From Gov. Richard F. Celeste’s Jan. 8 message to lawmakers:
Now, I want to introduce you to the Heard family of Toledo. Between them, Raymond and Vera Heard have 44 years of combined I teaching experience in the Toledo public schools-Raymond in industrial arts and math, Vera as a supervisor for special education. But in 1977, these fine teachers and the 45,000 students in the Toledo public schools were forced out of school for several weeks. Lack of state and local money caused their schools to close.
Mr. Heard could not teach, and three of their own children had no public education available, because Ohio failed to fulfill one of its most basic obligations.
In the past three years, we stabilized funding of basic education. Now, administrators know when they begin the year, they will receive the money they are promised.
In 1985, the Heards’ daughter Shannetta graduated from the University of Toledo as its first black woman civil engineer. Today, she is using the knowledge she gained at that fine state-supported institution with a local company that is rebuilding Ohio.
The Heards’ story is positive proof that our solid education system is a vital investment in Ohio’s future.
I want to recognize the Heard family, and through them applaud all the dedicated teachers and all the children of our state.
In their hands, our future truly lies. Never again should Ohio let them down. Never again should any person miss the education that will make him or her a productive, happy adult. Not for one day.
