To the Editor,

I have been a Tallmadge resident most of my life. My family moved to Tallmadge when I was 10 years old in 1967. We moved because my parents felt that Tallmadge schools would provide us with a better education. All four of us are college graduates; three are teachers or school administrators and I work at a college.

We too moved to Tallmadge when we had children so that our own family would have a good educational start in life. My two children are college graduates, both with multiple degrees and certifications. I believe the education they received in the Tallmadge School system gave them their commitment to life-long learning. Both have promising careers. My daughter bought a house in Tallmadge because this community is where she and her husband want to raise their family.

My husband and I will be voting YES for the Tallmadge School Levy on May 5. Our community is a strong one with family values, good schools and a place where we want young people to continue to thrive. Our teachers are committed and our administrators strong. They have made sacrifices; not only in their salaries but in the educational materials and programs that help them do their jobs.

In these hard economic times, what is a better investment than the children in this City? Strong, valued schools make a good community even better. When a community doesn't support its schools, property values decline. My children have graduated so I have no children in the Tallmadge schools. I will vote YES for Tallmadge schools as long as I live here because I believe that is the best investment we can make.

I don't want to see any more teachers or administrators lose their jobs. After all, these are our neighbors and friends. Every day we read about companies "down-sizing" and people losing their jobs. Let's not be part of the problem when we can be part of the solution! Join me in voting YES for Tallmadge schools on May 5.

Sincerely,

Richean Bailey Kuzior