Virgil Brown is a native Clevelander born in 1945 who attended Cleveland public schools. He graduated from CWRU in physics, attended the graduate school of business, and graduated law school cum laude from CSU. He resides in Shaker Heights, where his daughters attend Hathaway Brown School. He is an attorney in private practice which concentrates on civil law, bankruptcy, probate, and real estate.

Brown was appointed to the State Board of Education by Governor Voinovich in 1991. He reports that he was never called or influenced by the governor after his appointment. He was elected to a full term in 1992. After serving that term, he ran unsuccessfully for County Treasurer. He is seeking election now because he ``thoroughly enjoyed'' being on the State Board, and found it ``challenging, interesting work.''

When on the Board, he made it a point to meet with PTAs, PTOs, and superintendents throughout the district. They were surprised, because they were not usually visited by their State Board representative. His communication bridged the gap.

Brown was on the statewide task force to study the original DeRolph decision. He tried to guide the State Board on whether to appeal or not appeal. He voted not to appeal. He supports the DeRolph decision, and thinks that it is ``correct.'' As a State Board member, he has visited districts that have tables in a hallway for a library, and former coal rooms used as classrooms. He thinks that the current funding system should be revised, as it is not ``reliable, adequate, or fair.''

He thinks that it is the state's obligation, per the constitution, to fund schools, but that local districts should be allowed to raise further funds locally. He believes that funding debates belong in the legislative branch, but personally advocates a state income tax which would allow funding to increase with economic gains.

He is in favor of a strong public school system, but is also in favor of some school choice which can supplement and strengthen public schools through competition. He does not want the charter school movement to be a ``subterfuge'' to undermine public schools, nor to resegregate education. Charter schools should be obligated to meet the same testing standards as public schools, and should have oversight.

Brown is against the Fourth Grade Guarantee. He believes tests should be used to identify students who need intervention. He does, however, think that it is not an unreasonable request to ask graduating seniors to demonstrate ``I can understand and do certain things.''

He thinks it is unreasonable to use proficiency tests to rank school districts. The report cards use too heavy a reliance on only one measure. He would work towards eliminating the fourth grade test as the sole measure of promotion to the fifth grade.

His sources of information include school superintendents, PTAs, and PTOs.

He observes that the business sector has a ``decent'' lobby with the legislature, and predicts it will have a hefty role in funding solutions. He thinks that both business and unions have a sizable role, but that business ultimately has more influence than the unions. He observes that the relationships are not static.

His goal on the State Board would be to take the initiative in advising the Executive and Legislative branches on school funding. He would revisit the questions:

``What should school systems teach our students ? What should they know at certain grade levels ? What does that cost, to meet fair and reasonable standards ?'' He feels that the political process needs to handle how to pay for it.

Brown has developed a ``very keen interest'' in education on the statewide level, and learned a lot about human relations and the dynamics of the Board while serving. His role would be nonpartisan, although he is a Republican. While on the Board, he observed an anti-northern Ohio, anti-Cleveland attitude in the southern part of the state, a rural versus urban/suburban divide. He finds it an ``interesting endeavor to work with everyone around the table'', a ``very rewarding experience.''

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