Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today released the following statement of support for the improvements made by the Ohio House of Representatives to the governor’s comprehensive education reform and funding plan:

 

“In my State of the State address and in the state budget, I laid out a plan to transform Ohio’s system of education by utilizing the best-available educational research and best practices to define the characteristics of a world-class education system in Ohio.  By defining what our students need to be successful, we can determine the resources our schools need.  And through funding the identified reforms, we will secure Ohio’s economic future and establish a constitutional system of education. 

 

“This comprehensive effort is directed toward our goal of modernizing Ohio’s system of education so that every Ohio child learns the skills to be successful in a 21st Century economy. 

 

“The Ohio House leadership, led by Speaker Armond Budish, clearly understands the undeniable link between the educational attainment of our citizens and Ohio’s economic progress.  They should be commended for leading an extraordinary legislative process that sought to reach out to as many Ohioans as possible and listen to productive feedback from all sides.  Rep. Stephen Dyer, chairman of the House Primary and Secondary Education Subcommittee, held hearings throughout Ohio, speaking to hundreds of witnesses during dozens of hours of public testimony.  I believe the House leadership took these ideas into thoughtful consideration before making these improvements to the Ohio Evidence-Based Model.

 

“My administration also took note of constructive criticism and, working together with members of the legislature, the education and business communities, and other stakeholders, we improved upon our core plan.   In short, we listened.  The result is a significantly strengthened plan to transform education in Ohio. 

 

“The House’s plan maintains the core reform measures of the evidence-based model while ensuring a realistic and flexible transition phase so that our schools and students can be successful.  The plan continues to address our current unconstitutional funding system by establishing a funding model that first identifies the reforms that will ensure student success, and then funds those reforms – effectively ending the practice of ‘residual budgeting’ and ensuring Ohio has a thorough and efficient system of education.

 

“I believe this plan will increase accountability measures so that we are rewarding the schools already providing an excellent education to our children, while demanding results from schools that are not.  And this plan includes a strong commitment to provide taxpayers with a transparent way to see how school districts are spending taxpayer resources, right down to the very school building.  Importantly, this plan includes a clear accounting of Title I and IDEA Recovery Act resources to ensure that every school district receives the appropriate resources, as designated by federal formula, to supplement state funding and spur innovative education reform.

 

“The House has taken the next step toward creating a constitutional system of education that will provide our children with the skills and education they need to be successful in a 21st century economy.  Working together, I have faith in the people of Ohio that we can accomplish these worthy goals.  Now more than ever, investing in educational reforms is the surest path to prosperity for our great state and the people of Ohio.”

Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio Association of Public School Employees has announced their support of the Governor’s education reform plan as modified by the Primary and Secondary Education Subcommittee of the House Finance and Appropriations Committee. 

 

“Our public school employees play a critical role in developing our students so they are not only successful in the classroom, but also in their communities and in their future jobs,” Strickland said. “Our education plan recognizes the importance of establishing world-class learning environments for each and every student – from our youngest children to those studying at community and technical colleges.”

 

OAPSE represents about 35,000 school employees and workers in libraries, community and technical colleges, MR/DD facilities and Head Start agencies.

 

“OAPSE is proud to support the bold education reform initiatives and school funding mechanisms in Governor Strickland’s budget and in the Ohio House leadership’s education reform plan,” said Joe Rugola, executive director of the Ohio Association of Public School Employees (OAPSE/AFSCME Local 4). “We think the plan put forth by the governor and the House will strengthen our schools and give every child a quality education, regardless of geography or family income. Our members serve children in public schools throughout the state and are ready to partner with the governor and state legislative leaders to implement these improvements to our educational system.”

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today signed an executive order requiring the further reduction of state agency expenditures in response to the continuing impact of the national recession on the state’s fiscal situation.  The governor’s order requires state agencies to immediately adopt mandatory spending control strategies for fiscal year 2009 and for fiscal years 2010 and 2011. 

 

“Our commitment to live within our means has required difficult choices and belt-tightening in an already austere budget environment,” Strickland said. “But even after reducing the state workforce by more than 3,500 employees and undertaking nearly $2 billion in spending cuts and reductions, the national recession continues to impact the state budget.  I am ordering additional limits to general revenue fund spending immediately to ensure the state continues to meet critical financial obligations while concluding the fiscal year with Ohio’s budget in balance.”

 

Fiscal Year 2009

 

In addition to the $1.9 billion in substantial reductions already undertaken in the current biennium, the order requires mandatory spending controls for the duration of the current fiscal year, which ends June 30, 2009.  Except under limited circumstances, all agencies are required to reduce general revenue fund (GRF) contracting expenses; limit procurement activity, which includes stopping the purchase of additional services or supplies with general revenue funds; and a requirement that agency directors must personally review and approve any purchase orders that cost $1,000 or more.   

 

The director of the Office of Budget and Management is required to conduct an analysis of these actions and report savings the state expects to realize through the implementation of these spending controls to the governor by May 10, 2009.

 

The order also directs the OBM director to reduce the mileage reimbursement rate for all Executive Agencies to 45 cents per mile, effective May 1 for all exempt personnel statewide.  The same reduction will be made for all bargaining unit employees on October 1 as required by the current bargaining agreement. 

 

Fiscal Years 2010-2011

 

The executive order requires state agencies to develop spending plans for contracted services and supplies, working toward a goal of a 30 percent overall reduction in such spending for fiscal years 2010-2011.  Agencies are required to submit those spending plans to the Office of Budget and Management Director by May 31, 2009. 

 

Agencies are encouraged to renegotiate contracts whenever legally permissible to do so and, for competitively bid contracts that may only be renewed without renegotiation, allow them to expire and rebid rather than renew the contract. 

 

The governor’s order outlines other tools by which agencies may reach the 30 percent spending reduction target for contracted services and supplies, such as reductions to furniture and equipment purchases, printing and mailing expenses and information technology expenses.  It requires agencies to reduce travel expenditures and restricts reimbursable travel.  Additionally, it requires an agency-by-agency review of employee parking expenses. 

 

The governor also expressed his appreciation of state employees.

 

“I am deeply grateful to the members of my cabinet and our state of Ohio employees,” Strickland said.  “Despite the enormous sacrifices asked of them, time and again Ohio’s state employees have shown that they remain selflessly focused on providing the best possible services to the people of Ohio.”

