FAMILIAR FACES--A group of students admire a picture- puzzle of themselves, which was unveiled during the opening ceremonies of the new home for the Ohio Department of Education, in Columbus, Ohio, on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2001. Clockwise from the bottom are: Aysha Harris, Sara Lowenstein, Amanda Wentzel, and Paige Babin. (JACK KUSTRON/photoj.com)

FUN WITH BOB--Gov. Bob Taft enjoys an exchange with reporters following the opening ceremony of the new home for the Ohio Department of Education, in Columbus, Ohio, on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2001. (JACK KUSTRON/photoj.com)

HORTON HEARS A WHO--Sen. Mike Shoemaker, D-Bourneville, holds a copy of the Dr. Seuss book Horton Hears A Who, during a news conference, at the Ohio Statehouse, in Columbus, Ohio, on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2001. Shoemaker spoke about his legislative agenda for the 124th Gereral Assembly. (JACK KUSTRON/photoj.com)

MEETING WITH THE GOV.--House Speaker Larry Householder, R-Glenford, leaves Gov. Bob Taft's office after meeting with Taft, Senate Pres. Richard Finan and Budget Director Tom Johnson, at the Ohio Statehouse, in Columbus, Ohio, on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2001. (JACK KUSTRON/photoj.com)

SCHOOL FUNDING--Senate President Richard Finan, R-Cincinnati, speaks with reporters after meeting with Gov. Bob Taft, House Speaker Larry Householder, R-Glenford, and Budget Director Tom Johnson, at the Ohio Statehouse, in Columbus, Ohio, on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2001. Finan said that a school funding bill will be the first item of business for the 124th General Assembly. (JACK KUSTRON/photoj.com)

NEW STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION PRESIDENT-- Newly-elected State Board of Education President Jennifer L. Sheets, of Pomeroy, speaks during the opening of the new home for the Ohio Department of Education, in Columbus, Ohio, on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2001. (JACK KUSTRON/photoj.com)