Candidate for
Member; State Board of Education; District 4

I am an incumbent and want to keep my seat on the State Board of Education. Bringing our schools into state-of-the-art education systems is at the heart of my strong commitment and desire to continue serving on the State Board.

I have a perfect attendance record at the monthly meetings, and have met with all superintendents in the 4th District, which includes all of Hamilton and Warren counties.

I have completed new board member training conducted by the National Association of State Boards of Education.

The Resources Committee on which I serve deals with Community School Contracts, Teacher Education and Licensure Procedures, and the Governor's Commission on Teaching Success.

In addition to being the Board representative for exceptional children (this includes children with special needs and gifted children), I am extremely proud to have been appointed to the newly formed State Board of Education Task Force on Narrowing the Achievement Gap.

Among issues that are most important to me are

· Implementing the "No Child Left Behind" Act.

· Narrowing the achievement gap by reducing the disparity between achieving students and disadvantaged minorities.

· Improving the pre-teaching programs in Ohio colleges and the professional development programs for teachers.

I believe there are three critical issues facing the State Board of Education.

1. There are too few students and adults having the knowledge and skills needed for success. We must assure high achievement for ALL learners by preserving and nurturing enthusiasm. It is important that we set clear and high expectations for what ALL students should know and be able to do. Schools can do this by communicating and clarifying Ohio's expectations for higher achievement.

2. Overall performance from pre-kindergarten to adult is too low. We must promote a safe and orderly learning environment, thus helping every generation learn, enhance, and practice the character traits that are valued by their communities. Educators must have the skills, knowledge, and resources to get students to meet higher expectations. We need to also foster the ability of families and communities to help students succeed. Schools have the responsibility to provide leadership, support, and also build capacity.

3. The gap between the highest and lowest performer is far too big. We must be committed to supporting efficient, effective, and continuously improving systems of learning. Measuring, publicizing, and rewarding results while holding educators and students responsible will result in improvements.

I appreciate the outstanding qualities of our Superintendent of Public Education, Dr. Susan Tave Zelman. The State of Ohio, educators, students and parents are fortunate to have her visionary leadership.

I look forward to working with Dr. Zelman to implement the new "No Child Left Behind" bill signed into law by President Bush this past January, and narrowing the achievement gap. I firmly support Dr. Zelman's goal to make Ohio schools number one in the nation by the year 2005.

Your vote for G.R. Schloemer will help to ensure my continued representation of District 4 on the State Board of Education and preserve the integrity of education here in Ohio.