Mentor ESP; André Taylor, Twinsburg; Janifer Trowles, Dayton; Gretchen Washington, Sycamore. Staff Executives DEPARTMENTS Larry E. Wicks, Executive Director; Susan Babcock, Assistant Executive Director—Strategic and Workforce Planning; Ric Castorano, Executive Assistant—Business Services; Joe Cohagen, Director of Business and Building 2 President’s Message Operations; Dawn Elias, Human Resources and Labor Relations Administrator; Linda Fiely, General Counsel; Randy Flora, Director of Education Policy and Voters First puts Ohioans First Coalition Relations; Rachelle Johnson, Assistant Executive Director— Member Services/Program and Director of Legal Services; Rose Keller, Manager of Legal Services; James Martin, Assistant Executive Director— 3 Notebook Business Services; Mike Mahoney, Director of Communications and Marketing; OEA urges passage of pension reform legislation Dana Mayfield, Executive Assistant—Strategic and Workforce Planning; Tina O’Donnell, Manager of Administrative Services—Operations; Carol Price, Release of Ohio school report cards delayed Administrative Services/Conference Coordinator; Lisa Ramos, Executive Assistant, General Counsel; Ron Rapp, Director of Governmental Services; Bev Sekella, Executive Assistant—Member Services; Mary Suchy, Director 9 Extra Credit of Membership; Jerrilyn Volz-Costell, Manager of Administrative Services— Clermont Northeastern EA’s mobile food pantry helps those in need Governance. Kevin Flanagan, Assistant Executive Director—Member Services/Field OEA Educator Appreciation Night with the Columbus Crew and Regional Director, Region 3; Patricia Collins Murdock, Regional Director, Region 1; Parry Norris, Regional Director, Region 2; Jeanette Cooper, 23 Making the Grade Regional Director, Region 4; Cristina Munoz-Nedrow, Regional Director, Region 5. White House honors David Romick as "Champion of Change" Ohio Schools Editorial Staff Julie A. Newhall, Editor Gail Botz, Graphic Designer Susie Lehman, Production Coordinator 24 Association Crystalle Phillips, Advertising Coordinator OEA Board of Directors actions Subscription price for public and university libraries is $18 per year. OEA staff news Editorial Offices—Ohio Schools (ISSN: 0030-1086) is published seven times a year: February, April, June, August, September, October, November by the Ohio Education Association, 225 E. Broad St., Box 2550, Columbus, OH 43216. E-mail: [email protected]. Website: www.ohea.org. Address all advertising or editorial correspondence to Editor, Ohio Schools. Postmaster: Send address changes to Ohio Schools, Ohio Education Association, 225 E. Broad St., Box 2550, Columbus, OH 43216. Postage: Periodicals paid at Columbus, OH.

www.ohea.org PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE Voters First puts Ohioans First AHEAD OF THE POLITICIANS AND THE RIGGED ELECTIONS

ust as the new school year 10 years by rigging the legislative local schools by $2.9 billion over seemed to start earlier in maps and picking the voters. two years. Then they quadrupled August this year, the political Instead, Voters First establishes eligibility for private school vouchers. season seems to have started a fair and balanced system where And, of course, they made sure their earlier,J too. Just as we’re getting to Republicans, Democrats and Inde- favorite political contributors know our students and smell the pendents all have an equal say on —the charter school owners and freshly waxed floors in the class- a 12-member Independent Citizens “virtual online academies”—got rooms and hallways, we’re being Commission. That commission will even more state funding than ever. bombarded by political phone calls, do its best to design fair, competi- Without new leadership, this will news shows and emails. tive, balanced, compact and unified continue. Today, we don’t get as many districts, not the mess we will have Ohio is ending the 2011-2012 questions about why OEA is involved to use this November in electing biennial budget with a sizeable in the political process, and why we legislators and Congress. surplus, perhaps as much as use our publications and time to Balance and competition are $1 billion. But Governor recommend political candidates. crucial. We can’t afford the kind of and the legislators in his party have This year, I believe more and more extreme politicians who decided refused any consideration of the idea members understand the importance to use the state budget crisis as an of having some of that surplus go to of electing candidates who are excuse to attack collective bargaining help schools and communities pro-public education, regardless of rights that public employees have threatened by the earlier budget cuts. political party. enjoyed for 30 years. For many students, school The Senate Bill 5 debate showed It would have been one thing if funding hearings now in process us we had a lot to lose if politicians Senate Bill 5 proved to be an isolated (see pages 4-5) will be too little, decided to attack. We all understood attack on teachers, firefighters, police too late. They've already lost that our weak national economy had and nurses. But the attacks contin- opportunities to take foreign caused a state budget crisis in Ohio. ued and spread. Clearly, the majority language classes, remedial tutoring, So please pull out the OEA Election was pushing the envelope to find music and the arts. They have less Guide at the center of this issue to out how far they could go. They access to up-to-date textbooks and get more information about who understand that dedicated folks at computers. supports public education and who the extreme ends of the political Clearly, Voters First puts Ohioans has failed to support opportunities spectrum can sometimes prevail if First—ahead of the politicians and for our students. those of us in the middle don’t do the rigged elections. It’s about time. But I still get lots of questions anything about it. Vote Yes on Issue 2. It's essential to about Voters First—the Vote Yes on It’s not time to relax or rest. the OEA mission! Issue 2 campaign, and whether it Political attacks have continued, really is connected with public despite our victory over SB 5. There education, or just politics. have been multiple bills to suppress Together, we’ll keep listening, The Vote Yes on Issue 2 campaign the votes of Ohioans by manipulat- keep learning and keep leading. seeks true reform in our political ing the system. The majority party processes. We can end an era where took redistricting irregularities to a one election every 10 years lets the new level of back-room art. They winner control outcomes for another cut public education funding for Patricia Frost-Brooks OEA President

2 OHIO SCHOOLS SEPTEMBER 2012 NOTEBOOK OEA urges passage of pension reform legislation in bipartisan manner—without further delay n an August 15 hearing before Rep. that have guided our work are a re- however, action is needed to contin- IKirk Schuring (R-Canton) and the alistic view of market recovery; shar- ue and strengthen these systems for House Subcommittee on Retirement ing responsibility equitably among the long haul. The plans adopted by and Pensions, OEA Vice President stakeholder groups; and phasing in the retirement boards of STRS, SERS William Leibensperger offered changes to have less impact on those and OPERS reflected in the legisla- testimony on behalf of the 124,000 at the latter stages of their career.” tion (SB 341, 342, 343) are responsive OEA members affected by proposed OEA steadfastly supports the to the economic and demographic changes to three of the state retire- continuation of defined benefit pen- situations in each system,” Leibens- ment systems—STRS, SERS and sion plans for Ohio’s public employ- perger said. OPERS. ees, while recognizing the need for Hearings on the bills are sched- “For the past three years, OEA change in order to assure that those uled to continue, with a possible has been working with its mem- plans are stable, reliable and con- floor vote in early September. See bers, the retirement systems and tinue to offer access to meaningful www.ohea.org/retirement-systems- other stakeholder groups looking at health care coverage. “Ohio’s public updates to view a synopsis of the potential solutions,” Leibensperger retirement systems have served OEA major plans adopted by each retire- continued. “Some of the principles members and Ohio’s taxpayers well; ment system.

STUDENT ABSENCE REPORT SCANDAL Release of Ohio school Michael Sawyers report cards delayed amid named acting superintendent attendance-tampering charges following n August 20, the State Board of Education voted resignation Ounanimously to delay the release of annual report cards pending the outcome of a statewide investigation of Stan Heffner into reports of data manipulation—specifically ques- hio schools superintendent Stan Heffner tionable attendance numbers. The report cards for last Oresigned on Saturday, August 4, after a report year, which were to be released August 29, provide a issued by Inspector General Randall Meyer said detailed view of how students in grades 3 to 10 scored Heffner had signed an employment agreement on state tests, as well as attendance and graduation with Educational Testing Service when he testified rates. before the state Senate Finance Committee in May Acting Superintendent Michael Sawyers recom- 2011 for legislation that benefited the firm. Heffner mended the delay stating, “The report cards are in- was the interim state superintendent at the time. tended to give an accurate picture of how well schools Meyer’s report also cited other improper acts and are doing, and they shouldn’t be released with a cloud concluded there was reasonable cause that Hef- hanging over their reliability.” fner violated ethics laws and created a conflict of The board is to discuss the report cards when it interest. Deputy Superintendent Michael Sawyers meets on September 10 and 11. OEA believes that has been named acting superintendent pending a officials should not release the report cards until the national search for a new state superintendent. state can be sure it has accurate data. The results of the In addition, William Zelei, the head of school annual school report cards determine innumerable de- accountability and report cards, will step down cisions by schools and families about funding, student as associate superintendent at the end of Septem- scholarships and building and program placements. ber to take a job as executive director of the Ohio For more information, visit the ODE website at Schools Council. www.ode.state.oh.us and select the Accountability link.

OHIO SCHOOLS SEPTEMBER 2012 3 FEATURE School Funding Debate WHEN MONEY FOLLOWS THE CHILD, CHARTER SCHOOLS AND VOUCHER PROGRAMS GAIN, WHILE THE REST ARE LEFT BEHIND t’s hard to imagine how Ohio’s Ohio has not had a school funding and holding regional hearings on school funding system will formula since the legislature did away school funding since May. At the last improve if the architects of the with the Ohio evidence-based model of these regional hearings, Amstuz system—who seem to favor a “free with the passage of the last state bud- announced that the legislature will be market”I business model approach— get. That same budget cut $2.9 billion receiving a school funding formula want to replace it with charter schools from education over the current two- from the administration for legislative and vouchers or eliminate it entirely year budget. consideration in terms of the next state over time. But that’s the picture Over the last three years, incred- budget. emerging from current legislative ibly some 20,000 school employees Amstutz added that the proposed hearings on school funding. have been eliminated from Ohio’s school funding formula will be a “The advocates of ‘fund the child’ public schools. This number includes Weighted Student Funding (WSF) are driving the bus on new proposals all types of public school employees, model, an approach sometimes for school funding,” said Russell Har- from teachers to support personnel referred to as “money follows the ris, OEA Education Research Develop- such as bus drivers, aids, custodians student.” With a weighted student ment Consultant. “They are still advo- and paraprofessionals. It is more funding model, education dollars cating for diversion of funds to charter difficult to account for the lost follow the student to wherever he schools and vouchers, which means academic and arts programs, but or she attends school—whether less money for the 90% of students the losses have been a significant traditional public schools, privately in traditional public schools. Further, curtailment of student opportunities. run (and for-profit) charter schools, they’ve decided they can attack the An Ohio House Finance Subcom- online charter schools or private entire school funding system—all mittee chaired by Rep. Ron Amstutz, schools where students pay tuition without solving the real problems.” R-Wooster, has been taking testimony with publicly funded vouchers.

