State of Ohio Archives: on Education


Tim Ryan: I've pushed for social and emotional learning in our schools

I have pushed for social and emotional learning in our schools, which is having a tremendous impact. ... We're doing a lot to continue to promote this in the military, in the health care system, promoting mindfulness-based stress reduction and encouraging people to get trained in that.
Source: Fox News on 2022 Ohio Senate race Apr 26, 2021

Josh Mandel: Local school districts should have autonomy

Many Republicans, including Mandel, have long supported giving local school districts autonomy. Districts across the state adopted a wide range of approaches to in-person instruction. When pressed on the matter, Mandel blamed unions for pressuring districts to keep students at home. "My personal feeling is that moms and dads should drive the decision about kids going back to school, not teacher unions and politicians," he said.
Source: WKYC on 2022 Ohio Senate race Apr 18, 2021

Josh Mandel: Local school districts should have autonomy

Many Republicans, including Mandel, have long supported giving local school districts autonomy. Districts across the state adopted a wide range of approaches to in-person instruction. When pressed on the matter, Mandel blamed unions for pressuring districts to keep students at home. "My personal feeling is that moms and dads should drive the decision about kids going back to school, not teacher unions and politicians," he said.
Source: WKYC-3 News on 2022 Ohio Senate race Feb 10, 2021

Jim Renacci: Strong historical supporter of vouchers for private schools

Q: Vouchers to send children to private schools with public money?

Sherrod Brown (D): No. Longtime opponent.

Jim Renacci (R): Yes. Strong historical supporter.

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Ohio Senate race Oct 9, 2018

Jim Renacci: No role for government to reduce student loan interest rates

Q: Refinance student loans at lower rates, paid for by increasing taxes on high earners (Elizabeth Warren proposal)?

Sherrod Brown (D): Yes. Cosponsored Warren bill. Also supports Pell Grant increase.

Jim Renacci (R): No. Supporter of student loans, but not government's role to keep rates down. Unknown on Pell Grants, but supports tax credits for education spending.

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Ohio Senate race Oct 9, 2018

Mike DeWine: Supports charter schools; supports vouchers

Q: Increase funding for K-12 & pre-K education?

Richard Cordray (D): Yes. Advocates increased funding for universal pre-K ($140 million per year) & more equitable funding of primary & secondary schools.

Mike DeWine (R): Unclear on general K-12. Supports increased pre-K funding, but when in Senate opposed Head Start funding.

Q: Support privately operated but publicly funded charter schools & programs like vouchers which allow parents to help pay for private schools?

Richard Cordray (D): No. "The for-profit charter schools have been a scandal. We've got $70 million missing in Columbus that we're never going to see again."

Mike DeWine (R): Yes. Says charters can be cost efficient & higher performing. Also supports vouchers.

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Ohio Governor race Oct 9, 2018

Mike DeWine: Improve college affordability; new STEM funding

Q: Increase state funding for higher education?

Richard Cordray (D): Yes. Proposes free community college for all Ohioans. Expand Columbus State Preferred Pathways program that guarantees admission to partner 4-year colleges & enables students to easil

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Ohio Governor race Oct 9, 2018

Richard Cordray: More funding for universal pre-K; no funding charters

Q: Increase funding for K-12 & pre-K education?

Richard Cordray (D): Yes. Advocates increased funding for universal pre-K ($140 million per year) & more equitable funding of primary & secondary schools.

Mike DeWine (R): Unclear on general K-12. Supports increased pre-K funding, but when in Senate opposed Head Start funding.

Q: Support privately operated but publicly funded charter schools & programs like vouchers which allow parents to help pay for private schools?

Richard Cordray (D): No. "The for-profit charter schools have been a scandal. We've got $70 million missing in Columbus that we're never going to see again."

Mike DeWine (R): Yes. Says charters can be cost efficient & higher performing. Also supports vouchers.

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Ohio Governor race Oct 9, 2018

Richard Cordray: Free community college for all Ohioans

Q: Increase state funding for higher education?

Richard Cordray (D): Yes. Proposes free community college for all Ohioans. Expand Columbus State Preferred Pathways program that guarantees admission to partner 4-year colleges & enables students to easil

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Ohio Governor race Oct 9, 2018

Sherrod Brown: Longtime opponent of vouchers for private schools

Q: Vouchers to send children to private schools with public money?

