COLUMBUS — The state would increase funding for education by almost $1 billion a year for the next two-year budget cycle, under a proposed budget announced Tuesday by the state school superintendent.

        Superintendent Susan Tave Zelman is calling for an additional $980 million in state funding in the 2002 business year and $940 million in the 2003 business year.

        The state school board votes on a final budget next month. Gov. Bob Taft has warned the board to submit a realistic proposal, spokeswoman Mary Anne Sharkey said Tuesday.

        Ms. Zelman said the budget must comply with Ohio Supreme Court rulings declaring the state's school-funding system unconstitutional because it relies too much on local property taxes, creating disparities between rich and poor districts.

        Most of the proposed increase would come from raising the amount of money the state provides schools for the per-student cost of education.

        Ms. Zelman is proposing providing $4,635 per student in the 2002 business year, up from $4,414 under current law, and $4,976 in 2003, up from $4,538.

        Ms. Zelman's budget proposal includes an extra $240 million a year to implement all-day kindergarten, an extra $30 million a year for helping children who have trouble reading and an extra $140 million for special education over two years.

        The budget also adds $17 million over two years for programs for gifted children.

        It also proposes an additional $100 million a year to help school districts deal with the phenomenon known as phantom revenue, whereby districts appear wealthier than they are because of rising real estate values.

Tristate campaign cash flows steadily
Non-stadium issues debated
Race tension simmers at Amelia High
SAMPLES: Uncharmed
Crash kills longtime Southwest Ohio pilot
KKK seeks permit for Fountain Square cross
Laney targets Butler sheriff
Covington candidates to debate
Crack KOs ex-champ
CROWLEY: Anti-abortion leader on attack
Fairfield buys new siren system
Fairfield schools get new leader
Insurers' decisions awaited
Kenton to adjust payroll taxes
Ky. tax burden still above national average
Lakota levy called critical
Landfill loophole has city helpless
Lebanon makes promise to extend rail tracks
Lucas unveils political TV ads
Mason's anti-porn 'homework'
More Enquirer readers pick Bush in education survey
New sign-up method for magnet schools
Ohio board proposes more school funding
Panel sees problems in proficiency tests
Park chief: Ski lodge should be torn down
Secure living possible
Kentucky News Briefs
Tristate A.M. Report