State Representative Jim Buchy
Setting up the tools for success in Ohio’s school systems 

In west central Ohio, we have the best schools because of great teachers and administrators as well as good parents and work ethic present in our homes.  Promoting these values that go hand in hand with our agricultural way of life may benefit students in other parts of the state by reducing the dropout rate and improving education in the urban areas.  It will be possible to expose young people in urban Cleveland and Cincinnati to the work ethic and values found on Ohio farms through a pilot program called Global Solutions Academy, which will bring tools for success to these two Ohio school systems. 

The program will connect local food processors in the Cincinnati and Cleveland area who need employees with young people in the school systems that may eventually work for these companies.  Young people enrolled in the 4-H program in the elementary school and the FFA program in the high school will have exposure to the genesis of food, which will provide them skills for the manufacturing of high-quality food products.  This is a workforce development program that will lead to economic opportunities for young people who may otherwise not recognize a potential career in the food industry. 

The prospect of a job in the future will create a positive environment that promises greater academic achievement.   That is why the governor and members of the legislature were eager to support this program in the state biennial budget.  In Ohio, urban schools are spending nearly $5,000 more per student to educate young people when compared to the costs to educate a student in west central Ohio.  Something must be done to increase student interest in learning and provide opportunities beyond school.  

The number-one industry in Ohio is agriculture, and that sector is producing hogs, cattle, corn and soybeans while employing thousands of Ohioans.  But agriculture is more than grain and livestock.  Agriculture runs from field, allowing an opportunity for all Ohioans to engage in ag production.  Providing an understanding of agriculture to young people in an urban setting will make them better employees for food processors located in Ohio’s major cities.  When these food processors have better-trained employees that lower their costs of doing business, they will expand the market for our commodity products produced in west central Ohio.  The results for everyone are win, win. 

The 4-H and FFA programs are rooted in our rural communities and they enrich our family lives by exposing young people to things they may not have experienced without 4-H and FFA.  It is truly remarkable how this supplements the education going on inside the classroom.  These programs work well in rural areas, so let’s give it a chance to succeed in the urban environment.  

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