Ohio, recently named the nation’s top state for business by CNBC in its widely followed annual assessment, is now being urged by business organizations to apply the same strategic purpose to its education system. According to these groups, including the non-partisan organization Ohio Excels, this achievement creates a responsibility: to remain a leading state for starting and growing businesses, Ohio must also become the best place for every student to learn, prepare for a career, and build a successful life.
Business organizations committed to stronger education and workforce development advocate for a clear goal for Ohio’s next governor, regardless of party affiliation. By 2035, the state should strive to be the nation’s top-performing state in K-12 academic performance and postsecondary outcomes, according to these groups.
The need for this commitment is evident, as respected studies indicate that while Ohio ranks between 7th and 14th on national outcome measures, many students are still unprepared for the future. Statistics shared by these organizations highlight specific challenges: only 36% of Ohio children enter kindergarten ready to learn. On the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), just 32% of fourth graders are proficient in reading, and 43% are proficient in math. By eighth grade, proficiency on this same national measure stands at 32% in both reading and math.
While Ohio’s latest school report cards show encouraging gains in reading and math, and educators are credited for this progress, state tests reveal that nearly 4 in 10 students remain below proficiency in reading, and more than 4 in 10 in math. The next gubernatorial administration is tasked with building on these gains, closing persistent achievement gaps, and holding the state accountable for improved results, say these groups.
Ohio Excels, having studied best practices nationwide, has identified models for emulation across several key areas. To improve student readiness, Ohio should make high-quality early education more accessible and affordable, particularly for low-income families, and fully fund all-day kindergarten. Colorado is cited as an example of achieving this.
For elementary students, Ohio must lead the nation in reading and math. This involves maintaining high expectations, utilizing evidence-based strategies like the Science of Reading, supporting educators, and ensuring major reforms are implemented in good faith. The “Southern surge,” exemplified by the Mississippi miracle, demonstrates significant performance gains from sustained commitment.
Furthermore, business organizations advocate for transparent and understandable information about school performance for every family, alongside access to a high-quality district, charter, or private school. When schools consistently fail to improve, the state must provide stronger leadership, targeted support, appropriate incentives, and real accountability. Texas’s reporting and accountability system is presented as a strong example.
Ohio must also expose every student to various career paths through expanded awareness, advising, and real-world learning. Higher education, technical training, and apprenticeships should be more affordable, accessible, and clearly linked to careers that offer economic mobility and a return on investment. Mississippi and Indiana offer models in career coaching and alignment that Ohio can learn from.
Finally, business groups emphasize that companies cannot solely expect schools to address these challenges. They should open their doors through internships, co-ops, job shadowing, apprenticeships, and other work-based experiences. These opportunities can help inform and inspire students and educators, providing them with an understanding of the preparation needed for various careers.
The 2035 goal is described as ambitious but intentional, spanning two gubernatorial terms to allow for meaningful change. Ohio should establish annual benchmarks, publicly report progress, and tie funding to outcomes, according to Ohio Excels and its partner business groups, who state their readiness to partner in this effort.