OEA members speak at legislative hearings on school funding In recent weeks, several OEA members have testified before the Ohio Finance Subcommittee on Primary and Secondary Education. Each member described in detail the effects of school budget cuts and the need for additional school funding. Here are their stories.

Cathy Monteiro, second ing into the classroom in tears. They knew that the magnet The State cut grade teacher at Emer- school program was on the chopping block if the levy didn’t $15 million from son Elementary School in pass. As it is now, Emerson is in limbo. Two of our magnet our district’s Westerville, Ohio, spoke schools have shut their doors. budget last year. about two bruising levy “The magnet school program was a great way to give This has had a elections that divided the students and parents choices about education within the community into those who public school system. These choices are now eliminated due devastating support the schools and to cuts in public effect both on those who oppose increas- Our students education funding.” our school ing property taxes. “This do not know Eli Hurwitz, district and on conflict followed us into the resources ninth grade English our churches, our busi- teacher at Dayton our community. nesses, our streets and our they are lack- Cathy Monteiro Public Schools’ schools,” Monteiro said. ing because career technology “For me, the most devastating effects were felt in the they have center, gave several classroom,” Monteiro continued. “Emerson was a World been lacking examples of how Languages and Cultures Magnet School. It was a school of budget cuts have choice within the Westerville School District. Students had them for so affected his school. the benefit of learning Spanish through their elementary long. “Since 1997, Dayton years. They also focused on global and inquiry learning. The has been steadily day after the November levy failed, students came stream- Eli Hurwitz losing more and Focusing on WSF as a cure-all for But almost all of the current weight- a well-conceived and properly school funding inequities is wrong ings have resulted from political implemented educational reform for three major reasons, said OEA’s compromises hammered out on the planning process. All schools must Harris. First, this proposal for basis of the availability of funds in a be fiscally and academically account- Weighted Student Funding does particular state at a particular time, able—with the capacity to truly not carry a central commitment to rather than on any systematic analy- educate all students. adequate funding for our schools. sis of these students’ actual needs. “Without adequate funding, no Legislators threw out the conclusions Methodologies for developing fair new funding system will solve the of the Ohio School Funding Advisory and accurate weightings are still in a current crisis,” said OEA President Board that determined the actual cost developmental stage. Patricia Frost-Brooks. Weighted of a high-quality student education Third, accountability measures Student Funding focuses on and providing funding on that level. cannot ignore inputs, programs and redistribution of dollars to fund OEA believes Ohio must objectively activities that help schools build vouchers and charter schools, but determine the cost of adequate the capacity to educate all students. it does not solve key problems, like educational opportunities and then Public education is a public good or overreliance on local property taxes. provide a transparent funding service—for the use and benefit of On the contrary, the goal of Weighted formula tied to the actual cost of all. With WSF, district level services Student Funding—pushing dollars children’s instructional needs. such as counseling, health care, food out of traditional public schools— Second, the proponents do not services, transportation and building threatens to dismantle them, not acknowledge the difficulty of calcu- maintenance would be endangered advance public education in Ohio. lating realistic weightings that would due to the potential flow of students “Clearly, this puts public schools into become the basis of WSF. With WSF, and resources in and out of districts. a gauntlet of business-style break-up school districts receive dollars based Although in many situations, more strategies based on market competi- on enrollment but also receive extra discretion over funding for these tion, with results almost guaranteed amounts, or “weights,” for certain services should be delegated to to harm the interests of students types of students, such as at-risk individual school leaders, such attending public schools,” Frost- students, students with disabilities delegation should occur through Brooks said. and English Language Learners.

more of its funding to the community school or charter We cannot education. Simply school programs in the city. Every year, $47 million leaves provide the best stated, we teach OEA members speak at legislative hearings the district and is awarded to charter schools. Unfortunately, opportunities for direct employ- Dayton Public Schools loses much needed resources.” student learning ment skills.” on school funding Hurwitz continued, “One effect of reduced funding is According to In recent weeks, several OEA members have testified before the Ohio Finance Subcommittee that I can barely scrape together a class set of novels for my because we are Rhodes, “When- on Primary and Secondary Education. Each member described in detail the effects of 30+ students, and we have a textbook that is 13 years old. not supported, ever we have the education reform school budget cuts and the need for additional school funding. Here are their stories. Technology could provide our students a solution for and that is why out-of-date textbooks, and many districts are moving we are having conversation, we towards BYOT (bring your own technology) programs and say we want fund- open source (free or inexpensive) textbooks. But in a district this conversation ing to make sure that has over 90% of its students living in poverty, if the today. that our students choice is between food and a computer, food is going to win. Jeff Rhodes are prepared for Students can use a computer at the public library but they the 21st century and to be workforce-ready. Yet programs like cannot eat books. mine—which directly service those 31.7% who do not enroll “In the end, I want to emphasize that regardless of the in college or a two-year school after graduation—are the only struggles our students face, we as teachers are constantly preparedness they have for the workforce. It is their only working to help them overcome their personal obstacles and chance to become productive, self-sufficient adults.” be as successful as they can be. We have not had a pay raise Although classes like Rhodes’s are probably the best means in five of the last seven years, and health care costs have of preparedness for close to one-third of the population, the gone up over that time. Our most experienced teachers are state continues to cut the funding to it. “Within the past 10 actually doing this work for less money. More with less. Our years, out of nearly 30 school districts in Cuyahoga County, children in Dayton are not getting what they deserve.” 50% of the Tech Ed programs were downsized or eliminated, Jeff Rhodes, a career-tech teacher at North Royalton and most likely there were similar results across all 88 counties High School, says, “I am a technology education teacher, in Ohio. though most would probably refer to me as a ‘shop teacher.’ “As students start back to school, some will walk into state- While most of you in front of me have that image of a of-the-art facilities; some will walk into older buildings where 9th-grade class making clocks, we also teach engineering learning and technology are limited because of inadequate programs, drafting programs and robotics programs. When resources. We must provide a statewide system of high-quality people talk about Science, Technology, Engineering and public education to every student in Ohio regardless of where Mathematics (STEM), they are talking about technology they live.” Education expert Diane Ravitch to keynote October 16 conference on preserving public schools

oted education expert Diane In The Death and Life of the Great NRavitch will be the keynote American School System: How Test- speaker at the October 16 conference ing and Choice Are Undermining on “Public Common School Preser- Education, Ravitch advocates the vation” hosted by the Ohio Coalition following principles for improving for Equity & Adequacy of School America’s schools: Funding. Ravitch, author of The ■ Leave decisions about schools Death and Life of the Great American to educators, not politicians or School System: How Testing and Choice businessmen. Are Undermining Education (2010), ■ Devise a truly national curricu- is Research Professor of Education lum that sets out what children in at New York every grade should be learning. University and ■ Expect charter schools to a historian of educate the kids who need the education. She most help, not to compete with has written public schools. many books ■ Pay teachers a fair wage for their and articles work, not “merit pay” based on about American deeply flawed and unreliable “Those who insist on trashing education, blogs test scores. ■ our public schools and regularly for Encourage family involvement in education from an early age. ignoring their importance Education Week and has written To register online, go to are really attacking our more than 500 articles and reviews http://goo.gl/nIrHO or call nation.... Public schools, for scholarly and popular publica- OCEASF at 614.228.6540. which educated 90% of our tions. population, deserve credit Ravitch—former assistant H secretary of education and a leader PUBLIC COMMON for our national success. in the drive to create a national SCHOOL It's time to stand up for curriculum—is an outspoken critic PRESERVATION public education, to stand up of the corporate education reform with Diane Ravitch for the dignity of the teaching and privatization movement. In her research, she shows conclusively Tuesday, October 16, 2012 profession, and to speak out why the business model is not an Bridgewater Banquet against those who attempt appropriate way to improve schools. & Conference Center “Schools operate fundamentally—or to do them harm.” 10561 Sawmill Parkway should operate—like families. The Powell, Ohio 43065 fundamental principle by which education proceeds is collaboration.” 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

6 OHIO SCHOOLS SEPTEMBER 2012 Decline in school levies for November 2012 expected ewer than 1 in 5 school levies “The Presidential election has Rampelt added, “There are Facross Ohio passed in the August usually been the election with the several reasons for the decline in the special election, which had the most most school levies, and clearly there number of levies. education issues of any August vote has been a decline over five Presi- ■ First, schools have reduced costs in seven years. August school levies dential cycles,” Rampelt noted. by cutting teachers and other traditionally have a low passage school employees. Number of School Levies ■ rate. The 23% passage rate for ad- from 2000-2012 Second, teachers are retiring, and ditional operating funds is below there is a concerted effort to re- the historical average of 35%, but 300 place them with first-year teach- it is double the August 2011 rate of ers at a significant cost savings. 276 10.5%. It is a steep decline, however, ■ Third, over 90% of school em- when compared to the 46% passage ployees have not had a raise rate of additional operating issues in in the past two years. In some March 2012. 247 districts, the freezing of salaries Although some of these lev- of all employees has been for as 230 ies may be placed on the ballot in 222 long as four or five years. November, there still is a significant “The cumulative effect of those decline in the number of school cuts and salary freezes has saved levies for the November election, ac- 200 school districts millions of dollars— cording to Jerry Rampelt, Executive but often at a cost of high-quality Director of Support Ohio Schools instruction and services residents Research and Education Founda- 167 have come to expect,” said Rampelt. tion. The Foundation contacted each More information about school of the 88 county boards of elec- levies and the Support Ohio Schools tions and learned that there are 167 Foundation can be found at school issues on the November 6 www.supportohioschools.org. ballot, a decline from the 222 levies in November 2010 and 230 levies in November 2008. 100 Nov Nov Nov Nov Nov 2000 2004 2008 2010 2012

ELECTION H2012 Mike Skindell for Ohio Supreme Court Mike Skindell currently serves as a State Senator from Lakewood, representing the 23rd Senate District. He has previously served as a State Representative from 2003-2010, and as a former Lakewood Council Member at Large from 1998-2002. Skindell has been a tireless voice for working and middle-class families, high-quality education for all children and lower tuition for college students. Skindell voted against Senate Bill 5, the attempt to curtail public employee collective bargaining rights. Skindell has supported efforts to protect voting rights for Ohioans, affordable health care and lower prescription drug costs for the elderly, while also focusing on consumer issues, such as reasonable gas and electric rates. Prior to public office, Skindell had been in private law practice since 1999, and he worked for ten years prior to that as a hearing officer for the Ohio Department of Health, adjudicating issues involving elderly patients of nursing homes, disabled Ohioans in group homes and living conditions for migrant farm workers and milk supply quality. www.mikeskindell.com For Ohio Supreme Court Justice Note: This recommendation occurred after the deadline for the OEA Election Guide. Mike Skindell 7 NEA Members Insurance Trust®

If you’re like most Americans, you don’t have enough life insurance— so if anything ever happened to you, your loved ones could be hurt even more. Without your income, fi nancial hardship could add to their sorrow.

