If the initial e-mails and letters to Gov. Ted Strickland and some Republican lawmakers last week are any indication, one aspect of Strickland's education plan that has struck a nerve with the public is his proposal for a longer school year.

The governor has called for extending the school year by 20 days to 200, adding them at a rate of four days every other year during the next decade.

But many of the more than 250 people who wrote to the governor and lawmakers after details of his plan were released said it's a bad idea.

Several complained that the longer school year wouldn't justify the higher costs for teachers' salaries, busing and even air conditioning -- if there is air conditioning.

"I mean, you try sitting in an EXTREMELY hot school all day for an extra 20 days," fourth-grader Ashley Murphy of Lebanon wrote in an e-mail to Strickland.

Others argued that adding days would reduce precious family time and take away from the joys of childhood.

"These kids need the summer vacation," wrote Billie Jo Gordon of Dover. "They need the break, and they need to have that time to spend with their families."

Andy Hill of Ashland asked Senate President Bill M. Harris, also of Ashland: "When can kids be kids?"

"I don't think anyone has taken into account that kids' attention spans are only so long," Hill said. "If you think you have behavioral problems in school, wait till they are there longer."

If approved, Ohio would be the first state in the nation to require students to attend 200 days of class. The governor also wants to add time each day for elective classes, expanding the minimum-required five-hour school day.

Strickland wants Ohio on par with international school years and has been critical of the current school calendar, which dates back to the state's agrarian roots.

A Quinnipiac University Poll last week showed that 51 percent of Ohioans favored the longer school year, while 42 percent opposed it. From the initial correspondence, it's clear that Strickland and other supporters still need to convince some people of two things: that a longer year will improve education, and that there is a link between that and economic growth.

Kenneth Dove of Mount Vernon wrote that he opposes the idea. "He needs to leave well enough alone and concentrate on more pressing matters, like the state of Ohio's economy."

Others also worry about the impact on vacation spending in the state.

"With shorter summer breaks, parents will have 20 less days to take their kids traveling and camping in Ohio," Kristy Smith, executive director of the Ohio Campground Owners Association, wrote to members.

Some people, though, applauded the idea and even suggested that school should be in session year-round.

"When the travel/adventure people try to tell you how much it will hurt business, just tell them they will have to adjust," wrote Patty Fannin of Canton.

Some people suggested that instead of making the school year longer, the state should simply reduce the number of vacation days during the year.

But others accused the governor of meddling.

"Let alone the schools!" wrote Susan Spencer of Louisville. "They are my children, not yours! I'm thinking you are old and you don't have kids in school. Duh, I bet if you did, your kids would hate you!"

Meanwhile, the Ohio Board of Education is expected to approve a resolution today commending Strickland's overall education plan.

Board members say they aren't necessarily endorsing the plan -- many details have yet to be developed -- but they believe the governor is headed in the right direction with a "student-centered" focus.

"The board reserves the right to make recommendations on certain parts as details become known," said Robin C. Hovis, a board member from Millersburg.

Dispatch reporter Catherine Candisky contributed to this story.

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