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  • Issue 51: Tallmadge: Issue 51 for Tallmadge schools is a new 6.9-mill levy to raise $2.87 million a year for five years for current expenses. Voters last approved an operating levy in 2001. This is the district’s sixth try in two years to raise new revenues while state funds to the district have been frozen at 2003 levels. In the meantime, the district has trimmed $2.5 million from its budget, including 55 jobs. Without new money, Tallmadge must cut deeper as operational costs rise. If approved, Issue 51 will raise the property tax on a $100,000 house about $18 a month. Tallmadge offers a good education for the money. The shame is that the continued financial squeeze will erode educational quality in one of the county’s top districts. We recommend that voters support Issue 51. (Editorial endorsement as published in the Akron Beacon Journal 10-29-09)

 

 

  • In the Oct. 18 issued of the Tallmadge Express, a letter writer questioned why the School Board continues to place levies on the ballot when they’ve been rejected five times already. In 2001, voters approved an operating levy for the schools. The money generated from this levy paid for books, salaries, fuel for buses, health care, supplies, cafeteria food and other operating expenses. One would think funding the operational portion of the district had been corrected. However, problems arise when the costs of these items increase. Under Ohio law, when a school levy is passed, the revenue from the millage stays constant. As costs of everything needed to run a school district continue to rise, the revenue doesn’t keep up. This causes the School Board to do two things: First, make cuts, which they have; and second, request additional revenue. If the new levy request fails, then the Board must make additional cuts, which may reduce the quality of education, and it will still need to ask for more money. There is no way the School Board can cut enough expenses to offset additional costs and still provide quality education. What should make us all mad is that residents of Ohio are given only one opportunity to vote on a recurring tax, and that is a property tax to educate our kids. We know this funding method has been ruled unconstitutional more than once, and we know additional property taxes are a burden, especially for seniors. But we are forced to make a decision between an unconstitutional tax and educating our youth. So what are residents to do? As much as we’d like to say no, we must choose education. We have an excellent school system now, but not funding the basic operational needs of the district will diminish its quality. We need to support our kids and vote “for” Issue 51. Christopher Grimm, Mayor, City of Tallmadge    (as published in the Tallmadge Express 10-18-09) 

  

 

  • The Tallmadge League of Women Voters has a long-standing position in support of quality education in the Tallmadge City Schools. The League believes the community must demonstrate adequate support of the school system through appropriate local funding of public education. To evaluate the need for a 6.9-mill, five-year emergency operating levy, Mayor Christopher Grimm and TCSD Superintendent Jeff Ferguson appointed the Tallmadge City School Levy Oversight Committee, comprising six financially knowledgeable residents. Their charge was to review the need for the levy, to look at state funding and local property tax support and to examine school administration funding cuts. (For the full report, go to the Tallmadge Pride Web site at tallmadgepride.org/.) Among the committee’s findings: * Schools have operated with no new dollars since 2001. * State funding has been flat for the past six years with decreases expected in 2010 and 2011. * Schools have done their part in reducing expenses since 2007. * If this levy does not pass, future and more drastic cuts will be in order, which will jeopardize the district’s “Excellent with Distinction” rating. * Economic growth will be restricted without excellent schools to attract new resident and potential businesses, leading to further decline in property values. The Tallmadge League of Women Voters believes passage of the operating levy is necessary to maintain quality educational opportunities for our children and for the continued economic growth of the community. As president of the Tallmadge League of Women Voters, I urge residents to vote “for” Issue 51.  Julia Spiker   (as published in the Tallmadge Express 10-18-09)

   

 

  • High schools traditionally serve as the masthead of every community. As the principal of Tallmadge High School, I’d like to say we are proud to serve as the common thread uniting the past, present and future of our community members. Our accomplishments continue to rise with each passing year, and we are once again proud of our district’s state rating of “Excellence with Distinction.” Our high school ranks number 34 out of 873 Ohio schools, putting us in the top 3 percent. Most recently, we learned in a comparative state study of like schools, Tallmadge High School ranks No. 1. Our staff and students are grateful for the support provided by so many dedicated community members, and it is my hope that all Tallmadge residents feel a sense of pride in so great an accomplishment. We are equally proud of our commitment to provide opportunities for our students to demonstrate kindness, caring and service through a variety of programs. We teach our students to invest in their community through our Christmas Families program, our Red Cross Blood Drive, our annual Veterans’ Day Remembrance ceremony and Relay For Life. Our students volunteer in many community projects and our choir, band and athletic programs are sources of community pride. Tallmadge High School is proud to be the masthead of the past, present and future — We Are Tallmadge. Please support our tradition of excellence Nov. 3 by voting “for” Issue 51.  Rebecca DeCapua, Principal, Tallmadge High School   (as published in the Tallmadge Express 10-18-09)