That’s where the NEA Members Insurance Trust comes in. We’re your best choice for life insurance—because we’re a diff erent kind of insurer. We serve NEA members exclusively, with superior benefi ts and preferred pricing.

Come feel the love at mynealife.com ® Or call 1-855-NEA-LIFE (1-(55-632-5433) NEA Members Insurance Trust for more information.

Enter for your chance to win $1,000! Just tell us who you love and why. Go to mynealife.com for complete details. Then, submit a brief love story and an optional photo by October 15, 2012. $1,000 CONTEST Learn all about love and life insurance. Visit mynealife.com to see how much coverage you and your family really need. September is NEA Life Insurance Awareness Month

Promotion conducted between 8/13/12 and 10/15/12. Sponsor/Operator is NEA Members Insurance Trust. Offer open only to NEA members. For details and off cial rules, visit mynealife.com. Odds of winning depend on number of eligible entries submitted. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER TO WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED. LI380912

38361_StateAds_LIAM_OH_071612.inddBLACK YELLOWMAGENTA 1 CYAN 38361_StateAds_LIAM_OH_1-1.pgs 07.16.2012 14:437/16/12 2:27 PM EXTRA CREDIT

Clermont Northeastern EA’s mobile food pantry helps those in need

n May 7, members of the Clermont Northeastern At Clermont Northeastern, about 50 percent of the OEducation Association (CNEA) sponsored a mobile students receive free breakfast and lunch. The teachers food pantry for needy members of their community. wanted to assist struggling community members as Individual CNEA members donated the $500 to have they started the summer months without these services. the Inter-Parish Ministry bring a truck containing 5,000 Participating families completed paperwork to be eligible pounds of food to the parking lot between the CNEA to receive additional services through the Inter-Parish middle and high schools. Ministry food pantries, school supply outreach and other Teachers and counselors had identified and invited services. Inter-Parish Ministry operates food pantries in needy families to participate in the distribution of free Batavia and Newtown, Ohio. food. Families had their choice of bread products, cereals, fresh produce, potatoes, pasta dinners, baking supplies, canned goods and frozen meats. Each family received about 50 pounds of food. Teachers unpacked the “It was a very warm afternoon and products, restocked the tables and acted as escorts many of our volunteers became and baggers for the shoppers. The mobile food pantry assisted more than 300 sunburned. It was a glow that reflected Clermont Northeastern School District residents their happiness at being able to help including families, senior citizens and preschoolers. the needy in their community.” The district is located just east of . MARTY RAVEN, COUNSELOR CLERMONT NORTHEASTERN MIDDLE SCHOOL

photos courtesy of Marty Rauen

Clermont Northeastern teachers assist community Teachers and student volunteers help shoppers by pushing the grocery carts shoppers in completing paperwork. from table to table.

OHIO SCHOOLS SEPTEMBER 2012 9 Register now for the 2012 Law & Citizenship Conference oin fellow educators and people-in–the-know n Continuing education contact hours and Ashland JSeptember 23-24 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Dublin, University graduate credit are available to all Ohio, for the 2012 Law & Citizenship Conference. At this participants. year’s conference, you’ll discuss current hot topics related For detailed conference information visit www.oclre.org. to civics, government and the law, and learn innovative Questions, comments, or concerns can be addressed teaching strategies and methodologies as well as to Tim Kalgreen at [email protected] or 877 485 3510. advanced content. The 2012 conference helps meet your classroom needs: n Keynote sessions from Jon Law & Citizenship Husted, and Ohio Democratic Party Chairman Chris Conference registration Redfern will focus on Ohio elections. n Breakout sessions will focus on technology, education- al uses of social media, political parties, political ads, literacy through the social studies, financial literacy, and more! n Conference favorite Jane Ann Craig from the State Bar of Texas Law Related Education will make her final trip to Columbus for the Law & Citizenship Conference. n Attendees will receive flash drives of lessons, resources, websites, and other materials relating to every session at the conference. photos by Michele Prater 1. 2. OEA kicks off Educator Appreciation Night with the Columbus Crew! Thank you, Educators! In appreciation for all that OEA members do 3. for their students, the Ohio Education Association was honored to team up with the Columbus Crew to sponsor Educator Appreciation Night on Saturday, July 14. Nearly 2,000 OEA members and their families attended the game vs. Sporting Kansas City. Upon entering the stadium, fans received a team poster that they could take to the post-game Autograph Alley, where they could meet the players, get autographs and take photos. Before the game started, many members stopped by the OEA tent to register for a chance to win Crew merchandise and tickets to a future Crew game. The first 200 received special on-field access, allowing them to welcome the Crew players onto the field. The evening also featured discounted prices on tickets, food and beverages. 4. Mt. Vernon Middle School teacher Wendy Cagle was the winner of the 2012 OEA “Crew Takes over Your School.” Cagle, along with her fellow educators and families, had the highest number in attendance at the game of any Ohio school. The “Crew Takes over Your School” prize includes a day of special activities and surprises for students, teachers and staff—including a possible appearance by Crew Cat, the Columbus Crew’s official mascot.

1. OEA members and their families waiting for on-field access before the game.

2. Slappin’ hands with the Columbus Crew players in the field’s Welcome tunnel.

5. 3. Members and their families register at the OEA information tent for a chance to win Crew merchandise and prizes.

4. Jim Watson, right, from the Mentor Education Association won an autographed soccer ball.

5. The winner of four tickets to an upcoming Crew game was Kimberly Williams from Worthington Education Association.

6. Ginger Stover from the Allen East Education Association won a Columbus Crew stadium replica.

6. OHIO SCHOOLS SEPTEMBER 2012 11 OhioSchools Create a Cover Contest ENTER OUR 15TH ANNUAL How to enter: STUDENT ART CONTEST Artwork must be VERTICAL 8-1/2” x 11”. For purposes of our Ohio Schools is once again looking for some creative cover publication, it is critical that artwork ideas. . . and students’ thoughts on what they enjoy most is vertical. Any media may be used. about school—whether it’s a teacher, friends, school Artwork should not include text or lunches, recess, gym, band or biology. the Ohio Schools name. All students enrolled in grades K-12 in public schools in On the back of each design, students must Ohio are eligible to enter our annual design competition. clearly print: Students should design a cover that best expresses their Name ideas on “What I like most about my school.” School name Teacher name School address and phone number Age and Grade he best design will be featured as the cover for the June 2013 Group A: grades K, 1–4 issue of Ohio Schools. In addition, the grand prize winner will : grades 5–8 receive a $50 gift certificate to Barnes and Noble Bookstores. Group B Winners of each category will have their work featured inside Group C: grades 9–12 Tthe June 2013 issue and will receive a $25 gift certificate to Barnes and Group D: electronic art Noble Bookstores. Teachers of the winning students will also receive a $25 gift certificate to Barnes and Noble. Designs must be received by All students who submit designs will receive an Ohio Schools Cover January 30, 2013. Design Competition certificate of participation. Due to the large number of entries received, teachers are asked to Please send all entries to: pre-select the best student designs for contest submission. Entries that Ohio Schools Create A Cover Contest do not adhere to contest rules and guidelines will be disqualified. 225 East Broad Street Box 2550 Columbus, OH 43216

12 OHIO SCHOOLS SEPTEMBER 2012 ASSOCIATION

Healing and a new beginning in Chardon

Though nothing will ever be the same, the staff and community of Chardon have worked hard so that students can return to a normal school year following the February 27 shooting that left three students dead and another three injured.

Front Row (sitting from left) Lynn Monaco (Chardon EA Secretary); Tracey Best (Chardon EA Treasurer), Pat Frost-Brooks (OEA President). Back Row (standing from left) Dave Saywell (former NEOEA President); Tammy Segulin (Chardon EA President); Ken Shieff (Chardon Classified President); Lily Eskelsen (NEA Vice President); Rod Dickinson (Chardon Classified Vice President); Marty Johnson (Chardon EA Vice President).

ementos sent by people from all After a continental breakfast and on our students and urged staff to Mover the world have been taken welcoming remarks by the presidents “Never let a tragedy define you or down. The Western Reserve Historical of the Chardon Education Association your students.” She went on to say, Society is assisting in efforts to archive and the Chardon Association of Clas- “You know the hundreds of moments each card, note and gift. Some sified Employees, Tammy Segulin and of courage and creativity and caring mementos, including the school Ken Shieff, featured guests offered and compassion that build this school lockers of the three students who died, words of encouragement and praise. community every day. Alert the were removed and given to the OEA President Patricia Frost- media to that! Tell your own friends victims’ families. In their place are Brooks spoke of moving ahead. “With and family and neighbors about why new lockers bearing plaques honoring honor and humility, we join you in you are so proud of what you are the students’ memories. remembering the lives and the accomplishing in your school. That’s On Tuesday, August 21, the staff dreams of those we lost,” said Frost- the real news.” gathered to rededicate themselves to Brooks. “With hope, we join you in North Eastern Ohio Education the upcoming new school year. The looking higher and moving forward.” Association President David Saywell Chardon Education Association She added, “Let us pledge to live on, expressed his admiration of Chardon organized a Welcome Back event, to remember and to take care of the and NEOEA locals for their steadfast which was attended by some 300 lives entrusted to us. Let us all truly community in the midst of chaos. people—including members of the give thanks for healing graces—and “NEOEA locals are like small Chardon Education Association and for the new beginnings as we start communities that all come together the Chardon Association of Classified this new year.” in times of need to support one Employees, Superintendent Joseph As she recounted some of her another,” Saywell said. “Whether Bergant and some of Chardon’s experiences teaching in Utah, NEA it’s through food donations or just administrators. The focus was on Vice President Lily Eskelsen empha- making a phone call, NEOEA locals the sharing of personal stories for a sized the everyday impact we have reached out to Chardon.” celebration of Chardon rather than a remembrance of the tragedy. OHIO SCHOOLS SEPTEMBER 2012 13 FEATURE

