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| Thursday September 02, 2010 | Dailycall.com |
| 2/5/2009 9:31:00 AM | Email this article • Print this article |
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| Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland center, talks with third grade students at Favorite Hill Elementary School in Piqua on Wednesday afternoon. Accompanying the governor were Favorite Hill School Principal Mindy Gearhart, left, and Piqua City Schools Superintendant Rick Hanes. Favorite Hill was named a School of Promise last fall.
MIKE ULLERY/staff photOS
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| Favorite Hill first-grade Title One reading teacher Mary Pitts, right, works with students while Strickland observes. The governor visited elementary school and spread the word on his proposed education reform program. |
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Governor praises Piqua schools
Strickland visits Favorite Hill to examine reading program
By Jennifer Runyon
Staff Writer
PIQUA - Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland visited Favorite Hill Primary School on Wednesday with school board members, representatives from the district's business partners, Piqua Mayor Tom Hudson, State Rep. Richard Adams and many others on hand.
Favorite Hill was chosen because of its successful Title One reading program, a program Strickland said he would like to see implemented across the state.
"We are trying to make an experience like this, the learning that takes place at this school, the norm rather than the exception," Strickland said.
Title One teachers Mary Pitts and Tina Watts had an opportunity to discuss the program with the governor, giving him folders to take back to Columbus.
During his tour of the school, Strickland remarked about the independent learning he witnessed taking place.
"The independent learning that's going on here that's really impressive, with this age of students," he said of building's grades 1-3. He remarked about one class using the word metamorphosis, a word he said "I didn't hear until college."
After his tour, the governor addressed the audience regarding his education reform and funding plan.
During which, he said, he is telling schools, "If you have a 20-mill levy in place, the state will bear the cost of what it takes to pay for our evidence-based model."
Superintendent Rick Hanes was pleased with the governor's visit.
"This is a great day for us ... we have shown here in Piqua what happens when teachers, administrators, the community, parents and business partners come together with the board of education and staff and work together for good schools. Our taxpayers have shown by their votes that show support that they realize that progress sometimes takes sacrifice," he said.
Strickland's visit concluded with a recommendation by Hudson to acknowledge the Fort Piqua Plaza on his way to the Interstate. Strickland also visited with educators in Lima on Wednesday afternoon.
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