   

 

  • We ask the residents of Tallmadge to reflect on the following: The school district is what draws new families to a community and what brings children back as adults to raise their own families. The financial problem in education will not correct itself soon. We must continue to support our local schools while simultaneously putting pressure on our state government to fix school funding. The School Board has demonstrated a good faith effort to wisely budget funds. Past levies have failed in this community even when the economy was stronger due to a variety of reasons, including what I see as distrust of the School Board and disagreements over a new high school building due to location and land issues. With another failed levy, Tallmadge will very soon lose its reputation as a close-knit community where the education of its children is a priority. Yes, times are hard and making ends meet is a struggle. But if all of us could cut back a little on such things as eating out, buying lottery tickets and recreational activities, the money saved could be put toward our schools to insure a secure future for our children and our community. We ask residents to reflect, then vote as their heart and their pocketbook see fit.      Bob and Vicki Dietrich    (as published in the Tallmadge Express 10-18-09)

  

 

  • As a parent and employee of the school district, I would ask anyone who thinks there are too few students per class to visit the high school where I can show them classrooms numbering more than 30 students. I have done some research: More than one fifth of the current courses now contain 30 or more students and 45 percent contain 25 or more students. Compare that with 2005, when only 7 percent of courses had more than 30, and 40 percent had 25 or more. On a personal note, five out of eight of my son’s classes contain more than 30 students. That is not progress when research indicates 24 or less is an optimal class size. Special education students are now included in all classrooms. Research has shown the lecture and seat work approach in large classes are not effective methods to teach children with learning difficulties. Anger is misdirected at a School Board that has no other legal option but to ask for funds from the community to keep our schools competitive. The legislature has not fixed the immediate problem and we cannot afford to wait any longer while the quality of our city deteriorates and property values decline. Our schools have obtained the highest rating available — Excellent with Distinction — which is now in jeopardy as staff and programs continue to be dismantled. Class sizes are larger; 21percent of our school employees have lost their jobs; and the city has lost its income tax contributions. Is the bare minimum the best we can offer to equip Tallmadge children to compete in today’s global environment? Those who value excellent education and what it does for our community, please join me in voting “for” our schools Nov. 3.    Chris Drenan   (as published in the Tallmadge Express 10-18-09)
  • Education is an evolving field. It has been proven through the years that smaller classes are better suited to educating children with varying degrees of learning skills. Children are now being educated in regular classrooms that used to be educated in other settings-which is a good thing, but difficult in larger classes. Schools are mandated to teach lessons that are suitable for all students. Educators have learned a lot about the best practices to teach students in the past 10 years, let alone the past 50 years. Progress is good in any business, but especially education. I DO know that statistics (arithmetic class) is a required course for nearly EVERY college major. Therefore, it is not a luxury class for the bright, but a highly recommended course by most colleges. Journalism (reading/ writing) students are receiving English credit and are interested in journalim, writing, communications, marketing, sales, etc. They run the gamut of abilities and interests. These students are taught about freedom of speech.They are taught how to write a succint article, how to argue effectively, how to back up your facts, all of which is extremely beneficial in any college course. These are not frills, but preparation for our students to be equipped for whatever they choose to do with their lives. One Voice  (as posted on www.tallmadgeexpress.com forum 10-13-09)  

   

 

