It's interesting to read the letters about the school levy from week to week. Some good points have been brought up, and I have to admit that I agree with the person who submitted the letter in the June 7th edition. However, the writer of the most recent letter in the June 21st edition feels that Tallmadge citizens are not informed enough on the school's situation to make an appropriate decision on the tax levy. I disagree.
He also states that the kid's education and core curriculum should come first for the kids are our future. That I agree with to a point. I'm a graduate of Tallmadge High School, class of 2002, and I do appreciate the teachers that helped me get my education. I had some very good teachers. I also understand that the class sizes were growing and a new high school was needed. What I'm saying is, the school budget was WAY overspent. Yes we needed a bigger high school, but did we really need one all in brick with a huge dome and Greek pillars? Do those things make the kids of Tallmadge get a better education? No, they do not. Now they can't afford to run the sports programs because of the fancy new school. Is that our fault as residents? No, it is not. So, why should we have to pay for it? We shouldn't. Why are the residents accused of not caring for the children of Tallmadge by voting against the levy, when the administration won't even step up to help? In these economic times, I ask why the administration, who is taking away the sports, and busing programs because of lack of funds are not also helping by taking pay cuts to their own salaries. (Not pay freezes, pay cuts. Like the state government workers have been told to do) Residents are plenty informed, that's why the school levy fails each time. Those of us who voted against the school levy, knew that the board would be back in less than a year asking for more money. Had they planned properly, they would have been able to build a new school and have sufficient funds to operate said school plus the other 4 schools in the district. In closing, residents will not be able to afford an increase in taxes. My fianc and I are looking for a house and we could not consider a home in Tallmadge. Although there are homes we could afford, when we figured in the taxes the homes were no longer in our budget. If the taxes continue to increase, people will no longer be able to afford or be attracted to living in Tallmadge.