President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden Former Governor Mitt Romney and U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wisc.

some of the biggest contributions to the deficit like the Bush tax cuts, yet he opposed investments in college Education at Stake education, teacher-quality programs and Head Start. Frost-Brooks noted that Ryan has been a strong ally of both Governor in 2012 Campaign John Kasich and Governor Scott A Romney-Ryan budget jeopardizes student programs and Walker of Wisconsin in his home President Obama’s investments in pre-K to college education state—both of them strong foes of public employee unions, especially he nomination of Paul those representing educators. Ryan as Mitt Romney’s vice Based on Romney’s enthusiastic presidential running mate support of the Ryan budget, chil- has significantly raised the dren and public education would stakesT for public schools in the 2012 shoulder an outsized share of the presidential race. responsibility for balancing the A Romney-Ryan administra- nation’s budget while the super- tion would mean bad news for Pell wealthy would enjoy significant tax Grants to college students, sup- cuts. According to an NEA survey port of federal aid to local schools, of analysts and economists, here are Head Start for fewer preschoolers the major impacts of Ryan’s propos- and curtailment of a wide range of “I urge you to review the Rom- als for the federal budget: programs affecting child-care and ney-Ryan budget and its implications ■ It would eliminate more than children’s healthcare. for education,” said OEA President 190,000 Head Start slots for poor Romney moves even farther to Patricia Frost-Brooks. “We cannot children by 2014 and result in the right with the choice of Ryan. A go back to the top-down policies more than 2 million children fervent conservative, Ryan also has that have hurt the middle class and being shut out of the preschool earned a reputation as an ardent threatened educational opportunity program over the next 10 years. budget-cutter, known for slash- for our students—from early child- ■ The Ryan budget cuts Title I by ing vital resources and services for hood to college. The Romney-Ryan $2.7 billion, reducing or eliminat- working families. ticket gives us a clear choice this year, ing services for 4 million K-12 Mitt Romney had already said and I believe that middle-class voters students. will continue to support the work of he does not believe smaller class ■ IDEA cuts in the Ryan budget Barack Obama and Joe Biden.” sizes affect student success. And he affecting special education pro- “Ryan’s budget proposals would has a record of cutting pre-K and grams would be more than $2.2 run up trillion-dollar deficits to pay Kindergarten funding in Massachu- billion, and Romney has pro- for tax loopholes for the super-rich,” setts while raising college fees. posed a national voucher system Frost-Brooks said. He voted for to replace the program entirely.

14 OHIO SCHOOLS SEPTEMBER 2012 Bus drivers deserve respect, says support professional Kelly Grimm “If a kid makes the has worked at both the Hilliard and honor roll, I say Dublin schools near Columbus as a congratulations to the driver. In Hilliard, he took charge of hundreds of students during recess kid. I don’t give the breaks as a noontime aide. bus driver the credit.” His work with students involves Mitt Romney at a Zanesville, extensive training and grace under Ohio rally, August 14, 2012 pressure, so he does not under- stand why school districts continue or Kelly Grimm, Mitt Romney’s to outsource transportation services Fquote about how little bus to private companies, other than a “You’re a counselor, a nurse- drivers matter to the academic never-ending search to figure out maid and a guardian—all in success of students was the savings and budget cuts. ultimate out-of-touch insult. A John Kasich supporter in the one. You keep 40 kids safe “After a while these students 2010 governor’s race, Grimm now while other drivers are dialing are yours, and it’s an important regrets recommending the Repub- on their cell phones and drink- responsibility. I had one student lican candidate to his friends and ing lattes.” on medication tell me, ‘Mr. Kelly, colleagues. “My friends, including please watch me. If I go to sleep, I many in law enforcement, always Kelly Grimm, bus driver, might die.’ I know I’ve had a posi- supported Republicans, but that is Dublin Schools, OEA member tive impact on these kids.” changing.” Grimm comes by his career as “To me it’s this simple,” Grimm an education support professional said. “Romney is worth $300 mil- had a cheeseburger last? We’re sup- honestly. His mother was a bus lion and Barack Obama is worth port professionals, not fat cats, and driver for 10 years, and he himself about $3 million. Who do you think proud of what we do.”

■ Ryan’s budget would cut Pell Romney also plans to reinsert As state legislators cut educa- Grants to more than 9 million banks as the providers of federally tion budgets all over the country, college students by more than guaranteed student loans, repealing Obama fought for funding to $1,000 in 2014, and, over the one of President Barack Obama’s save the jobs of 400,000 educators, next decade, more than 1 million signature education achievements. including more than 11,000 school students would lose this aid By turning Medicare into a jobs in Ohio. entirely. voucher plan, senior citizens would With the President’s Education ■ Health care and anti-hunger have to pay about $6,350 more per Jobs Fund, Ohio received $361 mil- programs directed at poor chil- year, according to an analysis by the lion to keep teachers in the class- dren, people with disabilities non-partisan Congressional Budget room and limit class size. and the elderly would likewise Office. Seniors would face a delay President Obama made college bear a disproportionate share of in Medicare eligibility, from age 65 more affordable by doubling fund- Ryan’s budget medicine. to age 67. Nearly three-quarters of ing for Pell Grants, increasing the Americans opposed the Medicare number of recipients from 6 million ■ The Ryan budget would cut plan Ryan proposed last year. to 9 million since 2008. He achieved Medicaid by one-third over a this, in part, by eliminating the decade and convert the Supple- middlemen from the college-loan mental Nutrition Assistance program, taking away billions of Program (SNAP) into a block BARACK OBAMA’S KEY taxpayer dollars that were going grant. Fully one-third of Amer- ACCOMPLISHMENTS to the banks instead of to students. ica’s children rely on Medicaid IN PUBLIC EDUCATION Obama’s American Opportunity for their health care. Similarly, Tax Credit will have helped an most SNAP recipients are chil- As President, Barack Obama estimated 9.4 million students and dren or seniors. has stood up for educators, public families in 2011. “The Romney-Ryan team has education, our schools and our proposed trillions of dollars in new students. tax cuts for millionaires paid for by President Obama’s FY 2013 eliminating unspecified tax breaks budget provides a larger percentage for middle-class workers, as well increase to education than to any as deep cuts in education and other category of investment or spending. investments we need to grow,” Frost-Brooks said. OHIO SCHOOLS SEPTEMBER 2012 15 COVER STORY Vote YES on Issue 2, Voters First Amendment for redistricting reform Voters First and Early Voting Our political system is broken. Extreme partisan politicians and special interests repeatedly rig the system for their own benefit. Issue 2 would make our system accountable, fair and impartial so that no political party or special interest can rig the system to their own advantage.

he Voters First Constitutional Assembly. But Democrats did FEDERAL JUDGE TAmendment to reform redistrict- similar things when they had control RESOLVES EARLY ing in Ohio is now on the ballot as in the past. VOTING CONTROVERSY “Issue 2 is common-sense reform Yes On Issue 2, thanks to more than On August 31, U.S. District Court that is a step in the right direction 300,000 valid signatures filed with the Judge Peter C. Economus resolved toward fixing a broken system. It Ohio Secretary of State’s office. at least part of the controversy will make how we draw district The constitutional amendment over early voting in Ohio, allowing lines more accountable, transparent would create a 12-member indepen- Ohioans to vote during the last three and balanced,” said OEA President dent citizens commission to draw days before the election—Saturday, Patricia Frost-Brooks. legislative district lines after each Sunday and Monday, November 3-5. “Voting Yes on Issue 2 is so 10-year census. Four Republicans, “On balance, the right of Ohio vot- important because it ensures that four Democrats and four non-affili- ers to vote in person during the last neither party can unfairly dominate ated voters would serve, requiring a three days prior to Election Day—a state politics, or rig the system to seven-person majority for any vote. right previously conferred to all voters their own advantage. That will send Voting Yes on Issue 2 would by the state—outweighs the state’s a message to all politicians that Ohio end decades of single-party design interest in setting the 6 p.m. Friday is tired of politics as usual. We want of legislative districts. Republicans deadline,” Economus wrote in his to put an end to the gridlock and the have had control recently, design- preliminary injunction order. back-room deals that are plaguing ing districts to ensure they will have Early voting became the focus our government.” majority control of the Ohio General of controversy this year, despite a growing trend toward both early in-person voting and no-fault absentee voting in recent years. Absentee voting was never in question. You can get an absentee ballot right now from the Ohio Secretary of State’s office or your county Board of Elections office. Just return the ballot postmarked by November 5 and it will be counted. But the issue of early in-person voting became a battle after Governor Kasich signed legislation that effectively eliminated the Saturday, Sunday and Monday early voting days preceding Election Day. Also, some county boards of elections decided to keep weekend early voting, and some did not. ➤ CONTINUED ON PAGE 18 16 OHIO SCHOOLS SEPTEMBER 2012 Troy Government teacher's students explore redistricting problems “Like most people, I was surprised to learn how much data manipulation can oc- cur and how district lines can detract from competitiveness between the political par- ties,” Yunker said. In class last fall, Yunker and his students used the news stories from the Dayton Daily News and The Columbus Dispatch, as well as tools from the Redraw Ohio competition, which gave anyone the opportunity to use data and redraw legislative districts. “I gave students some of the same data that legislators used,” Yunker said. “I didn’t have the students actually submit their map for the Draw the Line contest, but I was really surprised by their work and under- standing of the process. “We used a map from the Ohio Secretary of State’s office with the population per Keith Yunker, American Government photo by James DeCamp county. And we looked at whether we saw instructor, Troy High School contiguous areas or unusual shapes and why those shapes might exist.” Troy High School’s veteran government The students were shocked when they went through the proposed redistricting maps this year teacher Keith Yunker helps students explore and the different maps submitted by high school and col- redistricting in real-time current events study lege students and others for the redrawing contest. “Most of the people submitting maps did a better job or Keith Yunker, an 18-year veteran social studies than the state legislators,” Yunker said. “If average citizens Fteacher at Troy High School in western Ohio, can draw a map better than the , redistricting offers the perfect opportunity for hands-on there’s something wrong here. Students came up with map study and discussion by his senior American Government ideas that would keep counties and cities intact and get rid students, and his classes followed the controversial map- of unusually shaped districts.” drawing process in real time last year. As to controversies that continue over redistricting and “I’ve always tried to emphasize in class how the the Voters First Amendment—now the Yes on Issue 2 cam- political system works, including apportionment and paign—Yunker anticipates more class discussion on cur- reapportionment every 10 years,” Yunker said. “The worst rent events. “People are so unsure about the redistricting gerrymandering is no longer legal, but there is enough data process and what can happen. We need to teach our kids publicly available to manipulate the shape of legislative about this, but it’s also an awareness piece for us as adults. districts and influence outcomes of elections. I ask the students to talk with their parents at home about “But more and more, I’ve been asking, how does the this issue, like most issues we cover in class,” Yunker said. system work and is there a better way? I went to the Ohio “After all, we went through this whole effort to expand the Center for Law-Related Education (OCLRE) conference last right to vote, but are we still denying some people the right year, and redistricting was the big topic of discussion.” to vote in a meaningful way? At OCLRE, Yunker met representatives of the Midwest “As a nation we believe in a government ‘of and for Democracy Network, a coalition that includes the League the people’ and that our vote is our voice. We owe it to of Women Voters of Ohio, Ohio Citizen Action’s Money in ourselves, and those that have fought so hard to guarantee Politics Project, Common Cause Ohio and Ohio Votes, as and expand the right to vote, to ensure our political voices well as volunteers from the Brennan Center for Justice. are not minimized.” He became more familiar with the population data and redistricting rules and standards.