  • …THS needs to do much more to provide advanced coursework. Statistics and journalism aren’t “luxury” courses when these kids have to compete at college and the work-force beyond in a global environment. The good old days of going to work for life in a rubber factory are gone. Employers don’t want kids with a limited education and I wouldn’t either if I were running the company. They want the well-educated, well-rounded employees that will help their companies compete globally. Basic reading, writing and arithmetic just don’t cut it anymore. And what company or family will want to locate and bring their income tax dollars (or buy your house) in a community that is so short-sighted that it doesn’t promote and support its educational excellence and competitiveness? Blue Devil Mom   (as posted on www.tallmadgeexpress.com forum 10-13-09)  
  • A letter to the editor which appeared in the Oct. 4 edition of the Tallmadge Express stated that before the school district attempts to pass a levy, it should increase class sizes. The writer indicated an average class size at the high school is 17. As a senior at Tallmadge High School, I can tell you that figure is wrong. In my English class, there are 29 students. In my journalism class, there are 27 students. And in my statistics class, there are 28 students. Believe me when I say there is limited space left in our classrooms, and the space can be difficult to function in just because of how large class sizes have become. Being a journalist for the school paper, I understand the importance of freedom of speech and press. I think it’s good newspapers allow letters to the editor and the right to reply. However, when someone offers false information as the truth, then I feel I must utilize my freedom of speech to speak out against the injustice.  Kyle Hovest   (as published in the Tallmadge Express 10-11-09)
  • “Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats,” aka “SWOT,” is a strategic planning method used by community planners to evaluate a community. The goal is to develop a long-term strategy for cities so they may continue to grow and prosper. Tallmadge is using this methodology as it goes through the process of updating its comprehensive plan. The plan is a vision of the future for our city and what steps are necessary to position Tallmadge for future growth and sustainability as an economically strong suburban center. We have many strengths as a city — good police and fire protection, a state-of-the-art high school, a successful recreation center, a hike and bike trail, attractive community parks, a new aquatic swim park, a community center, safe and well-maintained neighborhoods and a generous amount of social activities for residents. However, the city’s analysis also shows a glaring weakness in our long-term economic well-being as a community — the continuing failure to support our school system. One of the strongest economic indicators of a community’s long-term viability is the health of its schools. We need not look far to the south of Tallmadge to see the damage inflicted on a local suburban community’s housing values, its inability to retain old businesses and to attract new ones and the increasing residential migration due to financially troubled schools. Tallmadge is facing a very real threat to its future. Without a financially-sound school system, we cannot expect to attract new jobs, new businesses and young families to our city. For 200 years, the character and strength of Tallmadge citizens has shined like a beacon on a hill. We always band together, illuminating the best of our character in doing the right thing. We have an opportunity to do so again. By voting “for” Issue 51 on Nov. 3, we have the opportunity to secure our future. This will be our true legacy — a community that cares.   Patrick Carano, Economic Developer, City of Tallmadge   (as published in the Tallmadge Express 10-11-09)

   

 

