A student argues that Ohio’s 5 of 8 Rule provides beneficial services for students and says it was wrong for the Ohio Board of Education to eliminate it.
To the Editor,
Math, reading, science, writing and history are the basis of our public education and are crucial to creating productive citizens, but public education should not stop there. There is a need for art, music and physical education in every public school so that society can create citizens who are not only productive, but also healthy and happy citizens. Our students cannot be without counselors, nurses and social workers that work to protect their academic future, physical health and mental well being. Maintaining happiness, health and a bright future are goals that all public schools should be equipped to achieve. A decision by the Ohio Board of Education to eliminate the 5 of 8 Rule, which requires that school districts hire five full-time specialist teachers from a selection of eight specializations, is removing a requirement for public schools to provide the services students need to succeed in school and in life.
The 19-member Ohio Board of Education is made up 11 elected officials and eight other members who are appointed by the Governor. To achieve a majority, a governor only needs two of the 11 elected officials to vote their way. The Ohio Board of Education disregarded thousands of emails, calls and letters from parents, teachers and school administrators opposed to eliminating with their 14-5 vote to approve their resolution removing the 5 of 8 requirement.
Proponents of removing 5 of 8 argue that it gives cash strapped districts more flexibility and control. However, giving school districts the choice between shooting off their right foot or their left foot is not much of a choice. The rising cost of public education has been placed on localities because of Governor John Kasich, who has reduced public school funding by $514 million during his time in office. Three out of four school districts receive less funding today from the state than they did when Kasich took office.
Lets give our schools the ability to fund art, music, nurses and counselors, rather than allowing those localities that can afford to be the only ones who provide a complete public education to our students. Funding Ohio students’ futures is not a choice; it is a necessity.
Ben Mathes is a junior at Ohio University and the Advocacy Director for Ohio University Students for Education Reform.