OHIO SCHOOLS SEPTEMBER 2012 17 VOTING IN OHIO IN THE 21ST CENTURY A short timeline of twists and turns A crisis of confidence, then reforms – then reforms undone by politics

November 2000 Widely called the Voter Suppression Presidential election thrown to the Act by its critics, HB 194 restricts U.S. Supreme Court after Florida early in-person voting and eliminates recount reveals irregularities with some early voting hours. machine-read ballots. In an election decided by a handful of votes July 2011 in Florida, nearly 2 million votes Ohio legislators pass and Governor were disqualified nationwide when Kasich signs HB 224, which registered inaccurately by voting Republicans interpret as banning machines. early in-person voting during the last three days before an election. Fall 2002 ➤ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 16 The Help America Vote Act passes September 2011 with bipartisan support and President Fair Elections Ohio submits more George W. Bush’s signature, than 300,000 petition signatures, “The rigged redistricting process, multiple laws mandating an end to punch card enough to put the repeal of HB 194 to change early voting and even attempts to ballots and lever-based voting on the November 2012 ballot and machines. Election officials across prevent the law from being enforced. purge voter rolls appear to be part of an overall the country begin searching for more plan to give the advantages to one side in this accurate voting machines. May 2012 Ohio legislators vote to repeal House election. The Citizens United Supreme Court November 2004 Bill 194, which restricted early voting. Long lines at polling places keep They leave intact HB 224, which ruling also allows unlimited corporate contribu- thousands of Ohioans from casting eliminated early voting the Saturday, tions and spending in this election, so we will votes. Ohio’s voting systems are still Sunday and Monday before elections. in transition to new machines. Secretary of State says have to work hard at the grass roots level to the repeal will mean the referendum even the playing field as much as we can.” 2005-2006 to repeal HB 194 will not appear on Ohio adopts “no-fault” absentee the ballot. Fair Elections Ohio, the PATRICIA FROST-BROOKS balloting in House Bill 234 in 2005, referendum committee, vows to OEA PRESIDENT with slight corrections to the bill keep it on the ballot. passed as House Bill 3 in early 2006, making it possible for any July 2012 Democrats, who usually supported weekend early voter to vote by mail for the sake of Obama campaign officials sue to convenience. Ohio law also changes restore in-person voting the last voting, found Republicans voting with them in GOP- to allow early in-person voting, three days before the election, dominated counties while opposing weekend voting in mostly at county boards of elections. arguing that 93,000 Ohioans voted highly populated urban counties. those days in 2008. Secretary of State Jon Husted responded by issuing a Fall 2008 directive that mandates uniform early voting days and hours Ohio votes under new early voting August 2012 and absentee voting rules, and more Secretary of State Husted issues a in every county, starting October 2 and ending November 2. than 1.7 million Ohioans vote early directive to eliminate early voting on In the first three weeks, early voting will take place Monday in person or by absentee ballot— weekends throughout Ohio, following through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. In the final two weeks before nearly 30% of all votes cast. Early/ news reports that Republicans the November 6 election, early voting will be 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., absentee voting minimizes waiting on county Boards of Elections Husted decreed. and lines. Barack Obama wins opposed weekend voting in highly Ohio, and Democrats win an Ohio populated Democrat strongholds in Uniformity outraged some Democrats, and the House majority. An estimated 93,000 urban areas while Republicans in controversy grew even more heated after Franklin County Ohioans vote on the last three days GOP stronghold counties approved GOP Chair Doug Preisse said in an interview with The of early in-person voting. weekend voting. Two Dayton Columbus Dispatch, “I guess I really actually feel we elections officials who questioned shouldn’t contort the voting process to accommodate the Fall 2010 his directive are fired. More than 25 percent of Ohioans urban—read African-American—voter-turnout machine. . . voting cast their votes early by October 2-November 2, 2012 Let’s be fair and reasonable.” absentee or early in-person voting. Current window for early in-person Husted fired two members of the Montgomery County Republicans win all statewide voting. In late August, a federal Board of Elections, Democrats Thomas Ritchie Sr. and offices and control the 2012-2022 judge rules Ohioans can vote Dennis Lieberman, for failing to follow his directive to redistricting and reapportionment early in-person during the last process. three days before the November 6 eliminate weekend early voting the week before. That election. Mail-in absentee ballots action led to protests at Husted’s office and a rally against July 2011 must be postmarked by Monday, the ruling at the Franklin County Board of Elections. Governor Kasich signs HB 194, November 5. which passed on strict party lines. How they voted on SB 5 fter the successful repeal of Senate Bill 5 last year, we need to remember Awhich legislators stood with us to protect public education by voting NO on SB 5. In November, we can choose to send the legislators who introduced and supported SB 5 back to the General Assembly or, instead, we can Stand Up and support candidates who believe in our values, who hear our voices. The list below shows how members of the Ohio General Assembly vot- ed on SB 5. Please remember that with redistricting, the district numbers that candidates will be running for may have changed; only the even-numbered districts plus SD 1 will appear on the November 2012 ballot. For additional information on OEA’s recommended candidates, please see the Campaign 2012 Election Guide in this edition of Ohio Schools.

Ohio legislators who stood with us and against us on Senate Bill 5 State Senators who Voted YES on SB 5 Kevin Bacon (R-SD3) Bill Beagle (R-SD5) Gary Cates (R-SD4)* David Daniels (R-SD17)* Keith Faber (R-SD12) Karen Gilimor (R-SD26)* Cliff Hite (R-SD1) Shannon Jones (R-SD7) (R-SD19) Frank LaRose (R-SD27) Peggy Lehner (R-SD6) Larry Obhof (R-SD22) Tim Schaffer (R-SD31) Jimmy Stewart (R-SD20)* Mark Wagoner (R-SD2) Chris Widener (R-SD10) Tom Niehaus (R-SD14)*

State Senators who Voted NO on SB 5 Edna Brown (D-SD11) Capri Cafaro (D-SD32) Tim Grendell (R-SD18)* Jim Hughes (R-SD16) Eric Kearney (D-SD9) (R-SD13) (R-SD29) (R-SD24) Tom Sawyer (D-SD28) Joe Schiavoni (D-SD33) (R-SD8) Michael Skindell (D-SD23) Shirley Smith (D-SD21) Charleta Tavares (D-SD15) Nina Turner (D-SD25) Jason Wilson (D-SD30)*

State Representatives who Voted YES on SB 5 John Adams (R-HD78) Richard Adams (R-HD79) Ron Amstutz (R-HD3) Marlene Anielski (R-HD17) Nan Baker (R-HD16) Troy Balderson (R-HD94)** Peter Beck (R-HD67) Terry Blair (R-HD38) (R-HD29) Terry Boose (R-HD58) Andrew Brenner (R-HD2) (R-HD88)* Jim Buchy (R-HD77) David Burke (R-HD83)** Jim Butler (R-HD37) William Coley (R-HD55) (R-HD54)* Tim Derickson (R-HD53) Mike Dovilla (R-HD18) (R-HD21) Anne Gonzales (R-HD19) (R-HD74) Cheryl Grossman (R-HD23) Bob Hackett (R-HD84) Christina Hagan (R-HD50) Dave Hall (R-HD97) Bill Hayes (R-HD91) (R-HD36) Richard Hollington (R-HD98)* Jay Hottinger (R-HD71) Matt Huffman (R-HD4) Al Landis (R-HD96) Ron Maag (R-HD35) Todd McKenney (R-HD43)* (R-HD70)* Jeffrey McClain (R-HD82) Bob Peterson (R-HD85) Kristina Roegner (R-HD42) Bob Mecklenborg (R-HD30)* (R-HD1) Kirk Schuring (R-HD51) Barbara Sears (R-HD46) Cliff Rosenberger (R-HD86) Margaret Ruhl (R-HD90) Peter Stautberg (R-HD34) Gerald Stebelton (R-HD5) Lynn Slaby (R-HD41)* Robert Sprague (R-HD76) Lynn Wachtmann (R-HD75) (R-HD63) Andy Thompson (R-HD93) Joe Uecker (R-HD66)† William Batchelder (R-HD69)