  • Speaking on behalf of Tallmadge High School students, I would like to tell residents regardless of what a letter which appeared in the Oct. 4 Tallmadge Express stated, there are far more than 17 students per class. The letter writers’ lack of mathematical skills is not the future’s only problem. The children of Tallmadge have greater issues. Those in the Tallmadge City School district this year are facing a dark prospect. One where ignorant voters go to the polls and with a flick of the wrist, send dreams flying into the dank abyss of the uneducated when they vote “against” the levy. Instead of securing the blessings of liberty for themselves and their posterity, they decide to ignore the forthcoming generation of this country. Sound dramatic? Good, the situation is nothing less than dire. I beg voters, as many before me have begged: Look at the facts. Open your ears, your eyes, your minds. When truth knocks at your door one Saturday morning offering you a leaflet requesting support for the levy, don’t disregard it as trash; contemplate the meaning of your choice. Contemplate the consequences. Don’t be naïve. I implore voters to think about the importance of a quality education. I graduated from Tallmadge and I consider myself extraordinarily lucky. I’m blessed to have narrowly escaped with a world class education, a gift I fear many after me will not receive. I’m fortunate to have been taught by the most devoted, intelligent teachers. Tallmadge is well rounded and because of this, I can begin life with an intelligent mindset. Please, give the students of Tallmadge the same chance I had. Look at the facts; examine the statistics. Find out for yourself what a well-funded education system can do for the future, can do for you. Leann Schneider  (as published in the Tallmadge Express 10-11-09)
  • In my opinion, a letter which appeared in the Oct. 4 edition of the Tallmadge Express contained some disingenuous comments about a few important issues. I would like to address the comment on class size. Although I cannot be sure of which classrooms the letter writer viewed, there are most definitely more than 17 desks in each classroom at the new Tallmadge High School. In fact, I have never had a class with that few seats. My current classes have an average of 26 students. If we followed the letter writers’ suggestion and added 15 students to my classes, there would be an average of 41 students per classroom. That is too many. My teachers, talented as they are, would simply not be able to give students the attention they need to learn effectively with such large groups of students. This is especially true in subjects such as a language or art, where teacher-student interaction is crucial. Would it save money? Yes. But there is more than money at stake here — the futures of my classmates and myself are on the line. We have gritted our teeth and dealt with cuts, just like everybody else in America. However, you can only go so far before the cuts take a serious toll on education. I know this levy is needed. But I am unable to vote. I urge residents to please remember the 2,700 futures they hold in their hands on Nov. 3 and vote “for” Issue 51, the Tallmadge City School levy. Hannah Kenny (as published in the Tallmadge Express 10-11-09)
  • I’ve had several folks ask me how I plan to vote on the school levy and my reply is always the same. “How much are you currently spending on your property taxes and what does a 6.9 mill increase mean to you?” Usually, a long silence follows. It has occurred to me that most folks don’t know how much they’re paying. To find out, go online and look up your taxes. The taxes you pay are public information and can be accessed any time, via a computer and the county Web site. Go to the Summit County Fiscal Office at www.co.summit.oh.us/fiscaloffice. Once on the site, click Property Tax Information. Enter your parcel number, or if you don’t have it, scroll down and type in your last name in the Owner Field then click search. Scroll down the name column until you find your name, then click on Parcel. Scroll down until you get to Beginning Tax Duplicate. Click on Where Do My Tax Dollars Go to view the Full Year’s Tax Distribution Details. By scrolling down, you can see exactly where your tax dollars are going — to Summit County, Tallmadge City School District, City of Tallmadge and Akron Summit Library. Now scroll back up to Tallmadge CSD and look for a line labeled General Fund 1976 and notice it’s for a 6.9-mill levy. Continue to the right and that will be the approximate amount the levy will cost you. This is in addition to what you are currently paying. Armed with information on exactly what you are paying in taxes and how they are distributed will help you make an educated financial decision on the levy. See you at the polls.  Jim Wagner  (as published in the Tallmadge Express 10-04-09)
  • I am a bargain shopper and value every dollar I spend and save. I feel I am getting an excellent return on my tax money by living and educating my children in Tallmadge. No matter how many children I have had in school, they received a terrific education and the preparation they needed for their futures. I was paying about 55 cents per child to educate three of them. Currently, my youngest child is being educated in a top-notch system for up to seven hours a day for 180 days a year and I am paying about $1.70 per hour — still a great deal, even if I have to pay that for another 20 years. Consider what one pays a baby-sitter, child care center or day camp per hour, per child. If we were to be billed for actual charges for education (i.e.: college), utilities, books, expenses, etc., it would far surpass the tax amount. It is not our children’s fault we have a flawed funding system, but no matter what the system, we all have to pay for public education. I ask residents to consider these points when they vote on Election Day. I support this levy and I lost part of my job due to previous cuts. I have lost income, have to “pay to play” and will be paying more when the levy passes. Yet, still I know I cannot get a better deal anywhere else for my money. Residents with children attending Tallmadge schools need to vote “for” the levy. Think about what the levy is buying you, not what it’s costing you. It is a sound investment for the future of all Tallmadge children, especially yours.  Cheri Stadelman  (as published in the Tallmadge Express 10-04-09)
  • A letter which appeared in the Sept. 27 edition of the Tallmadge Express questioned who was to be believed — the Tallmadge Board of Education or State Rep. Stephen Dyer in regard to next year’s state funding for Tallmadge City Schools. I did not hear Rep. Dyer speak, so I will not pretend to know what he said. I would only reassure every citizen of Tallmadge that our budget from the state has been reduced by 1 percent for next year and 2 percent for the following year. You can go to the following state Web site: ode.state.oh.us and see the budget appropriations for the next two years of every school district in Ohio. Let me also assure residents in these tough times, the district would not make this request for additional revenue unless the situation was dire. Even though we’ve made almost $2 million in cuts, we will still face a $1.3 million deficit without the passage of this emergency levy. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call my office at 330-633-3291 and I will get you the facts. I want informed voters at the polls on Nov. 3.  Jeff Ferguson, Superintendent Tallmadge City Schools (as published in the Tallmadge Express 10-04-09)
  • Our community and our children are why I serve, and why, as president of the Tallmadge Board of Education, I am supporting our schools on Nov. 3. Our excellent schools are the foundation of our city, and why our community is a great place to live. One of the first structures built nearly two centuries ago was a school building, centered in the middle of the city. Supporting local schools is how we take care of our own, and it is one of the few places we can measure and see the results. Excellence with Distinction. Our children are our future, and they deserve our support. Vote “for” Issue 51 on Nov. 3.  Thomas Craig  (as published in the Tallmadge Express 09-27-09)

