Governor's Plan for Revamping Education in Ohio Challenged

Republican-led Senate questions costs when state facing deficit

Gov. Ted Strickland’s ambitious plan to overhaul Ohio’s education system—from revamping school finance to crafting new academic standards and extending the school year—appears to be facing a difficult political road.

Although the governor got a boost when the state House—controlled by fellow Democrats—last month approved a modified version of his plan as part of the budget package for the next two fiscal years, he’s encountering far more skepticism in the Republican-led Senate. Fueling doubts are recent reports that state revenue is well below the levels assumed in his budget plan.

Gov. Strickland has been working aggressively to promote his education package since he first rolled it out in his State of the State ...