Ohio Governor 'Abdicates Duty' On Schools: Solon Politician

SOLON, OH — Gov. Mike DeWine has failed to provide adequate leadership and guidance for Ohio schools amid the coronavirus outbreak, State Rep. Phil Robinson said this week.

During the governor's Tuesday news conference, DeWine said the decision on school reopenings, and what they look like, will fall to local communities. He did not provide guidance on what districts should do if an outbreak hits a community.

"I have every confidence that Ohio's schools will do everything they can to keep children safe, but any spread happening in the broader community will, without a doubt, be reflected in Ohio's classrooms," DeWine said.

The lack of a plan disappointed Robinson.

“As a father, I tuned in today hoping for guidance and answers from the governor but he let me, and other Ohio parents, down. Instead what we saw was an abdication of the state’s duty," Robinson said.

Robinson argued DeWine's plan shifts the burden of decision making onto school districts, who pawn the decision off on parents. Families must then choose between a child's health, a parent's health and employment.

"What is actually happening as a result of no statewide intervention is we are deepening the economic divides in our society, perpetuating a system of haves and have nots. Those who have the means to do remote learning and keep their children healthy, can. Those working parents who rely on in-person instruction so they can hold down a job, cannot," Robinson said.

On the heels of the Big Ten deciding to postpone all fall sports, due to the threat of COVID-19, Robinson believes DeWine has failed to make similarly difficult decisions.

"It is disappointing to see Gov. DeWine refuse to lead when Ohio needs it the most," Robinson said.

Robinson advocated the passing of three pieces of legislation which would:

• Delay schools' five-year financial plan projections, giving districts more flexibility during the pandemic
• Address busing issues in communities
• Waive state testing and create exemptions for Ohio's controversial state report card system (which grades school districts based on standardized state tests)