  • Mr/Mrs No school levy, With all due respect your basis for not supporting a levy appears to disregard the purpose of schools and levies, the children! As with any job, there are perks and benefits for the employee such as company car, free life insurance, PTO, bonuses, only to name a few. The schools continue to do more with less and the effects of those cuts will not be felt for a couple years. The “Excellence with distinction” is currently in jeopardy. I have not known a teacher in Tallmadge to live such a lavish lifestyle to question their salary. In addition, to attract excellent talent in teachers the district must be competitive in salaries to compete with other districts. 
    Bottom line, when levies do not pass, no one wins including the children, schools, community and yourself! Go Blue Devils! Yes to Tallmadge City Schools!  profPT  (as posted on www.tallmadgeexpress.com forum 09-09-09)      

     

     

     

     

  • Larry is absolutely right.
    The health and growth of our city depends on the success of our school system.
    Ask 10 people why they moved to Tallmadge and they will tell you “the schools”.
    Folks, I’m on a pension also, but I will cut $200 from somewhere in my budget to keep my property values high, and attract more taxpaying young families to Tallmadge.
    We need twice the safety forces than we have now. The reason we do not notice the huge gap in these services is the dedication and absolute professionalism of all of our city employees.
    So you see…the city and the schools are like a hand and a glove.
    The economy may be low right now.
    And you may have differences with the School Board or Administration, I have some…
    But I will not allow the children to be punished even more when my vote guarantees their safety, and the integrity of property values and city services.
    Tom Brown, Tallmadge    (as posted on www.tallmadgeexpress.com 09-06-09)

  

 

  • Congratulations to the Tallmadge City Schools for again being rated “Excellent with Distinction” by the state of Ohio. All the residents of Tallmadge should be proud of what our teachers and students have accomplished. Our children and grandchildren need to be educated in a way that will enable them to compete for scholarships and jobs with other young people from all over the country and internationally. The schools are doing their part to make that happen. And that’s not just good for kids … It’s good for our whole city.   Larry Bagnoli     (as published inthe Tallmadge Express 09-06-09)
  •  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  (as published inthe Tallmadge Express 04-26-09)
  • I am a third generation Tallmadge citizen and alumni. Tallmadge is a community based on tradition. For the founders of our city, the most important issues were religion and education.The Circle holds the church and the old academy, the center of our community. I would like to think that we still hold these values as they are grounded in tradition. I am proud to be an educator in this district and have the opportunity to give back to this community what it had afforded me, an excellent education. My husband, also a Tallmadge graduate, and I reside in Tallmadge, because of the excellent school system. There is no substitute for a quality education. We are willing to make sacrifices to live in this community. Our daughter’s education has already been affected by the cuts. I worry about her education and her future. Our district is facing cuts that will devastate this school system. I have seen first-hand the cuts that have affected our building alone. Children have lost enrichment classes in reading and math, 30 minutes of computer instruction weekly, an instructional library program, 20 minutes of art and gym weekly, a reading tutor and a math tutor, to name just a few. We have lost budgets for replacing broken equipment, updating and replacing worn out resource materials and books. If this levy does not pass, it will have a devastating impact on our children, their education, and ultimately our community. Become informed, put personal issues aside, and consider the effect voting against the levy will have on the education of these young people. For information call the district office, look on tallmadgepride.org or www.tallmadge.k12.oh.us. For those who support this levy, our children and our community, I express my deepest gratitude. Thank you for keeping the tradition alive.     Julie Neidert     (as published inthe Tallmadge Express 04-26-09)
 
  • I have been a resident of Tallmadge for 26 years. I have two children in college and hope to retire in five years. Can I afford a school tax levy? Definitely not. Will I vote for the school tax levy? Absolutely. My children received an excellent education from Tallmadge City Schools and who am I to deny the present and future students of the district that same opportunity? Being able to afford something is just not an option sometimes. Doing what is right is what you need to do. Vote “for” Tallmadge City Schools.     Katie Stokes Horn     (published in the Tallmadge Express 04-26-09)
     As a Tallmadge City Schools student, I am concerned with the current levy passing. There are many teachers, administrators, parents and students working tirelessly to inform voters of the exact need for the passing of this levy — Issue 11 — on May 5.  I feel the teachers, administrators and students who have worked so hard need to be recognized for their efforts. Senior Justin Doan has been working on a series of three short 5 minute videos to show the public our excellent students and our excellently-rated school district. These short videos will be posted on YouTube as Tallmadge Levy. Many other students and teachers participated in a “knock and walk” April 25, where students, parents and teachers, in groups of four, knocked on residents’ doors explaining the need for the levy’s passage. If this levy is not passed, the students’ education will suffer. It won’t just be the high school students who are affected by losing Advanced Placement classes, buses and extracurricular activities; the elementary schools will lose 40 percent of their music, art and physical education time. Statistics show artistic, musical and athletic skills are molded at an early age. If this levy doesn’t pass, the children will not only suffer in the short-term, but the long-term as well. There are 2,700 reasons to vote for this levy and I am just one of them. If there’s anything the community can do to help get the word out and recognize those working so tirelessly on the levy efforts, it would be greatly appreciated. We are the reason. Please vote “for” Issue 11.     Kimberly Jeffery     (as published in the Tallmadge Express 04-28-09)
 
