"So, what does the State Board of Education Do?"

This is the single most asked question both as I campaigned in all 17 counties of the 10th district last year and now as I introduce myself as the representative on the Ohio Board of Education.

A simple answer to the question is that we set policy for education in Ohio , hire the Superintendent of Public Instruction who then directs the Ohio Department of Education, and advise the legislature on educational issues. It gets more complicated in practice.

While we, like local school boards, must react as items come before us at our monthly meetings, the State Board sets priorities for study and policy setting.

For the 2005-06 year, the State Board has adopted five priorities we feel affect excellent education in Ohio .

Priority 1. Closing the Achievement Gap.

This is a continuing priority of the board and ODE. A great deal of effort continues on using data to help each student achieve and on helping schools increase their capacity to improve all students' academic achievement. Ohio 's students have been making progress. There is a long way to go and the state will continue to work with districts and schools to achieve success.

Priority 2. Quality Middle and High Schools.

The goal is to create seamless transitions between middle and high school and between high school and post-secondary education or work. Students who have a strong educational background are ready for each next step. We are looking at existing programs that work in Ohio and elsewhere and will be seeing what Ohio schools need to do to help our students graduate ready for college, work, and citizenship. Middle Grades have been added to the priority this year.

Priority 3. Educator Quality.

Teachers' knowledge of their subject directly affects student learning. At the same time, Administrative leadership determines the academic success in a building and in a district. Recruitment approaches, alternative routes into the profession, teacher and administrator standards, and strong professional development standards are being developed, and promoted by the board.

Priority 4. Resource Management.

With continuing limited resources, schools need help utilizing funds to meet the ongoing requirements to improve student achievement. The Board and the Department of Education plan to provide tools to districts that will help them prioritize and stretch available funds.

Priority 5. School Funding.

School funding in Ohio continues to be a key challenge. The Board will work to develop a shared understanding and specific concepts and proposals to address the problem. The legislature decides how education will be funded in Ohio , but those who share an interest and a responsibility for schools' success in Ohio must begin to offer ideas. This is the first time the Board has taken on this task.

As the school year begins, teachers and students settle down to the business of teaching and learning, many districts seek additional financial support from their communities, and the State Board of Education will be thinking about all aspects of education. Education issues are complex. With 614 school districts, as well as community schools, private schools, and home schoolers, there is no single idea that will serve every student well. Setting policy or even disseminating information about best practices to all educators is a daunting task. Overall, we are all in this together. Education of our K-12 students is important to our society and our nation's future.