 

Full text of the executive order is pasted below:

Executive Order 2009 – 07S

 

Implementing Additional Spending Control Strategies

 

1.         Ohio Has Taken Vigorous Steps to Reduce State Spending.  The current state budget was the lowest growth state budget in 42 years, and since its enactment, Ohio’s government has been significantly reduced, both through proactive efficiency initiatives and in response to declining revenues.  In February, September and December 2008, the State implemented budget adjustment plans totaling $1.9 billion for the biennium.  Those actions included spending reductions, programmatic cuts and the closure of state institutions.  The state workforce has been reduced from 63,568 employees in March 2007 to 59,950 employees as of April 15, 2009.  And current state employees are preparing to take 10 unpaid furlough days. 

 

2.         Ohio’s State Government Must Continue to Manage Tax Dollars Prudently, Especially in These Difficult Economic Times.  As Fiscal Year 2009 draws to its close, and while the upcoming biennial budget is on the horizon, the State must continue its commitment to prudent and responsible financial management to ensure that the state government has the ability to meet critical current and future financial obligations and conclude the Fiscal Year with Ohio’s budget in balance.

 

3.         Economic Forecasts Show that State Revenues Will Continue to Decline.  Recent economic forecasts suggest that the State’s anticipated revenues will continue to fall, requiring the expansion of the spending control strategies required by Executive Order 2008-01S.

 

4.         Legal Authority of the Governor Regarding Oversight of State Expenditures.  The  Ohio  Constitution  and  laws  charge  the  Governor  with exercising
supervision and control over the State’s expenditures to assure that the State’s expenditures do not exceed revenues.

 

5.         Reducing Expenditures While Preserving Critical Services.  In order to assure that the State maintains a balanced budget while continuing to provide vital services to Ohioans, the State must immediately implement further spending controls throughout the remainder of Fiscal Year 2009 and for Fiscal Years 2010 and 2011.  In particular, the State must immediately limit general fund expenditures to those necessary to the provision of services critical to the health, safety, or welfare of Ohio’s citizens, which create or retain jobs for Ohioans or which provide revenue or savings to the State, maximizing the State’s ability to provide services to Ohioans.  The Director of the Department of Administrative Services (DAS Director) and the Director of the Department of the Office of Budget and Management (OBM Director) are expressly authorized to issue guidance and directives necessary to the implementation of this Order. 

 

6.         Definition of Critical Services.  For the purposes of this Order, expenditures will be considered critical to the health, safety, or welfare of Ohio’s citizens if their deferral or cancellation will (1) put the health, safety, or welfare of citizens immediately at risk, (2) undermine activity aimed at creating or retaining jobs, or (3) interfere with the receipt of revenue to the State or the realization of savings by the State.    Expenditures will not be deemed critical to the health, safety, or welfare of Ohio’s citizens if their deferral or cancellation will only result in inconvenience or sustainable delay, or will otherwise similarly compromise the normal provision of government-funded services.  Those uncertain about whether services should be deemed critical to the health, safety, or welfare of Ohio’s citizens should obtain a determination from the DAS Director, in consultation with the OBM Director.

 

7.         Additional Mandatory Spending Control Strategies for Fiscal Year 2009.  In furtherance of my obligations under the laws and Constitution of the State of Ohio, I hereby order all Cabinet Agencies and Boards and Commissions (all Executive Agencies) to immediately implement the following spending control strategies, including any further specifications regarding them provided in Policy Directives issued by the OBM Director or the DAS Director for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2009.

 

a.            Reduce Contracting Expenses. All Executive Agencies shall reduce contracting expenses in the manner detailed below.

 

i.       By 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 27, 2009, all Executive Agencies shall have issued notices to all contract vendors paid from general revenue funds, except those making expenditures critical to the health, safety, or welfare of Ohio’s citizens, to immediately suspend further work under those contracts.  All such work shall be suspended until at least July 1, 2009.

 

ii.      By 5:00 p.m. on Monday, April 27, 2009, all Executive Agencies shall provide the DAS Director with a list of all contracts which they have deemed critical to the health, safety, or welfare of Ohio citizens.

 

iii.    By 5:00 p.m. on May 11, 2009, all vendors who have had contract work suspended pursuant to section 7(a)(i) of this Order must submit an invoice for all work performed under the contract to the contracting Executive Agency. 

 

iv.     By 5:00 p.m. on May 25, 2009, the Executive Agency must submit its request for payments for all such work.

 

b.            Limit Procurement. All Executive Agencies shall reduce procurement expenses in the manner detailed below.

 

i.          Effective immediately, all Executive Agencies are directed to stop purchasing additional services or supplies with general revenue funds.  Under limited circumstances, if the Executive Agency’s Director determines that a prospective expenditure is critical to the health, safety, or welfare of Ohio’s citizens, and the DAS Director agrees with that determination, the purchase may proceed.

 

ii.         All requested expenditures for services or supplies with general revenue funds currently pending with DAS awaiting a “release and permit” or otherwise awaiting authorization to proceed, shall be given such authorization only if the Executive Agency’s Director determines that a prospective expenditure is critical to the health, safety, or welfare of Ohio’s citizens, and the DAS Director agrees with that determination.  All other such requests awaiting authorization to proceed shall be considered denied.

 

iii.       Notice of all purchases authorized under section 7(b)(i) and (ii) of this Order shall be posted on the DAS website weekly.

 

iv.        Additional Purchase Review and Approval.  All Executive Agency purchase orders for supplies or services that cost $1,000 or more must be personally reviewed and approved by the Executive Agency Director or the director’s designee. 

 

c.             Reevaluate All Travel Expenses and Reduce Mileage Reimbursement.  All Executive Agencies are directed to reevaluate all travel requests in order to strictly comply with OBM’s travel directive dated January 31, 2008, which required Executive Agencies to control nonessential travel expenses.  In addition, the OBM Director shall reduce the mileage reimbursement rate for all Executive Agencies to 45 cents per mile, effective May 1, 2009, for all exempt personnel statewide.

   

d.            Maintain and Effectuate Other Spending Controls. All Executive Agencies shall participate in other spending controls detailed below.

