Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today announced that he will host six regional forums across the state in November and December focusing on school funding.

The forums will be an opportunity to garner feedback on Ohio’s school funding system before the governor introduces his education reform and school funding proposal in 2009.

“Nothing is more important to Ohio’s long-term success than improving education,” Strickland said. “The future of our economy depends on our ability to make sure all Ohio children have the quality education opportunities they need to build their careers right here in Ohio.”

Throughout the summer, Strickland held 11 “Conversation on Education” forums that focused on the six principles for education reform as outlined in his 2008 State of the State address as well as specific education reform policy ideas.

“The first round of education forums gave Ohioans from all regions of the state an opportunity to share their thoughts and expertise on how to truly craft a reformed system of education here in Ohio,” Strickland said.

The Web site http://www.ConversationOnEducation.Org provides the public and forum participants with details about the regional forums and will include ways to submit feedback during and after the forums.  The dates, times and locations for the Governor’s “Conversation on Education” regional forums are listed below. Each forum will be available through a live Webcast on the Web site.

Most regional forums will also air live on local PBS stations. Stations without a live broadcast will tape and air their local forums following the event. Feeds of the forums will be provided to media outlets by Ohio Government Television.

Educators, business leaders, parents and students, among others, will make up the live studio audience. Watch parties will be organized in other communities in the region hosting the forum.

During the forums, Lt. Governor Lee Fisher, First Lady Frances Strickland, University System of Ohio Chancellor Eric D. Fingerhut and newly-selected Ohio Department of Education Superintendent Deborah Delisle will attend regional watch parties.