  • The sign over the door of a Donato’s Pizza — “Tallmadge — quality since 1963″ has always amused me. Although I agree with the sentiment, I question the year. From my perspective, having been a homeowner here since ’76 with roots going back many, many years (read decades) before that, the quality of our town was never in doubt. Relatively speaking, the schools, the environment, the infrastructure compared well to those of surrounding communities, but it was the schools that tipped the scales when it came time to choose where to raise a family. Sure there’s location, location, location, (have you ever tried to get anywhere from the Valley?) but such considerations become secondary the moment you walk into the maternity ward. Times are tough. I get that. But most of us have seen tough times before and have managed to get through them with one eye on the future. Knowing that the children are the future, we re-adjusted, we reprioritized and we sacrificed for that future. There was no choice B without raising the question as to why we had them in the first place. We’ll get through today and into tomorrow, but it’s that tomorrow that worries me. Without the generations behind us prepared to compete, or ones taught to value the “me” over the “us,” will that be the tomorrow we envisioned? Some may call me cheap (I prefer frugal), and yet I’m voting for the school levy. I believe the dividends of paying it forward far outweigh the cost. Our values are not lost on the young, and the understanding that what goes around comes around is a lesson I wish for them to carry throughout their lives.     Alan MacFarland     (as published in the Tallmadge Express 04-26-09)   
 
  • As a current Tallmadge City School teacher, I feel that not many parents or community members realize just how cutting edge Tallmadge City Schools are. The teachers at Tallmadge are highly qualified to teach the students using the best practices based on research. The educational strategies and techniques implemented daily by the teachers are learned from professional development opportunities and workshops. Unfortunately, these opportunities are no longer available for teachers because of the cuts in our budget. Our district is certainly taking a turn for the worse. Without the money to receive professional development, keeping the teachers up with the current trends is virtually impossible.  Money cuts are also eliminating critical services and programs for our students hampering them from becoming the best educated, well rounded, successful students they can be. Our district truly is in a state of emergency. Recent cuts so far include:  cutting 55 staff members, eliminating extra curricular activities for students, enforcing pay to participate, and terminating extra intense tutoring programs that were offered daily to students in need.  All in all, Tallmadge students are not receiving the services that they deserve and need. The teachers are working extremely hard to continue the excellent education that the Tallmadge community expects and the students deserve, but this will not be possible for too much longer if the community doesn’t step up and show its support for not only the schools, but for this city! Everyone needs to be invested in the levy on May 5th as it not only affects the students, but the local businesses and home values. Students of all ages deserve the arts, music, physical programs, and extra support services to become well rounded, more self- confident individuals. When the schools cut programs, student learning is compromised.  As a result, test scores go down, property values decrease and people leave the town.  This is a cyclical effect! School districts play a big role in the thought process of potential homebuyers and future businesses. Yes, times are tough for everyone, but NOW is the time to take a stand- a stand for your community, its students, the homes and local businesses. Support Tallmadge schools and your community’s future!- Vote YES on May 5th.      Ann Hagedorn      (email 04-23-09)   

  

 

  • As a long time Tallmadge teacher, I can only say with all my heart and soul that Tallmadge kids are worth it.  There is no better place to invest our resources than in our children.  My composite profile of the typical Tallmadge student of my career would be the following:
     
            A young person raised with the highest hopes of the parents,
            A young person of intelligence, character, and values,
            A young person of ambition, courage, and determination,
            A young person who will be a good citizen of our country.
     