 

i.          From May 1, 2009 until June 30, 2009, the Directors of OBM and DAS shall suspend charges to Executive Agencies for central services they provide to them whenever doing so will not undermine the provision of key services critical to those Agencies.    

 

ii.         All Executive Agencies shall continue to operate within the hiring control policy limiting state payroll expenditures developed under Executive Order 2008-01S.  Where greater savings can be found through the reduction in overtime costs by hiring additional staff, Executive Agencies shall submit their review and analysis to the OBM Director for review of proposed hires in accordance with the hiring control policy.

 

e.         By May 10, 2009, the OBM Director shall conduct an analysis and report to me regarding savings which she expects the State will realize by implementing tighter spending controls as outlined above over the course of the remainder of Fiscal Year 2009.  The OBM Director shall provide guidance to all Executive Agencies regarding when and what information she needs in order to prepare this report.

 

8.         Additional Mandatory Spending Control Strategies for Fiscal Years 2010 and 2011.  I also order, in furtherance of my constitutional and statutory obligations, all Executive Agencies to implement immediately the following spending control strategies, including any further specifications regarding them provided in Policy Directives issued by the OBM Director or the DAS Director for the Fiscal Years 2010 and 2011.

 

a.            Spending Plans.      By May 31, 2009, Executive Agencies shall submit to the OBM Director spending plans for contracted services and supplies using all of the tools described below to achieve a 30% overall reduction in such spending for Fiscal Years 2010 and 2011.  While the use of some of the strategies below will be at the discretion of the Executive Agencies in the efforts to reach the 30% savings objective, others are required by this Order.  Each spending plan should address the potential savings which could be realized by each of the strategies below, even if an agency determines that one or more of the discretionary strategies will not play a role in its spending plan, and should also address the consequences associated with the spending reductions addressed in the plan.  After the submission of the spending plans, the OBM Director will issue guidance, pursuant to this Order, directing each Executive Agency to implement all or appropriate parts of its plan.

 

b.            Reduce Contracting and Procurement Expenses. All Executive Agencies shall participate in contracting and procurement reform and strategic sourcing efforts in Fiscal Years 2010 and 2011.

 

i.          Continue Purchase Review and Approval.  All Executive Agency purchase orders for supplies or services that cost $1,000 or more must be personally reviewed and approved by the Executive Agency Director or the director’s designee. 

 

ii.         Contract Renegotiation.  Executive Agency Directors may, whenever it is legally permissible to do so, renegotiate contracts (i.e., reduce hourly rates, reduce scope, eliminate or defer deliverables) entered into prior to July 1, 2009.  In this time when the State is struggling to maintain services critical to the health, safety, and welfare of Ohio’s citizens, the willingness of a vendor to negotiate a 15% or greater reduction in a contract’s financial terms, while maintaining substantial equivalency of other terms, will be considered in the contract renewal decision. 

 

iii.       Rebid Rather Than Renew.  When any contract critical to the health, safety, or welfare of Ohio’s citizens may only be renewed without renegotiation, Executive Agency Directors shall allow the contract to expire and rebid the contract, unless the Agency Director determines that the costs would likely increase under a new contract.   The DAS Director shall provide assistance to Agency Directors in determining whether to rebid or renew a contract, but no contract shall be renewed over the objection of the DAS Director.

 

iv.        Reduce Contract Encumbrances.  All encumbrances by Executive Agencies for contracts supported by non-capital funds entered into prior to July 1, 2009 shall be cancelled on or before July 31, 2009 unless doing so is deemed fiscally imprudent by the OBM Director.

 

v.         Purchasing Standardization and Strategic Sourcing Spending Controls.   In order to maximize potential expenditure savings, it may be necessary for Executive Agencies to cooperate in pooled purchasing and strategic sourcing efforts which combine the supplies or service needs of multiple Agencies.   All Executive Agency Directors are directed to comply with Purchasing Standardization and Strategic Sourcing Policy Directives issued by the DAS Director.  These directives may require agencies to forgo brand preferences, certain features of a product or service, packaging preferences, or delivery conveniences for spending reductions which can be achieved.

 

vi.        In-sourcing Preferred.  Prior to entering into any contract for outsourced services, all Executive Agencies are directed to investigate thoroughly whether the required services can be provided by state employees in the most cost-effective manner.

 

vii.      Equipment and Furniture Purchases.  In order to reduce the costs of equipment and furniture purchased by Executive Agencies, all equipment purchases by Executive Agencies shall continue to be made in strict compliance with the OBM Control on Equipment Directive, dated January 31, 2008.  In addition, that Directive shall be revised by the OBM Director to include all furniture purchases and the revised Directive shall be similarly observed by all Executive Agencies.

 

c.         Travel Expense Reductions.  In order to reduce travel expenses, the following spending control strategies shall be implemented.

 

i.          All Executive Agencies are directed to continue to comply strictly with OBM’s travel directive dated January 31, 2008, which required Executive Agencies to control nonessential travel expenses.

 

ii.         The OBM Director shall reduce the mileage reimbursement rate for all Executive Agencies to 45 cents per mile, effective October 1, 2009, for all bargaining unit employees.

 

iii.       All Executive Agencies shall, when it becomes available, use the online travel authorization and expense reimbursement process which will require employees to enter the necessary information directly into OAKS.

 

iv.        All Executive Agencies are further directed to conduct necessary meetings concerning the business of the State, whenever possible, using conference calls, teleconferences, webinars or other technology tools which will preclude the need for state employees to travel by automobile to participate in the meeting.  Except in truly unusual circumstances, Executive Agencies should permit, and provide the facilities necessary for, state employees to participate in any “in-person” meeting by telephone if it will avoid automobile travel.  Nothing in the section shall be deemed to limit travel necessary to meet the obligations of a public body under Ohio’s Open Meetings law. 

 

v.         All Executive Agency employees are directed to use fleet vehicles for official travel when a fleet vehicle is readily available.  No Executive Agency employee is authorized to engage in reimbursable travel when a fleet vehicle is readily available for that travel.  Agencies shall monitor and prevent mileage reimbursement expenses for travel by any employee in excess of 4,000 miles over the course of one year.  No Executive Agency employee is authorized to engage in reimbursable travel of more than 4,000 miles over the course of a year.  The Director of OBM shall not reimburse any Executive Agency employee for unauthorized travel.