State Representatives who Voted NO on SB 5 Nickie Antonio (D-HD13) Michael Ashford (D-HD48) John Barnes, Jr. (D-HD12) (D-HD8) John Carey (R-HD87) John P. Carney (D-HD22) (D-HD24)* Kathleen Clyde (D-HD68) Tim DeGeeter (D-HD15)* Denise Driehaus (D-HD31) Teresa Fedor (D-HD47) (D-HD62)* Michael Foley (D-HD14) Randy Gardner (R-HD6) † (D-HD20)* Lou Gentile (D-HD95) ** Ron Gerberry (D-HD59) Jay Goyal (D-HD73)* Bob Hagan (D-HD60) Tracy Heard (D-HD26) Terry Johnson (R-HD89) Casey Kozlowski (R-HD99) Tom Letson (D-HD64) Clayton Luckie (D-HD39)* Matt Lundy (D-HD57) Dale Mallory (D-HD32) Ross McGregor (R-HD72) Zack Milkovich (D-HD45) Dennis Murray (D-HD80)* Sean O’Brian (D-HD65) (D-HD61)* Bill Patmon (D-HD10) Debbie Phillips (D-HD92) Connie Pillich (D-HD28) (D-HD56) Alicia Reece (D-HD33) Stephen Slesnick (D-HD52) Michael Stinziano (D-HD25) Vernon Sykes (D-HD44) Matt Szollosi (D-HD49) W.C. Weddington (D-HD27)* Sandra Williams (D-HD11) Roland Winburn (D-HD40) Kenny Yuko (D-HD7)*

* No longer a member of the Ohio General Assembly/ Will not appear on the November 2012 Ballot ** Currently a member of the Ohio Senate † Currently running for a seat in the Ohio Senate

OHIO SCHOOLS SEPTEMBER 2012 19 FEATURE

1. 2.

3. 4. 5. 6. photos by Susie Lehman OEA 2012 Leadership Academy emphasizes political action and professional advocacy OEA MEMBERS FOCUS ON WORKING TOGETHER TO TRANSFORM PUBLIC SCHOOLS At OEA, our education reform agenda is centered Over 400 teachers and support professionals on students. Our members are deeply committed throughout Ohio gathered at the Hyatt Regency, to student success, and everything we do is built Columbus, August 6-8 for the 2012 OEA on that foundation. But we cannot transform public Leadership Academy, “Leadership and Advocacy: schools all by ourselves. We must hold everyone Together, Making a Difference.” accountable for student success—teachers, students, parents and elected officials. This year’s ambitious agenda focused on the leadership, collective bargaining, communications, That means getting to know the professional issues organizing, political action and professional in public schools as never before. It also means advocacy skills needed to be a leader in the playing an active role in electoral campaigns—not current education environment. only in issues like the Voters First Amendment for redistricting, but also to elect candidates who are In her opening address, OEA President Patricia solid supporters of public education. Most important, Frost-Brooks spoke of one of the overriding themes we need to be active organizers around our causes to be addressed in this year’s Leadership Academy: and issues in order to involve more members, the need to be prepared to stand up for our students, parents and students in our efforts. our schools, our jobs and our communities. PATRICIA FROST-BROOKS, OEA PRESIDENT ollowing the president’s welcome, keynote speaker Will Robinson, a founding partner of The New Media Firm and a well-known advertising and political strategist, talked with OEA members aboutF the attacks on public education and on the education professions. As Robinson said, quoting the Game of Thrones, a medieval fantasy television series, “Winter is coming. A time of hardship is upon us. And the dragons—once thought to be dead—are returning.” He spoke of how the attacks sometimes come from well-intentioned reformers, sometimes from political operatives. But no matter where 7. 8. the attacks come from, Robinson stressed, we must be prepared to respond decisively. “We must think about how we will use our size, our influence and our credibility.” After Robinson spoke, three local leaders shared their personal experiences on the front lines during the past two years: Mandy Bankert, this year’s winner of OEA’s John F. Kennedy scholarship award who has served as president of the Malvern Education Association; Kelli Green, now serving as president of the Perry Certified Teachers Association and winner of this year’s OEA Media for Public Service award in recognition of her leadership in the SB 5 campaign; and David Romick, president of the Dayton Education Association, who was recently honored by the White House as a “Champion of Change” for his work to improve the overall quality of education in Dayton schools. All three of these member leaders started out as 9. volunteers and emerged as highly capable activists, 1. Patricia Frost-Brooks advocates and leaders. Today, they are truly helping challenges attendees. educators reframe debate about public education and 2. Kathy Harper, Ohio Depart- shaping the future of our profession. ment of Education, discusses In the School of Collective Bargaining, members learned performance standards. that they must continually adjust their thinking and 3. Alison Roberts, OEA staff strategies. They must change bargaining tactics to meet 4. David Romick, Dayton EA new realities—in the economy, politics and the way the President, discusses public looks at unions and public education. leadership and activism. The School of Professional Advocacy offered 5. Piet Van Lier, Policy Matters 10. participants a course focused on strategies for developing Ohio, on the legislative and collective voice and power, while two others addressed political context the specific issues of teacher evaluation and performance 6. Kelli Green, leader activist compensation. and President of Perry CTA All conference attendees had the opportunity to 7. Mandy Bankert, Malvern Edu- join the NEA Member Benefits sessions that offered cation Association, panelist information about getting the most for your dues dollars, on volunteering and activism avoiding costly financial mistakes, retirement planning 8. OEA member candidates and opportunities for both professional development and Donna O’Connor, left, and Maureen Reedy, right, talk for-credit degree programs. politics with Joyce Beatty, District leaders organized the OEA Has Talent contest, candidate for Congress, at the with contributions going to the OEA/NEA Fund for OEA welcome party for politi- 11. Children and Public Education. The 2012 Academy also cal candidates. hosted a legislative gathering at the Big Bang Piano Bar, 9. Jill Jackson, Ohio Department which was attended by more than a dozen Ohio legislators of Jobs and Family Services, and legislative candidates, as well as members of the Ohio examines bullying. State Board of Education. 10. OEA Executive Director Larry At the close of the conference, OEA President Frost- Wicks, House candidate for HD 2 Ellen Haring, and Tina Brooks thanked the members for attending and summed up Adams, Mansfield Education the message of the academy: “Leaders are like gardeners. Association ESP 12. As leaders we are not only responsible for harvesting our 11. Members practice message 12.The Reframing the Education own success, but also for cultivating the success of the next and interview techniques in Debate brochure employs a generation.” a session on “Reframing the message triangle. Education Debate.” 21

MAKING THE GRADE White House honors David Romick as “Champion of Change”

n Tuesday, August 21, the OWhite House honored OEA member and Dayton Education Association (DEA) President David Romick as a “Champion of Change.” Romick and 12 other dis- tinguished school turnaround lead- ers from across the country were recognized for their roles in build- ing a culture of high expectations, improving instruction and elevat- ing the overall quality of education in their schools. Currently serving his first two- year term as President of the DEA, Romick has been involved in union activities for fifteen years. He has been instrumental in implementing dramatic changes to help close the achievement gap in Dayton Public Schools. His simple philosophy, “Focus on the Local,” has contribut- ed to creating a cooperative atmo- sphere within the school district. Dayton Education Association President David Romick “There’s a longstanding attitude that this needs to remain an ‘us-ver- “We’re here to serve the students. That’s the bottom line, and sus-them’ situation,” Romick says of collaboration is the only way to get there.” the idea that unions and administra- tors are enemies. “We’re at a point now where things have to change, on academics. Back then, only “His leadership in reform and things have to move forward. We’re 30 percent of freshmen completed union-management collaboration here to serve the students. That’s the their coursework to become initiatives has enabled the trans- bottom line, and collaboration is the sophomores. Romick, who was formation of lower-performing only way to get there.” a teacher at Belmont at the time, schools in his community,” said One Dayton school, Belmont worked closely with administrators NEA President Dennis Van Roekel. High School, was chosen by NEA’s and school staff to increase college- “Romick and fellow education lead- Priority Schools Campaign to level test participation, decrease ers in Dayton, Ohio, understand the demonstrate the power of union- student discipline and violence importance of a steadfast principal, management collaboration. Prior issues, and raise promotion rates. a strong union, and a dedication on to 2009, Belmont High’s discipline By 2011, the number of freshmen both sides to the idea that persistent problems were so rampant that no who completed their coursework and honest collaboration is the only one at the school could truly focus had increased to 84 percent. sure way to save struggling schools.”

