Ohio State Board communications to Ohio Parents
September 2009 

A message from State Board of Education President Deborah Cain 

It’s hard to believe September is already here. I hope you all had a great summer and are now adjusting a new school year starting. 

The State Board of Education had a busy spring and summer keeping up with the state budget process and the education reform elements that ultimately became part of House Bill 1. It is exciting that, despite the economic challenges, state leaders have made education a priority.  

In July, we held our annual State Board retreat to develop priorities and strategies for further improving Ohio’s education system. These priorities build on the Vision for Transforming Ohio’s Education System document the State Board accepted during our June 2008 retreat and align our work to the education provisions in House Bill 1.   

We recognize that partnering with parents will be integral in making our vision for Ohio’s education system a reality. That is why one of the priorities of the State Board is to increase and improve our outreach efforts to stakeholder groups. It is important for us to keep you informed of our work, and for you to have the opportunity to provide us with your feedback.  

After taking the month of August off, we are gearing up for the next State Board meeting, which will be Sept. 14-15, 2009 at the Ohio School for the Deaf in Columbus. You can find information about the meeting schedule and voting agenda by visiting the State Boa rd section of www.education.ohio.gov and clicking on “State Board Meetings for 2009.”  

If there is anything a State Board of Education member can do to assist you, please let us know. You can find information about how to contact State Board members in the “About the State Board of Education” page on the State Board Web site. You can also contact the Office of Board Relations at (614) 466-4838. 

Best wishes for a successful 2009-2010 school year!