 

d.         Printing and Mailing.  In order to reduce printing and mailing expenses, the following spending control strategies shall be implemented.

 

i.          All Executive Agencies shall use the free DAS interoffice mail service for all mail deliveries to other Executive Agencies in central Ohio.

 

ii.         By October 1, 2009, all Executive Agencies shall direct all of their major printing and related services through DAS, including production-level copying, mainframe printing, and mail preparation activities and eliminate their internal operations providing these services.  By May 31, 2009, the DAS Director shall provide a report to me regarding cost savings that he believes can be realized through this consolidation.

 

e.         Information Technology Expense Reductions. 

 

i.          All Executive Agencies shall participate fully information technology (IT) consolidation projects, beginning with email systems and followed by server consolidation.

 

ii.         The State Chief Information Officer (CIO) shall establish policies, standards, and services which reduce the cost of IT for state government with which Executive Agencies shall comply, including, but not limited to:

 

a.            The adoption of common hardware, software, services, and security;

 

b.            The reduction in use of blackberries and other mobile and handheld computing and telecommunications devices which cannot be appropriately justified;

 

c.             The delay in acquisition of new IT systems or projects and the extension of the service life of IT systems where practicable;

 

d.            The reduction in computer printing and increased use of electronic records; and,

 

e.            The reduction of energy consumed by IT within state government.

 

iii.       At the direction of DAS, Executive Agencies shall maintain and update a list of IT assets and associated costs in a format specified by DAS.

 

iv.        The DAS Director shall establish a State IT Investment Board, comprised of administration, OBM and agency representatives to identify and recommend to him other opportunities for consolidation and cost-savings, and to approve or reject compelling requests for exceptions to this order and OBM spending controls.

 

f.          Employee Parking Expenses.      All Executive Agencies shall include in their spending plans an analysis of potential cost savings which could be realized through reduction in parking expenses, including parking expenses for purchased and lease-included spaces for individual employees, spaces for fleet vehicles, spaces for agency employees on agency business and parking reimbursement for those attending meetings.  This analysis shall also include a review of any loss in efficiencies or other agency benefits resulting from such cost saving opportunities.

 

9.       Monitoring and Improving this Order.  The Directors of OBM and DAS shall monitor the implementation of this Order and provide quarterly reports to me beginning on July 30, 2009, regarding its effectiveness.  In addition, they may, at any time, provide suggestions to me about unintended consequences of this Order which may be addressed in a subsequent Executive Order or which may be addressed, after consultation with me, through written guidance produced by either of them.

 

10.      I signed this Executive Order on April 22, 2009 in Columbus, Ohio and it will expire on my last day as Governor of Ohio unless rescinded before then.

 

 

 

_________________________________

Ted Strickland, Governor

 

 

 

 

 

ATTEST:

 

 

__________________________________

Jennifer Brunner, Secretary of State

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland announced today appointments to several state boards and commissions.

 

The Ohio Judicial Appointments Recommendation Panel evaluates the qualifications of applicants for judicial vacancies and then makes non-binding recommendations to the Governor for appointment based on their evaluations.

Marianna Brown Bettman, of Cincinnati, has been designated the chair of one of the two Ohio Judicial Appointments Recommendations Panels.  She will be replacing James Ray, who had served as a panel chair since 2007.  Marianna Brown Bettman has served as a professor of law at the University of Cincinnati since 1999.  She had previously served as a judge for the Ohio First District Court of Appeals from 1993-1999.  Bettman also writes a monthly newspaper column, Legally Speaking, which appears in the American Israelite and the Cincinnati Herald.  She received a bachelor’s degree and a law degree from the University of Cincinnati.

 

University of Toledo Board of Trustees has the authority to hire and set the compensation of the president, professors and employees of Toledo University.  The Board of Trustees is charged with maintaining the successful operation of the college.

 

Joseph High, of Perrysburg, has served as the senior vice president of human resources for Owens Corning since 2009.  He had previously served as the vice president for human resources at ConocoPhillips from 2001-2004.  High also serves as a board member for the Toledo Regional Chamber of Commerce.  He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina in 1976 and a master’s degree from Central Michigan University in 1987.

 

The Miami University Board of Trustees has the authority to hire and set the compensation of the president, professors and employees of Miami University.  The Board of Trustees is charged with maintaining the successful operation of the college.

 

Dennis Lieberman, of Clayton, has served as a partner for the law firm of Flanagan, Lieberman, Hoffman & Swaim since 1984.  He has also served as an acting judge for the Vandalia Municipal Court since 2006.  Lieberman currently serves as a board member on the Montgomery Suicide Prevention Board.  He received a bachelor’s degree from Miami University in 1975 and a law degree from the University of Dayton in 1978.

 

Sharon Mitchell, of West Chester, has served as the senior vice president of research and development for Proctor & Gamble since 2007.  She had previously served in a variety of positions for Proctor & Gamble since 1973.  Mitchell has also served as the board president for the Children’s Home of Cincinnati since 2006.  She received a bachelor’s degree from Miami University.

 

Bowling Green State University Board of Trustees  has the authority to hire and set the compensation of the president, professors and employees of Bowling Green State University.  The Board of Trustees is charged with maintaining the successful operation of the college.

 

Kevin Lake, of Columbus, has served as the medical director of the Columbus Southern Medical Center since 1999.  He has also served as the chief operating officer of Columbus Southern Medical Group since 1999 and as a member of the medical staff at Grant Hospital since 2001.  Lake is a member of the American Osteopathic Association.  He received a bachelor’s degree from Capital University in 1988 and a doctorate from Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1992.

 

Central State University Board of Trustees sets the tuition and fees of the college, hires and fixes the compensation of the school’s employees and does all that is necessary to ensure the successful operation of the college.

Kenneth Lumpkin, of Cleveland, has served as a law partner with firm of Lumpkin McCray since 1995.  He has previously served as a councilman for the City of Cleveland and as the assistant law director for the City of Cleveland.  Lumpkin received a bachelor’s degree from Central State University and a law degree from Howard University.

 

Cleveland State University Board of Trustees sets the tuition and fees of the college, hires and fixes the compensation of the school’s employees and does all that is necessary to ensure the successful operation of the college.