OHIO SCHOOLS SEPTEMBER 2012 23 ASSOCIATION n Approved the appointment of the ending August 31, 2015 and Kaleigh following to the Legislative Com- Bartula, representing OSEA, with a mittee: Leonard Donaldson, repre- term beginning September 1, 2012 OEA Board senting NWOEA, with a term begin- and ending August 31, 2013. ning September 1, 2012 and ending n Approved the appointment of the of Directors August 31, 2015, Kevin Jackson, following to the Organizing Strategy representing GLBTC, with a term Core Function Committee: Adrienne beginning September 1, 2012 and Bowden, representing Central OEA/ actions ending August 31, 2014 and Marisa NEA, with a term beginning Sep- Manocchio, representing OSEA, tember 1, 2012 and ending August t its meeting held August 9, the with a term beginning September 1, OEA Board of Directors approved 31, 2013 (filling the vacancy left upon A 2012 and ending August 31, 2013. the retirement of Jeff Kraner), Sue the following President’s recommen- n dations: Approved the appointment of the Cramer, representing NWOEA, with n following to the Resolutions Com- a term beginning September 1, 2012 Seated the following alternates at mittee: Dan Greenberg, representing and ending August 31, 2015, Kelsey this meeting: Tai Hayden represent- NWOEA, with a term beginning Wormley, representing OSEA, with ing Capital-2, Diana Ball represent- September 1, 2012 and ending a term beginning September 1, 2012 ing Central-5, Angela Stewart rep- August 31, 2015, Teri Mackey, and ending August 31, 2013. resenting ECOEA-3, Dave Saywell representing NEOEA, with a term n Approved the appointment of the representing NEOEA-1, Mary Alice beginning September 1, 2012 and Conkey representing NEOEA-6, following to the Professional Efficacy ending August 31, 2013 and Tony Core Function Committee: David Young representing WOEA-3. Mascazzini, representing OSEA, n Cheryl Williams, representing Appointed the following individuals with a term beginning September 1, Central OEA/NEA, with a term to the OEA Crisis Fund Task Force: 2012 and ending August 31, 2013. beginning September 1, 2012 and Tim Myers—Chair, Dan Corfman, n Approved the appointment of the ending August 31, 2013 (filling the Matthew Durham, Carla Fultz, following to the Collective Bargain- vacancy left upon the resignation of Jackie Hastilow, Tai Hayden, Tracy ing Core Function Committee: Patty Nyquist), September Kuebler, Linscott, Rich Packert, Jeff Pegg, Val- Deloris Rome Hudson, represent- representing GLBTC, with a term erie Roldan, Jennifer Shelton, Tim ing OEA-R, with a term beginning beginning September 1, 2012 and Skamfer, Pam Smith, André Taylor, September 1, 2012 and ending ending August 31, 2014 and Tara William Van Pelt. Pat Frost-Brooks, August 31, 2015, Steven Mitchell, Sandford, representing OSEA, with Bill Leibensperger, and Larry Wicks representing NEOEA, with a term a term beginning September 1, 2012 will serve as ex-officio members. beginning September 1, 2012 and and ending August 31, 2013. n Adopted the Proposed Resolutions ending August 31, 2015 and Bradley In other action, the Board for Consideration by the Board of Dalzell, representing OSEA, with a n Accepted the financial reports for Directors of the Ohio Education As- term beginning September 1, 2012 June 30, 2012. sociation for the following employee and ending August 31, 2013. n Approved a proxy selection process benefit plans: 401(k) Savings Plan, n Approved the appointment of the in hiring field UniServ staff during Group Benefit Plan, Management following to the Local Development the period of 9/1/12 to 2/28/13. Employees Pension Plan, Union and Training Core Function Com- n Pension Plan, Union Defined Contri- mittee: Robert McFee, representing Authorized from the Contingency bution Retirement Plan. NEOEA, with a term beginning Fund an expenditure of $650,000 to n Approved the Board committee September 1, 2012 and ending the Political Contributing Entity. assignments and committee liaison August 31, 2015, William Van Pelt n Approved a change in Board Policy assignments for the 2012-2013 year. II, representing SEOEA, with a 400.170, Expenses. n Accepted the resignation of Jerry term beginning September 1, 2012 n Accepted the report and recommen- Oberhaus, NEA Director #6, effec- and ending August 31, 2015, Jené dation of Attorney Michael Hunter tive 8/31/2012 for the term begin- Wilson, representing OADDP, with regarding the objections to the elec- ning 9/1/12 thru 8/31/15. a term beginning September 1, 2012 tion that were filed by a member of n Approved the appointment of and ending August 31, 2015 and the Stow-Munroe Falls Classified the following to the Convention Cassandra Marusa, representing Employees Association. Planning Committee: Kim Moore, OSEA, with a term beginning Sep- n tember 1, 2012 and ending August Approved supporting the Ohio Edu- representing Central OEA/NEA, cation Leaders (name to be changed) with a term beginning September 31, 2013. n by contributing up to $25,000 for 1, 2012 and ending August 31, 2015 Approved the appointment of the developing and implementing an and Melodie Provencher, represent- following to the Member Rights and ongoing public information cam- ing Higher Ed, with a term begin- Protection Core Function Com- paign to promote public education ning September 1, 2012 and ending mittee: Pat Homan, representing in Ohio. August 31, 2014. OADDP, with a term beginning n September 1, 2012 and ending Created a statewide task force to August 31, 2015, Jason Milczewski, examine the support OEA should representing GLBTC, with a term provide to locals that seek to pass 24 beginning September 1, 2012 and local levies. with determination, clarity of pur- the Ohio bar exam. She has always OEA staff news pose and understanding. She is a been willing to pitch in and assist staunch advocate and a person the regional staff with the latest RETIREMENTS of great integrity. For more than project or crisis. Kathleen has spent 37 years, her passion has been the last several years developing Rod Bird, LRC—Monroe, has union advocacy, and the OEA and implementing internal orga- announced his retirement. His family will miss her. nization plans for revitalizing the last day was August 31, 2012. Rod locals she works with in Summit, began his tenure with the OEA in Suzanne Kaszar, ComPAC, has Medina and Cuyahoga counties. 1998 as an LRC in the Mentor office. announced her retirement. Her last He then moved to the southwest- day was August 31, 2012. Suzanne Tom Renaud, LRC—Fairborn, has ern and western part of the state began her career at the OEA in retired effective August 31, 2012. where he continued his LRC work, 1985 as an assistant editor for Ohio Tom has been on the professional first in the Fairborn office and then Schools magazine. After serving as staff of the OEA for 17 years. He the Monroe office. Rod’s passion a regional Communications Con- began his career with the OEA in lies with the political venue for our sultant, she became an LRC in 1990. 1995 when he became an LRC in members. He is known to host par- She returned to communications Youngtown, Ohio. He then moved ties in his home to rally the troops work in 2000, and in 2003 trans- to the western part of Ohio where for political work. Rod’s colleagues ferred back to the field to serve he served as an LRC in the Troy describe him as colorful and tena- as the LRC for the Southampton and Fairborn offices for the rest of cious—two traits that one needs Service Council. She has worked his tenure. Tom is known for his to be a great LRC. Of special note, as a ComPAC since 2008. Suzanne colorful kid-friendly decorated Rod is known as not being able to is passionate about politics and office that kids love to visit, as well leave the office without immedi- people. For nearly 28 years, she has as his easy-go-lucky personality. ately coming back in because he demonstrated a strong commitment He always has a smile and a laugh has forgotten something—a file, his to supporting the rights of educa- to give out regardless of what the phone or car keys. His colleagues tors and OEA’s mission. situation is. Tom’s personality and hope that—at least a few times— camaraderie will be missed. Rod will forget that he retired and Vic Marchese, LRC—Boardman, will return for a visit. announced his retirement effective Diane Tieman, LRC—Fairborn, August 31, 2012. Vic began his em- retired on August 31, 2012. Diane Donna Eichelberger, Administra- ployment in 1999 and has remained began her career over 31 years ago tive Secretary—Field, Cincinnati, an LRC during his 13½ years of ser- in Cincinnati as an LRC and also has announced her retirement. For vice at the OEA. OEA thanks him served in the Dayton office for 8 more than 16 years, Donna has for his valuable contribution. years. In addition to her LRC work, supported several LRCs, and all Diane was a lobbyist for the organi- of them describe her as being the Linda May, LRC—Boardman, zation from 1992 to 1995. In 1995 she utmost professional. She is known retired on August 31, 2012. Linda settled in Fairborn with the Suburban for always being helpful and for began her employment in 1991 and County Line Service Council. Re- offering input. Her colleagues wish has remained an LRC during her gardless of the position she held, her all the best for a long, enjoyable duration at OEA. Her 21 years of Diane worked tireless hours, with retirement. service are greatly appreciated. the patience of a saint, a razor sharp brain in matters of collective bargain- Bonnie Joseph, LRC—Westerville, Kathleen O’Connell-Burton, ing and problem solving and a level has announced her retirement. LRC—Mayfield Heights, an- of fairness that is unmatched. She Her last day was August 31, 2012. nounced her retirement from the has helped resolve countless crisis Bonnie began her career at OEA in OEA after more than 11 years of situations and contracts, and she has 1988 as an independent contractor. staff work. Kathleen began her mentored new staff and members She served as an organizer before OEA career in 2001 in the Vermilion to create a new generation of union becoming an LRC in 1991. After office before moving to the May- leaders. Diane is the epitome of briefly serving in Governmental field Heights office. Prior to joining what a professional unionist should Services, she will end her career the OEA, she was a retired teacher be, and the OEA thanks her for her as an LRC for the Southampton from the South Euclid-Lyndhurst dedication. Service Council. For 25 years, School District. She had also ob- Bonnie has served OEA members tained her law degree and passed ➤ CONTINUED

OHIO SCHOOLS SEPTEMBER 2012 25 RETIREMENTS continued

Pat Turner, Collective Bargaining Cathy White, LRC—Annex, retired In his second term, Jim continued Consultant—OEA Headquarters, on August 31, 2012. Cathy began his commitment to focusing on announced her retirement effective her employment in 1999 in the maintaining the fiscal integrity of the August 31, 2012. Pat began her Youngstown office. In 2001, she OEA, focusing on health care issues career as a teacher at East Cleve- transferred to the Annex, where she as well as on re-establishing the OEA land City Public Schools. In the has served the South Central Service as the respected authority on issues 1980s, she participated in the OEA’s Council. As a passionate advocate affecting public school employees. Minority Internship Training and staunch defender of public edu- During his tenure as Secretary- Program as well as the NEA cation, Cathy’s 13½ years of service Treasurer, Jim’s work exemplified Internship Program. In 1988, Pat have been greatly appreciated. his belief that OEA must do joined OEA as an LRC in Region 4. everything possible to preserve During an organizational restruc- Jim Timlin education funding as well as turing, she seized the opportunity ended his economic security for OEA to work as a Collective Bargaining second three- members. As an officer he Consultant. While at OEA she year term as supported a strategy of organizing became a regular contributor to OEA Secretary- and mobilizing staff and members NEA’s UniServ Academy and NEA Treasurer effec- to affect a positive result in that Bargaining and Behaviors Cadres. tive August 31, regard. His dedication to OEA She also attended the Harvard 2012. James Timlin is greatly appreciated. Trade Union Program. Pat has As Secretary- always made time to offer guidance Treasurer, Jim served in many ca- and support to her colleagues. She pacities, such as chair of the Execu- is inspirational and compassionate tive Director Search Committee, the and will be greatly missed. MRDD Task Force, and the Diversity Task Force.

