Rivals for Ohio Governor's Spot Spar Over School Finance Model in Face of Dim Economic Picture

Ohio's Democratic governor, Ted Strickland, left, and Republican candidate for governor John Kasich square off in a debate in Columbus on Sept. 14. Gov. Strickland has spent considerable time on education issues.

—Chris Russell/Pool/AP

By Erik W. Robelen

Education may not be the top issue in the Ohio gubernatorial race—by virtually all accounts, that spot goes to jobs—but it’s getting considerable attention, with an emphasis on spending for schools.

Gov. Ted Strickland, a Democrat seeking election to a second term, led the way in promoting an ambitious plan to revamp the state’s K-12 education system, including with a school finance approach that he calls an “evidence-based model.” He has said the new model, adopted last year, would over time dramatically raise the state’s share of funding for education.

But Gov. Strickland’s Republican opponent, former U.S. Rep. John Kasich, said last month that if he’s elected, the new finance model will be “gone.” Mr. Kasich also has been emphasizing what he says is the need to ensure that more dollars reach the classroom, rather than...