A number of Ohio's mayors worked alongside educational groups for over two years to find a school funding solution. But just before Wednesday's announcement, Mayors Don Plusquellic of Akron, Rhine McLin of Dayton and Michael Coleman of Columbus withdrew their support, saying the amendment offers no specific method for funding Ohio's schools equally across wealthy and disadvantaged districts. Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic says without offering voters a clear financial plan, the amendment, if passed, is like an unfunded mandate.
Don Plusquellic: I think it doesn't lend itself to successful passage, because I think opponents will shoot this full of holes, saying were not giving the full picture - and I think that's the most unfortunate part of it.
Plusquellic says there may still be opportunities to offer funding solutions, perhaps after Governor Strickland assembles a special panel to examine the issue. Strickland hasn't endorsed the amendment proposal, although he's sympathetic to the aims of its backers. Lisa Ann Pinkerton, 90.3.