School Choice Under Fire in Ohio

School Choice is coming under fire from critics around the country. However, no critic has been more vocal than Governor Ted Strickland of Ohio, and no group more vocal in their opposition to School Choice than the Ohio Department of Education. Combined, they make a very vocal and at times, a some what convincing argument against School Choice. Their efforts have caused uproar in the state of Ohio that has now spread across the country. Grass Roots organizations like The Center for Education Reform and local groups such as My School My Choice have teamed their efforts together to lead a campaign against the Governor and his allies, a campaign composed of parents from across the State of Ohio. On May 9^th, 2007 this campaign led a rally on the lawn of the State House where parents showed their support for school choice and let their voices be heard on just how damaging Governor Strickland's proposed legislation would be to the education system of Ohio.

One only has to do a little searching to see why Governor Strickland is against Charter Schools and school choice as a whole. In his State of the State address Governor Strickland spoke of the failings in Charter Schools, the lack of accountability, the right all children in Ohio have to "A Public Education." He has recommended a "Moratorium on new Charter Schools" and a "Ban to keep for profit companies from running or investing in Charter Schools." Taking his words as face value you can see that he feels the charter schools show a lack of accountability in their day to day activities, and that public education is the only choice for a good education. Governor Strickland has failed to see the problems with in the Columbus Public School district alone.