 

Stephanie McHenry, of Shaker Heights, currently serves as the president of ShoreBank, Cleveland Region. McHenry had previously served a partial term as a member of the board of trustees for Cleveland State University.  McHenry also served as the senior director of Minority Business Development for the Greater Cleveland Growth Association and as executive director of the Northern Ohio Minority Business Council. McHenry serves on several organizations’ governing bodies, including those of the Greater Cleveland Partnership, the Commission on Economic Inclusion, and the University Hospitals of Cleveland. She received a bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College in 1984.

 

Owens Community College Board of Trustees appoints the administrative officers, faculty and staff necessary to operate the college.  It does all things necessary to properly operate and maintain the college.

 

William Takacs, of Toledo, currently serves as the president and managing partner for the firm of Gallon, Takacs, Boissoneault & Schaffer.  He had previously served as the managing partner for the firm of Gallon and Takacs from 1991-2005.  He is a member of the Ohio, Michigan and American Bar Associations.  Takacs received a bachelor’s degree from Kent State University in 1973 and a law degree from the University of Toledo in 1976. 

 

The Ohio University School of Osteopathic Medicine Advisory Board sets the tuition and fees of the college, hires and fixes the compensation of the school’s employees and does all that is necessary to ensure the successful operation of the college.

 

 

Deborah Phillips-Bower, of Columbus, has been the owner of RE/MAX Premier Choice since 1993.  She has also served as a member of the board of trustees for Ballet Met of Columbus since 1992 and on the Women’s Sustaining Board for the Franklin Park Conservatory.  Phillips-Bower received a bachelor’s degree from Ohio University.

 

Terra State Community College Board of Trustees appoints the administrative officers faculty and staff necessary to operate the college.

 

Sandra L. Wise, of Fremont, is a member of the North East Regional Board of Dental Examiners, the Sandusky County Board of Health, and previously served on the Ohio State Dental Board.  She is a registered and licensed dental hygienist, receiving an associate degree from Cuyahoga Community College in 1973.

 

The Board of Regents advises and assists the Governor, the General Assembly, the state universities and the state agencies concerned with higher education on matters of long range financing and development of the state’s higher education facilities.

 

Lana Moresky, of Shaker Heights, previously served on the board of trustees for Lake Erie College.  She also served as the director of the Department of Community Services for the Cuyahoga County Auditor’s Office from 1984-1999.  Moresky has also served as the vice president of the Heights Fund since 1990 and served as an executive board officer for Women’s Law Fund from 2003-2008.  She received a bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University in 1967.

 

Daniel Hurwitz, of Aurora, has served as the president of Developers Diversified Realty since 2007.  He had previously served Developers Diversified Realty as executive vice president from 2004-2007.  He also previously served as a senior vice president for Real Estate and Corporate Development from 1991-1999.  Hurwitz received a bachelor’s degree from Colgate University in 1986.

 

Timothy Burke, of Cincinnati, has served in a variety of capacities for the Manley Burke Legal Professional Association since 1977, including serving as president since 2006.  He has also served as the law director for the Village of Lockland since 1982 and as the law director of the Village of Evendale since 2002.  Burke previously served as the executive director of Little Miami, Inc. from 1975-1976.  He received a bachelor’s degree from Xavier University in 1970 and a law degree from the University of Cincinnati in 1973.

 

Bonnie Milenthal, of Columbus, currently serves as a partner for the Milenthal Group.  She had previously served as the vice president of community relations for HMS Partners Advertising.  Milenthal also serves as a member of the boards of trustees for Wilberforce University and as a board member for the Columbus Urban League.  She received a bachelor’s degree from the Ohio State University in 1970.

 

The State Lottery Commission acts as an advisory body to the administration of the state lottery. Members should have prior experience in business administration, management, sales, marketing, or advertising.

 

Paul Burens, of Bay Village, has served as a social service professional for the Cuyahoga County Department of Children and Family Services since 1996. He had previously served in the Facilities and Real Estate Division for the Office of the Ohio Auditor from 1994-1995.  Burens recieved a bachelor’s degree from John Carroll University.

 

The School Employees Retirement System is responsible for the administration and management of the School Employees Retirement System.

 

Richard Sensenbrenner, of Cleveland, has served as the commissioner of accounts for the City of Cleveland since 2005.  He had previously served as the budget and planning coordinator for the Columbus College of Art & Design from 2000-2005.  He also served as the treasurer for the City of Columbus from 1994-1996.  Sensenbrenner has served as a board member for the Pinnacle Homeowner’s Associations since 2007.  He received a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from the Ohio State University in 1986 and 1989, respectively.

 

The Board of Building Standards provides for the adjudication hearings where any political subdivision issues an order attempting to enforce any provisions of the State Building Code or any rule or regulation.

 

Timothy Galvin, of Columbus, has served as the president of Brexton Construction since 2001.  He had previously served as the president of Equity Concepts Development Corporation from 1989-2002. Galvin is a past president of the Ohio Associated General Contractors of America.  He graduated from Bishop Ready High School and later received his Ohio Real Estate Sales License in 1988.

 

The Power Siting Board compiles and publishes the general locations of power plant sites and the general locations of transmission line routes within its jurisdiction.

 

Lorry Wagner, of Solon, had served as the president of Phillips Electric since 2006 before retiring in 2008.  He had previously served as the chairman and CEO of Phillips Electric from 1989-2006.  He had also served as a project developer for the Great Lakes Science Center from 2005-2008.  Wagner currently serves as an executive committee member for the Great Lakes Offshore Wind Task Force.  He received a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Purdue University in 1973 and 1975, respectively.  He also received a doctorate from Purdue University in 1981.

 

The Private Water Systems Advisory Board advises the director of the Ohio Department of Health regarding the revocation or non-renewal of the registration of a private water systems contractor and makes recommendations to the director regarding the amount of surety bond required of private water systems contractors.

 

Robert Derge, Jr., of Cincinnati, has served as a health commissioner for the Clinton County Health Department since 1984.  He had previously served as an environmental scientist for the northwest district office of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency from 1978-1981.  He also served as the president of the Association of Ohio Health Commissioners from 1994-1995.  Derge received a bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University in 1978 and a master’s degree from East Tennessee State University in 1983. 

