COLUMBUS — In the end, they split it almost down the middle.

        The plan to spend an estimated $1.4 billion on Ohio schools over the next two years — expected to be unveiled today — far outspends the $800 million plan proposed by Ohio Gov. Bob Taft this winter but falls far short of a $3.2 billion House plan unveiled in March.

        Officials say the plan agreed on by Ohio's top Republican leaders most closely resembles the proposal put forth by Senate President Richard Finan, a Evendale Republican who had initially pushed to spend $1.3 billion on schools.

        One key feature of the plan would give some schools extra cash on top of their increased basic funding. Called “parity funds,” the state money would help poor school districts provide programs, courses or services wealthier schools already offer using local tax dollars.

        State Rep. Jim Trakas, R-Independence, said this latest agreement is the most realistic plan to date.

        “We are making dramatic progress in leveling the playing field between high-wealth and poor-wealth districts,” he said.

        At the same time, he said, the plan doesn't bankrupt the state.

        “Ohio is facing, potentially, a recession and you can't squeeze blood from a turnip,” Mr. Trakas said. “I think both the court and the education community understand that there is only so much you can do.”

        Not everyone in the education field on Tuesday was feeling so agreeable.

        Bill Phillis, spokesman for the group whose lawsuit prompted the Ohio Supreme Court to rule twice that the state's public schools are unfairly funded, said the newest plan is based on what

        officials believe the state can afford when it should be based on the amount needed to properly fund schools.

        Mr. Phillis said the plan, which would spend an estimated $4,800 per pupil in the first year and $4,900 per pupil in the second, does not provide enough money. He noted it is only slightly above the $4,294 per pupil being spent now.

        “This is definitely not a breakthrough,” said Mr. Phillis, executive director of the Ohio Coalition for Equity and Adequacy of Funding. “There's still no direct relationship between the funding level proposed and what it actually costs to educate children.” Republicans, who control the Senate and the House, were still working Tuesday night on a list of budget cuts and tax credits that could be used to raise the money for schools — and balance the budget during tough economic times.

        Nearly all state agencies risk cutbacks in their budgets.

        Specific agencies where the budget axe could fall include higher education and the Department of Development. Among the items at risk are $176 million in new funds that would help hold down tuition costs, provide for business training classes and attract research grants.

        Targeted tax credits that could be delayed include a promised break for corporate research and development costs, and a sales tax exemption for sample prescription drugs doctors give patients. Delaying both would raise $69 million for schools over the next two years.

        Still, lawmakers will need far more than these changes to fund schools and to keep Gov. Taft's two-year, $44.8 billion budget in the black.

        Mr. Taft has proposed tapping the state's $1 billion rainy day fund to provide a one-time influx of cash next fiscal year.

        His administration also has floated a proposal to eliminate a sales-tax exemption on cars used as trade-ins to help purchase new vehicles. That change could produce $144.2 million for schools in the next fiscal year.

        Mr. Householder and Mr. Finan have said they are reluctant to use the rainy day fund for schools. Lawmakers also worry about a consumer backlash if they remove the trade-in exemption.

        Kevin Kellems, the governor's spokesman, said top leaders have reached agreement on many items, but are still working to determine where to make $737 million in cuts needed to fund schools and balance the budget.

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