COLUMBUS — The coalition of schools suing Ohio over the way it funds education isn't happy with an offer to settle the decade-old lawsuit, House Speaker Larry Householder said Tuesday.

        Mr. Householder, defying a mediator's request to keep settlement talks confidential, also said the coalition has made a counteroffer, although he wouldn't describe it. He said the two sides were millions of dollars or more apart. “More like billions,” he said.

        The state on Feb. 7 made an offer to try to settle the suit, which argues that Ohio's school-funding system is unconstitutional because it favors rich districts over poor. Mediator Howard Bellman has until Thursday to resolve the case or request an extension.

        Neither the state nor the Coalition for Equity and Adequacy of School Funding will discuss details of either offer or the talks.

        However, Gov. Bob Taft said Tuesday that the state's offer involves more than money.

        Mr. Householder said he was disappointed by the status of the talks.

        “My understanding is the coalition is quite displeased with the offer that's been made,” said Mr. Householder, a Glenford Republican. “Under these tough budget conditions, I think it was a valiant effort by us to try to put something forward.”

Luken won't parley with promoters of boycott
After years, Justin adoption case could be near conclusion
Timeline of Justin case
Churches ready for start of Lent
E-mail to Cranley creates stir
German's search leads to family
Hamilton County jail goes retro with striped jumpsuits
Loveland historic property on selling block
Nurse faces 90 days in cyclist's death
Police abuse called unchanged
Rev. Heet, Roger Bacon athletic director for 33 years, dies
Snowboarding interest all uphill
Tristate A.M. Report
Waldvogel Viaduct overhaul proposed
BRONSON: Opinion drawer
HOWARD: Some Good News
SAMPLES: Shelter on way
SMITH AMOS: Hip hop healing
Group outlines Fairfield's future
Lebanon accepts reports on water, sewer
Middletown teachers get wage boost
Residents weigh in on Wharf at Symmes
Coalition unhappy over school funding talks
Expanded gaming on agenda
Ohio board seeks changes in charter school laws
Taft picks Columbus woman as running mate
Complex plans on upscale units
Merger studied (yawn) really?