 

Thomas Bell, of Columbiana, has served as the owner and operator of Bell Well Drilling since 1976.  He graduated from Columbiana High School in 1970 and attended Muskingum College.

 

The Recreation and Resources Commission advises the director of the Department of Natural Resources on any plans and programs for the management, development, utilization and conservation of the state’s natural resources.

 

Leonard Roberts, of Montgomery, has served as the director of community involvement for the Dayton Early College Academy since 2008.  He had previously served as the executive assistant and the clerk of commission for the Dayton City Commission from 2004-2008.  Roberts also served as the deputy director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources from 1988-1991. He received a bachelor’s degree from Wayne State University in 1969 and a master’s degree from Antioch College in 1973

 

The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council (ODDC) is a planning and advocacy body committed to community inclusion for people with developmental disabilities.

 

Tanya Benore, of Sylvania, currently serves as a self-advocate board member for the Building Allies Committee.  She had previously served as the treasurer for the Toledo Chapter of People’s First. Benore graduated from Northview High School in 2003.

 

Emily Schmidlin, of Kent, has served as a research intern for the Hattie Larlham Research Institute since 2007.  She had previously served as an intern in the editorial office of the Kent State University Press from 2006-2007.  Schmidlin graduated from Theodore Roosevelt High School in 2005 and is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree from Kent State University.

 

The State Board of Landscape Architect Examiners enforces rules governing the standards for education, experience, services, conduct, and practice to be followed in the practice of the profession of landscape architects. 

 

Timothy Schmalenberger, of Hilliard, currently serves as the principal manager of the landscape architecture firm MSI.  He is a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects and the National Recreation & Parks Association.  Schmalenberger also serves on the board of governors for the Knowlton School of Architecture at The Ohio State University.  He received a bachelor’s degree from the Ohio State University in 1980.

 

The Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs is charged with gathering and disseminating information and conducting hearings, conferences, investigations, and special studies on problems and programs concerning Spanish-speaking people.  It also secures appropriate recognition of the accomplishments and contributions of Spanish-speaking people to the state.

 

Andres Gonzalez, of Cleveland, has served as the director of diversity for the Cleveland Clinic since 2007.  He had previously served as the executive director of the workforce development agency El Barrio from 2005-2007.  Gonzalez also serves as a member on the civic organizations of the Hispanic Roundtable and the Nueva Luz Urban Resource Center.  He received a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from Cleveland State University.

 

The Ohio Police and Fire Pension Fund invests monies contained in the disability and pension fund in a manner which will yield a maximum profit for the fund.

Robert Baker, of Cleveland, has served as the director of finance for the City of Shaker Heights since 2008.  He had previously served as the director of finance for the City of Cleveland from 2002-2005.  He also served as a partner in the law firm of Jones, Day, Reavis & Pogue from 1992-1999.   Baker currently serves as an executive committee member for the Business Advisers of Cleveland.  He received a bachelor’s degree from Yale College in 1965 and a law degree from Yale Law School in 1968.

 

The Medical Quality Foundation Board funds activities to improve the quality of medical care rendered to the public.

 

James Castle, of Columbus, has served as the president of the Ohio Hospital Association since 1989.  He had previously served as the president of the Maine Hospital Association from 1984-1989.  Castle received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan in 1968 and a master’s degree from Michigan State University in 1972.

 

Marcia Summers, of Upper Arlington, has served in private practice as a board certified obstetrician and gynecologist since 2002.  She has been a member of the American Medical Association since 1998 and served as an Ohio delegate for the Women Physicians Congress in 2006.

 

The Labor-Management Government Advisory Council advises the workers’ compensation oversight commission and the administrator of workers’ compensation on the quality and effectiveness of rehabilitation services and makes recommendations pertaining to the bureau’s rehabilitation program.

 

Elayne Marie Siegfried, of Medina, has served as the director of human resources and purchasing for the City of Parma since 2004.  She had previously served as the director of the volunteer legal services program for Community Legal Aid Services from 2001-2004.  Siegfried also serves as a member of the Medina County Planning Commission. She received a bachelor’s degree from Shippensburg University in 1991 and a law degree from Case Western Reserve University in 1994.

 

The Governor’s Council on Juvenile Justice exercises leadership in improving the overall quality of the juvenile justice system in the state and advises the Department of Youth Services on the overall needs of the juvenile justice system.

David Stucki, of Brewster, has served as the senior judge of the Stark County Family Court since 2005.  He had previously served as an administrative judge for the domestic relations division of Stark County Court of Common Pleas from 1999-2005.  Stucki also previously served the Stark County Court of Common Pleas as a presiding judge from 1997-2005.  He received a bachelor’s degree and a law degree from the University of Akron in 1981 and 1985, respectively.

 

Penny Wyman, of Columbus, has served as the executive director for the Ohio Association of Child Caring Agencies since 1985.  She had previously served as legislative aide for State Representative Vern Cook from 1982-1985.  Wyman is also a member of the executive leadership council for the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services.  She received a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from the Ohio State University in 1973 and 1980, respectively.

 

Yeura Venters, of Lewis Center, has served as the director of the Franklin County Public Defender Office since 2001.  He had previously served the Franklin County Public Defender Office as the Juvenile Unit Supervisor from 1989-2001.  Venter also serves as a board member for the Central Ohio Association of Juvenile Lawyers.  He received a bachelor’s degree from Wittenberg University in 1974 and a law degree from Capital University in 1977.

 

Albert Neff, of Columbus, has served as the director for the Center for Learning Excellence at The Ohio State University since 2000.  He had previously served as the superintendent of schools for the Ohio Department of Youth Services from 1988-2000.  Neff received a bachelor’s degree and a doctorate from the Ohio State University in 1969 and 1983, respectively.

 

Linda Shipbaugh, of Massillon, has served as the director of SHIP, a children’s group home, since 1991.   She previously served as case manager at the Child and Adolescent Service Center from 1985-1989.  She also served as a teacher at the Indian River School for Boys from 1984-1985.  Shipbaugh received a bachelor’s degree from Ashland College in 1967.