Sherrod Brown (D): No. Longtime opponent.

Jim Renacci (R): Yes. Strong historical supporter.

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Ohio Senate race Oct 9, 2018

Sherrod Brown: Reduce student loan interest rates; increase Pell Grants

Q: Refinance student loans at lower rates, paid for by increasing taxes on high earners (Elizabeth Warren proposal)?

Sherrod Brown (D): Yes. Cosponsored Warren bill. Also supports Pell Grant increase.

Jim Renacci (R): No. Supporter of student loans, but not government's role to keep rates down. Unknown on Pell Grants, but supports tax credits for education spending.

Source: 2018 CampusElect.org Issue Guide on Ohio Senate race Oct 9, 2018

Mike Gibbons: Vouchers for school choice

Q: Do you support or oppose the statement, "Vouchers for school choice"?

A: Strongly support

Source: OnTheIssues interview of 2018 Ohio Senate candidate Apr 24, 2018

Richard Cordray: Future job skills begin with investment in education system

[On jobs]: In a recent discussion with the former CEO of Google, Governor Kasich accurately referred to this looming crisis as a "tsunami" of job disruption that will require a workforce ready to take on jobs that demand a new skillset, and require advanced training and technological expertise. I couldn't agree more with how urgent this issue is for our state. But we cannot prepare the next generation of workers to succeed if we refuse to fully fund our most powerful tool: our education system.
Source: Cordray OpEd in DailyKos.com on 2018 Ohio gubernatorial race Dec 12, 2017

Joe Schiavoni: Stop waste in charters, invest in public schools

As Governor, Joe Schiavoni will crack down on for profit-charter schools that waste taxpayer money and fail to properly educate our kids. Increase funding for public schools to give our outstanding public school teachers the tools they need;
Source: 2018 Ohio Governor website JoeForOhio.com Aug 17, 2017

Joe Schiavoni: Make public higher education affordable

As Governor, Schiavoni will make attending a public college or university more affordable.
Source: 2018 Ohio Governor website JoeForOhio.com Aug 17, 2017

Jim Renacci: Top-down, one-size-fits-all approach has proven ineffective

The top down approach to education policy endorsed for so long has proven ineffective, one size does not fit all in this case. Education is a personal experience, and one that is best handled through state, local, and parental involvement. Whether we are talking about early childhood, K-12, or higher education policies, our children and their parents need more opportunity, flexibility, and quality when it comes to education. Streamlining spending, reducing the federal bureaucracies role in education, promoting flexibility and innovation, improving teacher quality, and empowering parents are all a step in the right direction.

Enhanced coordination at the local level and other creative solutions will provide more opportunity for our children. It will take a more intelligent and innovative approach if we are to provide the skills and knowledge necessary for the next generation to succeed.

Source: 2018 Ohio gubernatorial campaign website renacci.house.gov May 2, 2017

Dennis Kucinich: Charter schools are a multi-billion dollar boondoogle

Dennis Kucinich criticized charter schools as a drain on public funding and public schools. Kucinich called charter schools a "multi-billion dollar boondoogle" that forces Ohioans to subsidize private school education with money that is supposed to go to public schools.

Charter schools are publicly funded, privately operated schools. "If you want to send your kid to a private school, pay for it," Kucinich said. "But don't send your kid to private school and tell the public they have to pay for it."

Kucinich outlined his concerns about charter schools and plans to expand public funding of private schools through vouchers. "They're taking the money out of the public schools," Kucinich said. "And the legislators are getting political contributions hand over fist." He said he and others are looking at "legal options" on how to fight the public funding of charter schools. "It's wide open for lawsuits, which is another thing we are looking at," Kucinich said.

Source: Dayton Daily News on 2018 Ohio gubernatorial race Apr 24, 2017

Joe Schiavoni: Protect students from failing online charter schools

Senate Minority Leader Joe Schiavoni released the following statement regarding an audit of the Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow (ECOT): "ECOT and other online schools have known since at least the beginning of 2015 that they were expected to document when students logged on and logged off. That was clearly spelled out in instructions sent to e-schools regarding ODE's attendance review process. It's shameful that ECOT has the worst graduation rate in the nation while owing taxpayers $60 million. Thankfully, the Department of Education is fulfilling its responsibility to protect students from failing online charter schools that seem more concerned about profits than graduation rates.

