Bill would nix Strickland education plan

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Legislation is in the works to overturn many aspects of former Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland's plan for public education, including a mandate that districts offer all-day kindergarten for free.

The bill's sponsor is Republican state Rep. Randy Gardner of Bowling Green. He tells The Columbus Dispatch he wants the proposal to send a message that "relief and cost savings" are on the way for schools.

The newspaper reports the bill would do away with the all-day kindergarten mandate, as well as plans for smaller class sizes and requirements that schools create family and civic engagement councils and issue reports showing how tax dollars are spent.

Gardner says he's not opposed to all-day kindergarten, smaller class sizes or other initiatives but that government should not make such requirements without providing funding.