 

Kendra Kec, of Whitehouse, has served as the assistant court administrator for the Lucas County Juvenile Court since 2004.  She had previously served the Lucas County Juvenile Court as the special projects director from 2000-2004.  Kec also served as a faculty member for the National Partnership for Juvenile Services in 2007.  She received a bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University in 1995 and a master’s degree from the University of Toledo in 2006.

 

Leslie Abel, of Canton, had served as the executive director of the Stark County Community Mental Health Board from 1979-2007 before retiring in 2008.  She now serves as the chair of the Institutional Review Board at the Mercy Medical Center.  Abel received a bachelor’s degree from the College of St. Charles Borromeo in 1967 and a master’s degree from Kent State University in 1974.

 

Yvonne Hunnicut, of South Euclid, has served as a policy associate for Voice for Ohio’s Children since 2007.  She previously served as the parent involvement coordinator for the Council for Economic Opportunities in Greater Cleveland from 2001-2007. Hunnicut also serves on the coordinating committee for the Ohio Early Childhood Education Coalition.  She received a bachelor’s degree from Wilberforce University in 1996.

 

Richard Broderick, of Springfield, has served as the superintendent for Northeastern Local Schools since 2003.  He had previously served the Northeastern Local Schools as the director of curriculum from 2001-2003.  Broderick also serves as a member of the Buckeye Association of School Administrators.  He received a bachelor’s degree from Miami University in 1976 and a master’s degree from the University of Dayton in 1984. 

 

The Waterways Safety Council reports to the Chief of the Division of Watercraft on plans and programs for the construction, maintenance and operation of refuge harbors and coordination with shore erosion projects. It also submits to the Governor recommendations for amendments to Ohio laws relating to refuge and light craft vessel harbor.

 

Chad Taylor, of Wilmington, has served as the vice president for South Shore Marina since 2002 and as a member of the United States Coast Guard Reserve since 2000.  He has also served as the chair of the Southern Ohio Marine Trades Association since 2004.  Taylor graduated from Blanchester High School and attended Southern State Community College.

 

The Hearing Aid Dealers and Fitters Licensing Board provides for examination and licensing of hearing aid dealers, fitters and trainees. When necessary, the board has the authority to revoke licenses and investigate charges of false advertising or malpractice.

 

Darshan Vyas, of Tipp City, has served as an otolaryngist for the Hearing Services of Sidney since 1998. He has also served as an adjunct professor at Wright State University since 1999.  Vyas received a bachelor’s degree and a medical degree from the University of Michigan in 1988 and 1993, respectively. 

 

The State Accountancy Board sets forth rules of professional conduct to ensure the maintenance of a high standard of integrity within the accounting profession.  It is responsible for conducting CPA examinations and subsequent certification for “Certified Public Accountants”.

 

W. Michael Fritz, of Blacklick, has served as an assurance partner for Deloitte & Touche LLP since 1989.  He had previously served as an executive board member for the Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants from 2006-2008 and is a past president of the Columbus Chapter of Governmental Accountants.  Fritz received a bachelor’s degree from Ohio University.

 

The Ohio Expositions Commission conducts one fair or exposition annually and may conduct more if they so decide.  The Commission manages the State Fair.

 

David P. Corey, of Columbus, has served as the president of the government relations firm PACA since 1989.  He had previously served as the director of research and development for the United Commercial Travelers of America.  He also serves as the executive director of the Ohio State Corners Association.  Corey received a bachelor’s degree from Michigan University in 1985 and a master’s degree from the Ohio State University in 1991.

 

Sherrilyn Farkas VanTassel, of Cadiz, has served as the executive director for Russell Nesbitt Services since 2004. She has also served as a private practicing attorney since 1996.  VanTassel had previously served as an attorney for Legal Aid of West Virginia.  She received an associate’s degree from Jefferson Community College in 1985, a bachelor’s degree from Wheeling Jesuit University in 1990, and a law degree from Duquesne University School of Law in 1994.

 

Michael Noel, of Portsmouth, had served as the building and maintenance supervisor for the Scioto County Juvenile Center before retiring in June, 2008.  He had previously served as the assistant maintenance supervisor for the Scioto County Courthouse.  Noel has served as the director of the Scioto County Agriculture Society for the past 48 years.  He graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1959.

 

The Clean Ohio Council is charged with reviewing and approving applications and entering into an agreement with the applicant to award a grant or make a loan for the applicant’s brownfield cleanup project.

Gwen McFarlin, of Cincinnati, currently serves as the director of behavioral health services at Christ Hospital. She has also served as a trustee for Springfield Township since 1995 and as the chairperson for the Hamilton County Planning Partnership.  McFarlin received a bachelor’s degree from Miami University in 1983 and a master’s degree from University of Cincinnati 1995.   

 

State Fire Commission is charged with recommending courses of action to be taken by the Fire Marshall in carrying out his duties.

 

Jenny Lynn Barlos, of Maumee, has served as a member of city council for the City of Maumee since 1994.  She also serves as the client service director for Assistance Dogs of America.  Previously, she served as an instructor at Owens Community College.  Barlos received a bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University in 2001.

The State Board of Emergency Medical Services is charged with preparing a plan for the statewide regulation of emergency medical services during times of disaster.  The board oversees an Emergency Medical Services Grant program to improve quality and accessibility of EMS services within the state.

 

Deanna Dahl-Grove, of Cleveland, currently serves as an associate professor of pediatrics at Case Western Reserve University. She also serves as a member of the Emergency Medical Services for Children Committee and the Ohio American Academy of Pediatrics.  Dahl-Grove received a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University in 1980 and a master’s degree from Case Western Reserve in 1986. 

 

Joyce Fischer, of New Richmond, has served as an adminstrative assistant for the  New Richmond Fire and Emergeny Medical Service department since 1993.  She previously served as a staff nurse at Mercy Hospital.  Fischer received an associate’s degree  from Christ Hospital of Nursing and Health Services.

 

John Alan Kubincanek, of North Ridgeville, currently serves as the emergency medical service continuing education coordinator at Cuyahoga Community College.  Kubincanek previously served as an emergency medical consultant and program manager at Cuyahoga Community College and as the quality assurance coordinator at Lorain County Community College. He received an associate’s degree from Cuyahoga Community College in 1981.