"While some online charter schools are doing a good job of educating their students, the evidence is overwhelming that many are not. That's why I introduced Senate Bill 39 to bring more accountability and transparency to Ohio's online charter schools."

Source: OhioSenate.gov on Pennsylvania voting record SB39 Mar 11, 2017

Ted Strickland: Criticizes $71M in charter school funding for rigged report

State and federal education officials have refused to provide Ohio's application for $71 million in grant money for charter schools. Documents released by the state showed David Hansen, the state's former charter chief, resigned after admitting that he manipulated evaluations of charter-school sponsors to mask the poor performance of some of their schools.

Senate candidate Ted Strickland also has joined a growing list of critics. "If dismal charter school performance isn't enough, we now know that Ohio's State Department of Education was illegally propping them up. In July, Ohio's chief charter school oversight officer--the very person who filled out Ohio's application for your grant money--resigned when it was discovered that he deliberately tampered with charter school sponsor evaluations to mask just how horrible charter schools are actually performing," Strickland wrote. "You just awarded $71 million in taxpayer dollars to a state department of education that has been rigging the books."

Source: Columbus Dispatch on 2016 Ohio Senate race Oct 5, 2015

John Kasich: $120 million student debt relief fund; plus online college

They're going along with this idea of two-year schools being able to award a bachelor degree. Unbelievable. And they're going to adopt new online competency-based courses. In other words, if you're a nurse and you're 32 and you want to get a bigger certificate, you're going to be able to go online and get that done. And you'll be able to take those courses and get that degree. You won't even have to sit in a classroom if you've got it all together.

With lower costs, and a freeze on tuition, more students can afford college, hopefully finish without the huge debts. And we have $120 million in this student debt relief fund. Honestly, I think it's like a thimble in the ocean. We know how tough it is. We know you have a lot of debt. We want to do something to help you. It could be related to the fact that if you take an in-demand job and you stay in Ohio for five years, we'll give you the help you want. We think it's absolutely critical.

Source: State of the State address to 2015 Ohio Legislature Feb 24, 2015

Josh Mandel: Expand school choice to public, charter, & private schools

Whether it's home-schooling, private schools, public schools or charter schools, I believe the choice of what's best for children should be in the hands of their parents--not some bureaucrat in Columbus. I believe that applying free market principles to the education world will make all ships rise, and ultimately produce stronger, more disciplined and better educated children to compete and succeed in the global marketplace.

I recently had the honor of speaking to thousands of parents and children who were rallying at our Statehouse for the expansion of school choice. Representing various races, religions and socioeconomic classes, these families came from all corners of the state to brave the cold and have their voices heard regarding our fight to expand educational opportunities in Ohio.

This is an issue that should bring together Republicans, Democrats and Independents, as it is foundational to the strength and prosperity of our nation.

Source: Speech at a school choice rally in Columbus, Ohio Mar 22, 2011

Jim Renacci: I strongly support school voucher programs

Q: Do you support federal education standards and testing requirements for K-12 students?

A: No.

Q: Do you support federal funding for charter schools?

A: Yes.

Q: Do you support federal funding for K-12 school vouchers?

A: Yes.

Q: Do you support the federal government providing college students with financial aid?

A: Yes.

Reacci adds, :I strongly support school voucher programs."

Source: Ohio Congressional 2010 National Political Awareness Test Nov 1, 2010

Michael Pryce: Federal funding for K-12 school vouchers

Q: Do you support federal funding for universal pre-K programs?

A: No.

Q: Do you support federal funding for charter schools?

A: Yes.

Q: Do you support federal funding for K-12 school vouchers?

A: Yes.

Q: Do you support the federal government providing college students with financial aid?

A: No.

