League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area Education Fund
Hamilton County, OH November 6, 2007 Election
	Rick Williams Answers Questions Candidate for Board Member; Cincinnati City School District

The questions were prepared by the League of Women Voters of the Cincinnati Area and asked of all candidates for this office.
Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

Questions & Answers

1. What are your qualifications for office? (50 word limit)

My parents were educators so my exposure to the district began early. I am a graduate of Cincinnati Public Schools with eight years of experience on the School Board. My job is a daily reminder of the connection between quality schools and neighborhoods as I watch families choosing home ownership outside of Cincinnati because of the schools.

2. What plans do you have to address your top three priorities? (100 word limit)

I have begun with a resolution to the Board to begin a study of best practices and successful urban settings to be performed by the Council of Great City Schools, Knowledworks Foundation and STRIVE. The resolution also included the creation of a public engagement process to be designed by the Public Engagement and Partnership Committee which I chair, and STRIVE. These activities will create the profile for the next superintendent, which will be done with the support of the Broad Foundation.

3. What is your position on amending the Ohio Constitution with regard to the funding of public schools? (150 word limit)?

Change in the funding of public education in Ohio is mandatory! It has been determined more than once by the State Supreme Court that the current funding practice is unconstitutional, yet it remains. Ohio is among the lowest in financial support for public education. It is no wonder our economy is weak. Our state legislators primarily represent geographic areas that immune to the problem. This must be changed. If the urban cities continue to be minimized educationally, the state will never thrive economically!

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Responses to questions asked of each candidate are reproduced as submitted to the League.  Candidates' statements are presented as submitted. Word limits apply for each question. Direct references to opponents are not permitted.

Read the answers from all candidates (who have responded).

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Created from information supplied by the candidate: October 8, 2007 17:55
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