Well, there's been a lot of hollerin' about it, but not much action. The attention will surely torpedo the state Senate and House bills. The Board of Education will not make its decisions on science standards until "later this year" - I'm not sure when. A cynic would suggest that the Evo/ID hearing was just to curry favor with conservatives in this GOP-owned state, so that the BoEd won't get it's funding cut. Ohio is also embroiled in a decade-long feud between the legislature and the Ohio Supreme Court over school funding inequities, so the BoEd may be trying to mollify the budgeteers.
Based on public statements by the BoEd members, there is a 7-4-8 split for evolution - ID - uncertain/decline to state. (ID proponents include those who favor both.) The following list is from the Feb 24th Cleveland Plain Dealer:
State Board Members on Teaching "Intelligent Design"
02/24/02
The Ohio Board of Education will decide this year whether public school students should be taught only the theory of evolution, or evolution and a controversial alternative called "intelligent design."
Here is where board members stand and how to reach them.
Richard Baker
937-997-2101
At-large member first appointed by Gov. George Voinovich. Term ends in December.
"My basic thoughts are that you team them both or you don't teach either one."
Marlene Jennings
440-256-1585
Elected representing District 5. Term ends December 2004.
"Evolution is a valid scientific theory, but it hasn't been proven and I would hate to exclude the other evidence that is coming in."
Deborah Owens Fink
330-972-8079
Elected representing District 7. Term ends December 2004.
"I am open to discussing whether it would make sense to include intelligent design in the life science curriculum."
Jo Ann Thatcher
740-858-3300
At-large member first appointed by Gov. George Voinovich. Term ends December 2004.
"We have to go along with new scientific discoveries and issues, but I want all sides presented."
Michael Cochran
michael.cochran@ode.state.oh.us
Elected representing District 6. Term ends December 2004.
Did not return calls, but has proposed ordering a draft of science standards that includes intelligent design.
Thomas McClain
614-424-7728
At-large member appointed by Gov. Bob Taft. Term ends December 2004.
"I can't say I am undecided. I should not be stating a position at the beginning since I'm co-chairing the committee."
Cyrus Richardson Jr.
513-734-6700
Elected representing District 10. Term ends December 2004.
"The curriculum ought to include science and not go off on a bunch of tangents."
Jennifer Stewart
jennifer.stewart@ode.state.oh.us
Elected representing District 9. Term ends December 2004.
"I have very strong reservations against alternative methods. I doubt I will be swayed."
Carl Wick
carl.wick@ode.state.oh.us
Elected representing District 3. Term ends in December.
"I'm still unconvinced that intelligent design should be part of the curriculum. I'm quite concerned about the separation of church and state."
Martha Wise
440-934-4935
Elected representing District 2. Term ends in December.
"Alternatives to evolution to me relate to theology and religion . . . but they're not science and should not be taught in class."
Virgil Brown Jr.
virgil.brown@ode.state.oh.us
Elected representing District 11. Term ends December 2004.
"I'm going to do my best to keep an open mind. [Intelligent design] seems to be very analogous to creationism."
Joseph Roman
joe.roman@ode.state.oh.us
At-large member first appointed by Gov. Richard Celeste. Term ends in December.
"I haven't learned enough yet to make that decision."
Emerson Ross Jr.
419-537-1562
At-large member first appointed by Gov. George Voinovich. Term ends December 2004.
"I need a lot more information [about intelligent design] . . . before deciding to include it in the science curriculum."
G.R. "Sam" Schloemer
513-821-4145
Represents District 4. Appointed by Gov. Bob Taft in January to fill a vacancy; will face election in November.
"I really haven't had an opportunity to discuss the issue."
James Turner
jturner@cinergy.com
At-large member appointed by Gov. Bob Taft. Term ends December 2004.
"Unless . . . there is zero evidence of design in the universe and in humans, then I don't know why we wouldn't talk about it."
State Board of Education
DistrictsEleven members of the State Board of Education are elected from the districts shown on this map. Eight others are appointed to at-large positions by the governor.
Board members Virginia Jacobs of Lima (419-999-4219), Sue Westendorf of Napoleon (419-592-1786) and Board President Jennifer Sheets of Pomeroy (740-992-2151) did not return telephone calls.
The District 8 board seat is vacant.
KEN MARSHALL THE PLAIN DEALER