Source: Ohio Congressional Election 2010 Political Courage Test Nov 1, 2010

Lee Fisher: Where you grow up should not determine where you end up

As a father, public servant & children's advocate, I believe strongly that we all have a shared obligation to ensure every child has the opportunity to achieve his or her full potential. In order to meet that obligation, it is imperative that we provide Ohio's children with a quality education and a safe place to learn and grow.
Source: 2010 Senate campaign website, fisherforohio.com, "Issues" Dec 25, 2009

Eric Fingerhut: Teach abstinence; require exit exams in high schools

Source: Ohio Congressional 2002 National Political Awareness Test Nov 5, 2002

Eric Fingerhut: Better teacher pay; expanded early education

I support an intensive effort to assure that high quality, certified teachers are available in every classroom. This effort would include improvements in teacher training, increase the evaluation of teacher performance and increase salaries. I also support expanding early childhood education.
Source: Ohio Congressional 2002 National Political Awareness Test Nov 5, 2002

Bob Taft: Implement system of standards, assessments & accountability

Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Ohio Legislature Jan 24, 2001

Bob Taft: Ohio’s success depends on keeping education as #1 priority

Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Ohio Legislature Jan 24, 2001

Bob Taft: Called for 20,000 reading tutors; program is succeeding

In my Inaugural Address, I called for 20,000 Ohioans to serve as volunteer reading tutors. Frankly, some thought I was setting the bar too high. I did not. I am pleased to report today we have far surpassed our goal - more than 27,000 Ohioans are making a difference by tutoring a child! In spite of all our progress, we cannot rest! We cannot rest until every child learns how to read in elementary school - until every child graduates from high school prepared for college or for the jobs of today.
Source: 2001 State of the State Address to Ohio Legislature Jan 24, 2001

Joyce Beatty: Adequately fund Ohio public schools

Q: Please explain what your two main legislative priorities will be if elected, and how you would fund it.

A: My active legislative platform will be:

Source: Ohio Legislative 2000 National Political Awareness Test Nov 1, 2000

Charlie Wilson: More funding for teachers

Source: 1998 Ohio Legislative National Political Awareness Test Nov 1, 1998

Lee Fisher: Encourage charters & corporate investment

Source: Ohio Gubernatorial 1998 National Political Awareness Test Nov 1, 1998

  • The above quotations are from State of Ohio Politicians: Archives.
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2020 Presidential contenders on Education:
  Democrats running for President:
Sen.Michael Bennet (D-CO)
V.P.Joe Biden (D-DE)
Mayor Mike Bloomberg (I-NYC)
Gov.Steve Bullock (D-MT)
Mayor Pete Buttigieg (D-IN)
Sen.Cory Booker (D-NJ)
Secy.Julian Castro (D-TX)
Gov.Lincoln Chafee (L-RI)
Rep.John Delaney (D-MD)
Rep.Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI)
Sen.Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)
Gov.Deval Patrick (D-MA)
Sen.Bernie Sanders (I-VT)
CEO Tom Steyer (D-CA)
Sen.Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)
Marianne Williamson (D-CA)
CEO Andrew Yang (D-NY)

2020 Third Party Candidates:
Rep.Justin Amash (L-MI)
CEO Don Blankenship (C-WV)
Gov.Lincoln Chafee (L-RI)
Howie Hawkins (G-NY)
Gov.Gary Johnson(L-NM)
Howard Schultz(I-WA)
Gov.Jesse Ventura (I-MN)
Republicans running for President:
Sen.Ted Cruz(R-TX)
Gov.Larry Hogan (R-MD)
Gov.John Kasich(R-OH)
V.P.Mike Pence(R-IN)
Gov.Mark Sanford (R-SC)
Pres.Donald Trump(R-NY)
Rep.Joe Walsh (R-IL)
Gov.Bill Weld(R-MA & L-NY)

2020 Withdrawn Democratic Candidates:
Sen.Stacey Abrams (D-GA)
Mayor Bill de Blasio (D-NYC)
Sen.Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)
Sen.Mike Gravel (D-AK)
Sen.Kamala Harris (D-CA)
Gov.John Hickenlooper (D-CO)
Gov.Jay Inslee (D-WA)
Mayor Wayne Messam (D-FL)
Rep.Seth Moulton (D-MA)
Rep.Beto O`Rourke (D-TX)
Rep.Tim Ryan (D-CA)
Adm.Joe Sestak (D-PA)
Rep.Eric Swalwell (D-CA)
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Page last updated: Oct 13, 2021