 

William Mallory, of Lancaster, has served as a firefighter and emergency medical technician for the Madison Country Fire Department since 1989.  He also serves as member of the Central Ohio Fire Prevention committee and the International Association of Fire Fighters.  Mallory has previously served as a firefighter for the City of Lancaster. He graduated from Lancaster High School in 1977.

 

John Pakiela, of Macedonia, currently serves as the director of paramedic education at Akron General Hospital and as the associate director for Medflight of Ohio.    He received a bachelor’s degree from John Carroll University in 1994 and a doctorate from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1998. 

 

Wendy Jane Pomerantz, of Cincinnati, has served as an emergency staff physician at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital since 1998. She previously served as an associate faculty member in the Center of Epidemiology and Biostatics at the University of Cincinnati.  Pomerantz also provides instruction for the Ohio Department of Public Safety on Emergency Medical Services. She received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas-Austin in 1988, a doctorate from Southwest Medical Schools-Dallas in 1992, and a master’s degree from John Hopkins University in 1998.  

 

William Quinn Jr., of Trenton, currently serves as a paramedic supervisor for the Hamilton Fire Department.  He is certified in advance cardiac life support, pediatric advanced life support, basic trauma life support and as a fire inspector.  Quinn is also licensed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as a hazardous materials technician.

 

Craig Self, of Dayton, has served as the vice president of business development for the Good Samaritan Hospitals in Dayton since 2007.  He also serves as a board member for the Greater Ohio Healthcare Leaders’ Forum. Self received an associate’s degree from Darton College in 1992, a bachelor’s and master’s degree from Franklin University in 1997 and 1998, respectively.

 

The Emergency Response Commission aims to improve statewide preparedness and response to emergencies and promote public awareness of potential hazards. The commission consists of representatives from professional and volunteer firefighters, county emergency and local emergency response agencies, environmental advocacy groups, and petroleum refiners or chemical manufacturers. 

 

Ricky Dale Hoffman, of Bremen, has served as an instructor for the Ohio Fire Academy since 1988.  He had previously served as a hazardous waste consultant for Fairfield County and as adjunct instructor at University of Findlay and Hocking College.  Hoffman received a bachelor’s degree from Hocking College in 2007.

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today released the following statement on the Ohio Supreme Court’s decision regarding Morgan v. Strickland, which found that the governor acted reasonably in responding to a public records request given the broad scope of the request, and compels the governor to continue reviewing remaining records and to provide them within a reasonable time frame. 

 

“I appreciate that the Ohio Supreme Court acknowledges the considerable efforts my office has taken to be responsive to a legislator’s broad public records request.  My office has released thousands of pages of documents in response to this request.  Each of four document releases included letters inviting the representative to further refine or clarify his request so we could more quickly provide materials focused on any substantive concerns about my education proposal that he may have.  To date, my office has not received any indication of any specific education policy areas in which he is interested.  I appreciate the Court’s finding that the overly-broad request should be further refined, narrowed and clarified.   I continue to believe that this effort is little more than a disappointing attempt to detract from, rather than enhance, the ongoing legislative discussion about modernizing Ohio’s education system.  My staff will continue working to provide responsive records as quickly as possible.”

Columbus, Ohio – The Ohio Association of School Business Officials today announced its endorsement of Ohio Governor Ted Strickland’s education plan as modified by the Primary and Secondary Education Subcommittee of the House Finance and Appropriations Committee. 

 

“Ohio’s school business officials are critical in making sure that our districts and individual school buildings run effectively and in a way that makes the best use of staff and financial resources,”  Strickland said.  “Education reform will revitalize our economy and better prepare our students for the jobs that will move Ohio into the future.  I am grateful for OASBO’s support and look forward to continuing our strong, collaborative partnership to ensure our students are successful in an increasingly global society.”

 

The endorsement was made at a press conference today with House Speaker Armond Budish, Education Subcommittee Chairman Stephen Dyer and OASBO members.

 

“Our members are keenly aware of the need for change in the way we fund schools, and they also understand the serious fiscal challenges Ohio is facing,” said OASBO Associate Executive Director Barbara Shaner.  “Today I’m announcing OASBO’s support for the education and school funding reform measures of Substitute House Bill 1.  We believe the plan will set Ohio in motion toward a strong education system for the future, one that will strengthen the economy and prepare our students to compete in the 21^st Century.”

 

OASBO represents more than 1,100 school business officials, such as treasurers, business managers, food service directors, transportation directors, and others. 

Columbus, Ohio – The Coalition of Rural and Appalachian Schools (CORAS) has announced its support for Ohio Governor Ted Strickland's education plan as modified by the Primary and Secondary Education Subcommittee of the House Finance and Appropriations Committee. 

 

“Our education plan makes important investments in our rural and Appalachian schools by providing the resources and opportunities to engage students and ensure they are successful,” Strickland said. “It is essential that all Ohio children, regardless of where they grow up, have a high quality educational experience that prepares them for life, college and the jobs of the future.  Developing a system of education that meets the needs of every child and promotes 21^st century learning and skills is our best strategy for lasting economic growth and job creation in our state.”

 

The full text of the resolution as passed by CORAS is included below:

 

A copy of the resolution is below.

 

The Coalition of Rural and Appalachian Schools (CORAS) commends Governor Strickland and the Ohio House of Representatives for leading an effort to achieve a “thorough and efficient” school finance system in Ohio.

 

WHEREAS, CORAS believes the education reform elements of Governor Strickland’s plan are sound, comprehensive, systemic and, when fully implemented would provide Ohio school children with quality learning experiences, and 

 

WHEREAS, given the current economic conditions in Ohio, CORAS believes the Ohio House of Representatives modifications to the Governor Strickland’s school funding reform plan will maintain schools over the next two years, and when fully funded, along with inflationary and necessary cost adjustments as determined by the School Funding Research Advisory Council, will provide adequate resources to implement the education reform elements, and

 

WHEREAS, CORAS believes there is a commitment by Governor Strickland and members of the current Ohio House of Representatives to provide sufficient state funding to school districts at the time the various elements of the plan are required to be implemented; and be it therefore

 

RESOLVED that the Coalition of Rural and Appalachian Schools endorses the Ohio education and school funding reform plan proposed by Governor Strickland, including the modifications by the Ohio House of Representatives.