    What better investment could there be for our country than one in education that bespeaks HOPE and FAITH for the future.  Rest assured, if we don’t make the sacrifices, no one else will do it for us. Thank you to all the Tallmadge community for giving me the opportunity, joy, and honor of teaching your children.  I am so blessed to have played a small part in the development of some extraordinary human beings.  There are none better.    Nancy Drugan, Tallmadge High School     (email 04-16-09)               


  

 

  • I am 75 years old and on a fixed income. I have no earned income. I voted for the school levy tied to our income taxes — it would have cost me nothing. In May, I will vote to support a new levy — this one will cost me money. I know some folks will vote against anything with the word “tax” attached to it. It’s one thing in life we can say “no” to. But how many things do we have that we can say “yes” to that can really make a difference in the lives of young people, which also increases the value of our homes and helps keep the community we live in a place where people want to move to and live in? Our neighboring town of Springfield is an example of what happens when taxpayers say “no.” I hope folks will give the levy a look and not just automatically say no. For a change, let’s say “yes” to something that really makes a difference in this crazy world. After all, almost everyone is on a fixed income — how many working folks got a raise last year that beat the cost of living? Not many, I’ll bet, and saying the folks who have kids in school should pay everything is like saying we seniors on Medicare should pay the total cost of our own medical expenses. I know some seniors are really hurting and I hope passage of the new levy will find a way to give the really needy some relief.     John Lanshe     (as published in the Tallmadge Express 04-12-09)
 
  • It’s a hard sell right now, asking the people of Tallmadge to vote for the school levy. Of course no one wants to pay more taxes. For many of us (yes, I’ve been hit by the “economic downturn,” too), it’s difficult enough to pay the bills. But I believe we can’t let the schools suffer any more. The cuts put in place this year are hard enough on the kids and their families. Paying for one sport costs as much as a year of this tax on the oft-cited $100,000 home. Transportation has been a nightmare at times for high schoolers. Did you see all those inexperienced drivers in the ditches when the roads got slick? Did you see the car fire on the first week of classes? Additionally, I would ask the retired folks who don’t think they should support our school district financially, who paid for their kids’ education? There have always been levies; they are a necessary evil. I believe to lose more great teachers and programs will diminish the quality of the schools and ultimately, the community. Please support the levy.     Tina Schoch     (as published in the Tallmadge Express 04-12-09)
 
  • …In the words of Mr. Ferguson, “Our district is being dismantled”. Spread the word – remind people to take the time to vote. Even if they are having pessimistic thoughts about the outcome –tell them to vote! Everyone’s vote is SOOOO important! Remember to talk to all your circles of friends! If they have questions still tell them to Ask! Ask! Ask! Visit http://tallmadgepride.wordpress.com/.  Share it with everyone! 5-5-09 is just around the corner.      Helene Hussing     (email excerpt 04-03-09)
 
  •  There is never a good time to pay more taxes. On May 5 we will be asked to vote on an operating levy for the Tallmadge City Schools, and I believe there is no other alternative given us on how to raise dollars for school funding but through levies. I believe a “yes” (“for”) vote is needed. Yes for the kids depending on us for their educational future. Yes for our neighbors depending on us to protect the value of their homes, businesses and recreational areas. Recently, there has been a body of people asking that we take a “wait and see attitude” … that we need to wait to hear what the state of Ohio will do. We are told the best case scenario for an increase in funding for our district from the governor’s recently proposed budget amounts to $200,000 — less than 1 mill of local tax revenue. The governor’s proposal will not fix our school funding crisis in Tallmadge. The Tallmadge City School District has functioned without any new operating money for eight years … a credit to those who manage the budget. This is why I hope you will join me and vote “for” Issue 11 on May 5.     Larry Bagnoli     (as published in the Tallmadge Express 04-05-09)
  

  • Over the years, the Tallmadge Rotary Club has worked hard to provide assistance to students within our school system via scholarships, leadership training, speech contests and dictionaries provided to our third graders. It is a great source of pride to know our schools are ranked “Excellent with Distinction” and that we contributed a part in making the ranking a reality. Although many of our members no longer have children within the school system, we still consider the Tallmadge School District ours. We believe our school district’s health is a direct reflection of our community and the values we hold dear. As Rotarians who support Rotary’s founding principles, “Is it the truth, is it fair to all concerned, will it build goodwill and better friendships, will it be beneficial to all concerned,” we will continue to support the Tallmadge Schools and the May 5 five-year emergency operating levy to keep our schools and our community healthy. On behalf of the Tallmadge Rotary Club as its president, we encourage all residents who received or whose children are receiving a public education to vote “for’ Issue 11.     Jill Morrow     (as published in the Tallmadge Express 03-29-09)   

     

     

     

     

