Now that our Levy has passed, it is time to decide as a community - TopicsExpress

Now that our Levy has passed, it is time to decide as a community how we will move forward to continue funding our children’s education. Our State Legislators and State Board of Education have made it very clear that they do not value or support small school districts. They have taken steps to make it virtually impossible to keep small rural schools open. Although state funding practices have been deemed unconstitutional by the State Supreme Court numerous times, there is no agency or legislator willing to hold these representatives accountable for their crimes. As a result, our township must decide how to become part of a larger district. This is an emotional decision and one that not many alumni want to see happen, but it is the unfortunate state of affairs facing Geauga County Schools and really, all rural schools throughout the state. We are very fortunate that our community has pulled together to pass the most recent levy attempt, but it is clear that there is little room left for our residents to give. Due to state loop holes, the State of Ohio considers Newbury Township to be wealthier than Hudson and Chagrin Falls, to name a couple districts, which means the State barely supplies the school with the necessary funds needed to operate. Our residents make up over 80% of this cost to educate our kids. This is a higher percentage than any surrounding district. As much as we all have valued the personal experience we have had with Newbury Schools, the State has taken active steps to make it financially impossible to keep the single township district we have come to know and love through the years. With that said, we need to make a decision as a community on how to move forward. The only responsible way to do so is by attending School Board meetings, asking questions, staying on top of developments, and keeping an open mind to change, as hard as it may be at times. Currently the only option being explored is what some people have been referring to as East Geauga District. This would be a new district comprised of students from Newbury, Berkshire, Cardinal, and Ledgemont in cooperation with Kent State Geauga. Kent State is leading this discussion and all four districts have agreed to hold meetings to investigate this option. If an agreement can be made by June, the State will be willing to forgive the debt accrued by the Ledgemont District so as the new school can start with the best foot forward. Ultimately the residents of these four districts will decide whether or not to consolidate as it will have to be put on a ballot for a vote. For this reason it is imperative that each and every registered voter understand that each Levy passed is essentially good for 5 years. After that period a district will usually have to ask for more money. The process of consolidating could easily take 4-6 years. The financially responsible thing to do for our residents is to stay informed so this process, if it is the best option, is not delayed. If districts fall into debt prior to starting this process it could potentially terminate any possibility of moving forward. Here are some things we have learned from the Dec. 15th Board Meeting. As usual, please contact the Newbury Board of Education with any questions regarding information presented on this page as they are the best source for the most accurate information. 1) Kent State Geauga needs to expand their campus to make room for its own students. They have 80 acres and are proposing the new district be built on this site alongside the college campus. The two will share facilities and faculty. Motivated high school students could potentially gain two years of college course work without leaving campus. The interim Dean at Kent State Geauga stated that he will be willing to lobby the state for funding to make this facility financially attainable. As mentioned, if the four districts and Kent can come to a decision prior to June, then the state will forgive the debt already incurred by Ledgemont District. 2) This will not be a charter school. Kent State is not interested in “owning” a school. Although a STEM middle school, and new high school were brought up, a k-12 campus is not off the table. It simply depends on what the four districts can agree upon. 3) Discussions are just starting and the direction of this proposed school is really undetermined. Kent is only willing to work with these four specific districts. It is all or nothing. If one district pulls out they are not interested in moving forward. The size of the school after combining the four districts is thought by Kent to be the perfect ratio for success. 4) When asked what is in it for Kent State, the interim Dean says, ultimately it is the financial responsibility of him as Dean and our individual districts to find the most cost effective way to move forward and this is it. The State of Ohio has charged its college campuses to take measures to decrease the cost of higher education. By sharing facility costs and making post – secondary options easier for high school students to gain college credit, Kent State will be in compliance with these new state measures. Many more questions were asked at this meeting but these are the most common ones people have been asking about. Again, please address any questions or concerns with our Board of Education Members and Superintendent. It is they who will be present during these investigative meetings. If they are able to address residents’ concerns early on, we can better shape the course of action for our children.