Treasurer Urges Support of Issues 6 & 7

As treasurer of the district you would expect me to state the need for the renewal levies on the May 3^rd ballot.  That being said, allow me to express how important these funds are to the ongoing operations of the district. 

Please remember that the operating levy dollars have been part of the district’s operating budget for the past 10 years (35 years for the permanent improvement levy).  The district has counted on these dollars each year to provide services to the students of this district in order to achieve/maintain an excellent rated school district. As you know the governor has made drastic cuts to the state’s budget for the next two years to close an $8 billion dollar shortfall.  Tallmadge Schools share of those cuts over the next two years is $2.9 million. Though the amounts were more severe than expected, we anticipated reductions in state funding and have planned accordingly.  And, although it will not be easy, with changes that we have made we believe we can continue to operate in an efficient and effective manner. However, if the district were to lose the $3 million dollars generated annually from the renewal of the operating levy, on top of the cuts that we know are coming from the state; to say that the negative impact would be devastating would be an understatement.

In all of my years as a school district treasurer, these are by far the most challenging times for education. The citizens of Tallmadge need to be commended in that, in difficult times you have always stepped up for the students of this district. I urge you to continue that support on behalf of every student of Tallmadge City Schools.             Jeff Hostetler, Treasurer