The governor plans to host regional summit meetings across the state to build support for what he's calling an education "reform agenda" he plans to unveil next year.

"I think it would be helpful to have a very strong partner leading the Department of Education to help me do that," Strickland said.

In an interview with The Dispatch yesterday, the governor said he still wants the legislature to approve his proposal to appoint a director of education to oversee primary and secondary schools, a move that would greatly diminish the influence of the state Board of Education and superintendent.

But in the meantime, Strickland said he would welcome the opportunity to help the state board pick a new superintendent.

"If I had the ability to have significant input into the choice or designation of that person, that would be hugely helpful," Strickland said.

The Dispatch reported yesterday that board members have been quietly meeting with Strickland to discuss his proposal and his desire to have more input into the selection of superintendent.

Superintendent Susan T. Zelman, who has held the post for nine years, has not announced her resignation but is looking for a new job.

Strickland and Zelman, both Democrats, have been at odds since February, when the governor announced in his State of the State address a plan to expand his control over education policy by creating a cabinet-level education director.

The Ohio Constitution established the Board of Education, giving it the authority to appoint the state superintendent, which means the posts cannot be abolished without voter approval.

But board President Jennifer Sheets and others on the 19-member panel said the strained relations make it difficult to advance the board's proposals, and they are willing to give Strickland input in picking a new superintendent.

When asked whether he'd rather see someone else holding the position of state superintendent until the position of director of education is created, Strickland replied: "If I had the ability to have significant input into the choice or designation of that person, absolutely."

Strickland said his staff has not finished a proposed bill to create a state education czar, but it will soon. Republican leaders in the House and Senate have said the proposal faces an uphill battle.

ccandisky@dispatch.com