To fully understand where we, as a school district are today, you fully need to know how we got here.
Questions: Why do the schools always ask for money? Why can’t the schools spend more responsibly, instead of always coming to the community to fill the gaps? Why didn’t they build new schools sooner?
Answers: In the past 45 years since June of 1977, the district has asked for money via levies or bonds on 43 occasions. Not 43 separate and random levies. Instead, 43 attempts to pass 16 separate Issues. Among those 43 ballot entries were 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th attempts to get help from this community.
In addition, 1 bond was voted on twice by the community for new buildings in 1997. Yep – NEW BUILDINGS! It failed both times and the district instead proposed a renovations bond that was ultimately passed. That brings our total to 41.
Two other levies were proposed in 2012 and 2015, both failed. The district adjusted and made due with what they had.
In all, that’s 43 opportunities to vote YES for our schools and the community said No 70% of the time. I can see why someone would think there’s “always” a levy issue on the ballot.
The State of Ohio has pitted Ohio taxpayers against their public schools. The State has repeatedly decreased the amount they pay in funding for schools and shifted the burden to local taxpayers.
This administration works within their means and has been recognized with multiple awards from the State of Ohio for their sound handling of fiscal matters. Dr. Clark, our Board and Administration have not failed our community.
Teachers and staff work hard every single day to teach, mentor, comfort, keep your children safe and help your children grow. Nordonia Schools just received a 5-Star Report Card from the State. Our teachers haven’t failed our community.
Our kids certainly haven’t failed our community.
This Community fails this Community repeatedly and then asks “Why?”
Let’s get it right this time. Please Vote YES on Issue 5!
~Barbie Galloway