OEA-Retired Council Vacancies eclaration of Candidacy Forms, with a Dfiling deadline of September 17, 2012, ODE Race to the Top are available for the following three OEA- SAVE THE DATE: November 1-2 Retired Advisory Council vacancies: Greater Columbus Convention Center Capital (fulfill a term expiring 8/31/15) Central (fulfill a term expiring 8/31/14) Columbus, Ohio At-Large (fulfill a term expiring 8/31/14) These positions serve as automatic del- OHIO’S ANNUAL STATEWIDE egates to the OEA Representative Assem- EDUCATION CONFERENCE 2012 blies by virtue of office. Contact Carol Price at OEA toll-free, 800.282.1500, ext. 3169. Sponsored by the Office of Race to the Top NEA Director #6 Vacancy Declaration of Candidacy Forms, with Priority Registration now open! a filing deadline of September 17, 2012, are available for the NEA Director #6 vacancy (term beginning 9/1/12 thru All participating Race to the Top Local Education Agencies (LEAs) can 8/31/15). The election for this position register now for Ohio’s Annual Statewide Education Conference 2012. will be conducted at the Fall 2012 OEA RA. Contact Carol Price at OEA toll-free, See http://ohioedconference.wordpress.com for registration information. 800.282.1500, ext. 3169. HURRY! Registration opens statewide September 17, 2012. FEATURE BA Minimum Lowest BA Highest BA Average BA District Type Minimum Minimum Minimum

2011-2012 Ohio City (177) $25.805 $44,620 $34,465 Ex. Village (45) $26,417 $40.966 $32,390 teacher salaries Local (341) $23,660 $42,438 $32,064 The salary information in this report to Ohio Schools All Districts (607) $23,660 $44,620 $33,035 is furnished by OEA Research. The data were collected Low SES (197) $23,660 $42,333 $31,651 from the Association’s Contract Information System High SES (141) $30,245 $44,620 $36,223 (CIS) and crosschecked with State Employment Rela- Career Rate tions Board (SERB) salary benchmark reports. The lowest, highest and average salaries for three Lowest Highest Average Career Career Career experience and education levels are reported. The BA District Type Rate Rate Rate minimum, or base rate, is the salary for beginning teach- City (176) $45,004 $77,851 $59,328 ers with a bachelor’s degree and no experience. The ca- Ex. Village (45) $45,252 $72,510 $55,173 reer rate is the salary for teachers with a master’s degree Local (341) $39,572 $74,680 $53,921 and eleven years’ experience. The MA maximum is the All Districts (606) $39,572 $77,851 $56,037 highest salary level prior to longevity steps for teachers Low SES (196) $39,572 $68,085 $53,648 with a master’s degree. The 25th, 50th (median), and High SES (141) $52,681 $77,851 $62,952 75th percentiles are also reported for each of the three experience and education levels. MA Maximum City, exempted village and local school districts are Lowest Highest Average summarized separately. Joint vocational schools and MA MA MA District Type Maximum Maximum Maximum some educational service centers are included under all districts and among the salary rankings. Districts are City (176) $49,184 $93,208 $65,877 also divided by socio-economic status (SES). Low SES Ex. Village (45) $46,287 $87,890 $60,488 reflects either rural or poorer urban districts. High SES Local (341) $42,589 $88,725 $58,936 All Districts (606) $42,589 $93,028 $61,706 districts are typically wealthier suburban districts. The reported salary data do not include additional Low SES (192) $42,589 $78,025 $58,457 payments that are not directly contained in the salary High SES (141) $54,764 $93,028 $70,744 schedule. Nor, do the reported BA minimum amounts Percentiles reflect any agreement or practice of hiring new teachers BA Career MA at any step other than step zero of the salary schedule. Minimum Rate Maximum This decision was made to guarantee a consistent reporting methodology, following accepted research 25th $30,605 $51,280 $55,114 standards for ensuring the reliability and validity of the 50th (Median) $32,644 $54,933 $60,085 75th $35,192 $59,609 $66,574 reported data. As such, readers should be cognizant this report does Change in BA Minimum not include several factors (such as, actual step place- 2011-12 2010-11 ment for new hires, district “pick-up” of all or a portion over over 2010-11 2009-10 of teachers’ share of STRS, longevity payments, or any other additional payments to teachers) that increase total Average 0.55% 1.38% teacher salaries beyond salary schedule amounts. Mode 0.00% 0.00% Also, reported are percent changes in the BA mini- Percentile 25th 0.00% 0.00% mum over a two-year period (from the 2009-2010 school 50th (Median) 0.00% 1.50% year to the 2010-2011 school year and from the 2010-2011 75th 1.25% 2.00% school year to the 2011-2012 school year). Reported are Range the average and modal (most common) increases along less than 3.00% 97% 88% with the 25th, 50th (median), and 75th percentiles and 3.00% - 3.99% 2% 11% the frequency of a range of increase levels. 4.00% or higher 1% 1%

OHIO SCHOOLS SEPTEMBER 2012 27 Top BA Minimum Top Career Rate Top MA Maximum Rank Rank Rank 1 Orange City $44,620 1 Upper Arlington City $77,851 1 Rocky River City $93,028 2 Cuyahoga Valley JVSD $43,362 2 Orange City $77,817 2 Upper Arlington City $90,077 3 Upper Arlington City $42,893 3 Cuyahoga Heights Local $74,680 3 Orange City $89,240 4 Polaris JVSD $42,444 4 Mayfield City $74,309 4 Cuyahoga Heights Local $88,725 5 New Albany-Plain Local $42,438 5 Polaris JVSD $72,791 5 Indian Hill Ex Vill $87,890 6 Columbus City $42,333 6 Brecksville-Broadview Hts $72,574 6 Cuyahoga Valley JVSD $87,428 7 Miami Valley CTC $41,461 7 Chagrin Falls Ex Vill $72,510 7 Dublin City $86,385 8 Mayfield City $41,295 8 Cuyahoga Valley JVSD $72,239 8 Westlake City $85,747 9 Solon City $41,238 9 New Albany-Plain Local $71,720 9 Polaris JVSD $85,525 10 Wadsworth City $41,165 10 Westlake City $71,456 10 Eastland JVSD $83,364 11 Chagrin Falls Ex Vill $40,966 11 Bexley City $71,330 11 Ottawa Hills Local $82,674 12 Westlake City $40,832 12 Eastland JVSD $70,806 12 Mayfield City $82,587 13 Indian Hill Ex Vill $40,784 13 Worthington City $70,697 13 New Albany-Plain Local $82,372 14 Dublin City $40,367 14 Revere Local $70,637 14 Sycamore Community $82,250 15 Tolles JVSD $40,330 15 Westerville City $69,701 15 Greene County JVSD $82,168 16 Worthington City $40,123 16 Miami Valley CTC $69,654 16 Bexley City $81,417 17 Auburn JVSD $40,053 17 Dublin City $69,593 17 Kent City $80,898 18 Sycamore Community $39,979 18 Indian Hill Ex Vill $69,537 18 Grandview Heights City $80,888 19 Brecksville-Broadview Hts $39,786 19 Twinsburg City $69,264 19 Wyoming City $80,887 20 Rocky River City $39,627 20 Kirtland Local $69,246 20 Medina County JVSD $80,586 21 Twinsburg City $39,539 21 Wadsworth City $69,157 21 Chagrin Falls Ex Vill $80,293 22 Princeton City $39,528 22 Aurora City $69,083 22 Wadsworth City $79,448 23 Eastland JVSD $39,368 23 Hudson City $68,821 23 Hilliard City $79,072 24 Medina City $39,137 24 Greene County JVSD $68,602 24 Worthington City $78,834 25 Hudson City $39,123 25 Kent City $68,595 25 Hudson City $78,246

Bottom BA Minimum Bottom Career Rate Bottom MA Maximum Rank Rank Rank 1 Southern Local (Meigs) $23,660 1 Southern Local (Meigs) $39,572 1 Southern Local (Meigs) $42,589

2 Indian Creek Local $24,733 2 Conotton Valley Union $43,107 2 Conotton Valley Union $45,692 3 Bloomfield-Mespo Local $25,177 3 Frontier Local $44,159 3 Vanlue Local $46,085 4 Southern (Columbiana) $25,386 4 Bloomfield-Mespo Local $44,160 4 Frontier Local $46,101 5 Lakota Local (Sandusky) $25,617 5 Vanlue Local $44,746 5 Highland Local (Morrow) $46,207 6 Toronto City $25,805 6 Bellaire City $44,752 6 Barnesville Ex Vill $46,287 7 Bellaire City $26,171 7 Toronto City $45,004 7 Meigs Local $46,410 8 Eastern Local (Meigs) $26,212 8 Meigs Local $45,084 8 Indian Creek Local $46,636 9 Conotton Valley Union $26,381 9 Eastern Local (Meigs) $45,216 9 Newcomerstown Ex Vill $46,769 10 Bridgeport Ex Vill $26,417 10 Bridgeport Ex Vill $45,252 10 Morgan Local $47,764 11 Meigs Local $26,520 11 Newcomerstown Ex Vill $45,303 11 Eastern Local (Meigs) $48,099 12 Frontier Local $26,602 12 Leetonia Ex Vill $45,758 12 Riverdale Local $48,186 13 Newcomerstown Ex Vill $26,649 13 Ledgemont Local $45,902 13 Ridgemont Local $48,733 14 Barnesville Ex Vill $26,866 14 Southern (Columbiana) $45,949 14 Ripley-Union-Lewis-Hunt $48,756 15 Brown Local $26,878 15 Upper Scioto Valley Local $45,997 15 Southern (Columbiana) $48,995 16 Ledgemont Local $27,001 16 Lima City $46,050 16 Bellaire City $49,071 17 Harrison Hills City $27,007 17 Jefferson Township Local $46,135 17 Bright Local $49,107 18 Buckeye Local (Jefferson) $27,059 18 Tuscarawas Valley Local $46,180 18 Toronto City $49,184 19 Tuscarawas Valley Local $27,245 19 Barnesville Ex Vill $46,287 19 Old Fort Local $49,281 20 Switzerland of Ohio Local $27,270 20 Morgan Local $46,360 20 Seneca East Local $49,586 21 Jefferson Township Local $27,305 21 Caldwell Ex Vill $46,378 21 Jackson City $49,871 22 Vanlue Local $27,334 22 Indian Creek Local $46,636 22 Lakota Local (Sandusky) $50,030 23 Upper Scioto Valley Local $27,363 23 Switzerland of Ohio Local $46,740 23 Fort Loramie Local $50,107 24 Seneca East Local $27,609 24 Marietta City $46,829 24 Johnstown-Monroe Local $50,205 25 Martins Ferry City $27,617 25 Tri-Village Local $46,893 25 Bridgeport Ex Vill $50,324

28 OHIO SCHOOLS SEPTEMBER 2012

ATTENTION POSTMASTER: PLEASE DELIVER NO LATER THAN SEPTEMBER 26 OhioSchools

Paid for by the Ohio Education Association, 225 East Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215, Tim Myers, Secretary-Treasurer.

When elections are fair, THE PEOPLE WIN. Vote YES on Issue 2. www.ohea.org