  
  • Our Tallmadge school district has placed an emergency (6.9-mill) operating levy before our community, which will impact the owner of a $100,000 house ($208 per year, or 57 cents per day for five years). I want to remind our community that this $100,000 value refers to the tax value of the home. The 6.9-mills are necessary for our district to operate. A deficit in the budget is not an option. The best case scenario for an increase in funding to our Tallmadge Schools from Gov. Strickland’s proposed budget amounts to ($200,000) less than 1 mill of local tax revenue. His proposal and “answer” does not fix our school funding crisis in Tallmadge. Our school district, however, has been prudent and taken careful steps in lowering the cost of doing business. Did you know Tallmadge partnered with 248 other school districts to negotiate an 8.693 percent discount from FirstEnergy for the distribution costs of electricity? Did you know the district was able to cut the cost for telecommunications by 45 percent through a government subsidy? Did you know our district is a member of local cooperatives for discounted bulk purchasing of rock salt, paper, office supplies, fuel, tires and other equipment? Now let’s do our part and understand the need and follow it up with a vote “for” this levy.     Helene Hussing       (as published in the Tallmadge Express 03-29-09)   
  
  •  I hope that we can get the city of Tallmadge Citizens to support the future of our community, by voting YES for the schools. We need to make sure the students in Tallmadge have the best opportunity for success. VOTE YES!!!      Anthony Gotto   (email 03-23-09) 
 
  •  My son will be a senior at Tallmadge High School next year. I could easily say that I don’t need to vote for the May levy. But it’s not that simple. I need to continue to pay it forward for the next generation of students coming up through the school system, such as my generation has been doing for today’s students and the past generations did for me when I went through the Tallmadge schools. The quality of our school system, the futures of our children and our property values are all at risk if we don’t take the initiative to pass this levy. In today’s global economy, education is the key to our children’s future. With millions of jobs being exported to Mexico and China and around the world there will not be enough labor intensive jobs to support an uneducated work force. This is not an isolated situation just in our area, but we can take control of our corner of the world and make the sacrifices that are needed to keep our community strong and provide our students with a quality education that will inspire them and give them the tools needed to advance their education further and secure their futures. Nobody wants to pay higher taxes; I don’t want to pay higher taxes. But sometimes we need to reach beyond what we want to do and do what is needed and what is right for our children and our community. Please join me and the thousands of others in Tallmadge that believe voting “for” for the school levy is the right thing to do. The success of our children and the continued strength of our community and property values will be the “thank you” you get in return. That’s enough for me.      Tim Seese    (as published in the Tallmadge Express 03-22-09)
   
  • We moved to the Akron area 14 years ago and feel blessed we landed in the Tallmadge school district. This is a great district. In our experience, school administrators and staff are professional, committed, caring people who take their responsibilities seriously. We have a very large extended family with children in a number of different private and public schools. Tallmadge “stacks up” well with any of these other schools and districts. Tallmadge voters will have an opportunity to move the community forward on May 5 by voting “for” an emergency 6.9-mill school operating levy. Because of the failure of the last levy, school administrators have had to cut teaching positions, classroom aides, bus drivers, support and administrative staff, transportation, educational programs, supplies and equipment. There is some truth to the expression “you get what you pay for.” For this district to maintain its “Excellent with Distinction” rating by the Ohio Department of Education, voters need to adequately finance the district. We are all hurting financially in these economic times. This is exactly the time when we need to prioritize and put our money where it counts. The Tallmadge school levy is a “safe” and positive investment in our children and our community. Please vote “for” our school on May 5.     Chris and Laura Freeman-Clark     (as published in the Tallmadge Express 03-22-09)       

            

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • I am a husband, father and grandfather who will be voting for the school levy for the third straight year. However, I do want to remind district leadership and the unions flexibility is a must during these hard economic times. As a former Teamster (my father was a UAW), I have seen the pros and cons of unions. While management and the School Board must run the schools like a for-profit business, labor must realize there may be times when there is no money for raises; in fact, pay cuts may be necessary or employees may be asked to pay more for their health benefits. At these times, the unions must not hold the hard line. Fortune 500 company YRC Worldwide has made concessions to survive, the UAW is in the process and none of us are immune. So what may not seem fair to we employees at times, may be the only course of action. Please remember this at contract time.  My thanks to all who labor in the schools for our kids and grandkids.     Steve Bauer    (as published in the Tallmadge Express 03-08-09)
 
  • As residents know, there will be a school operating levy on the ballot in May. In an effort to provide the community with a simple electronic method to access accurate information, Tallmadge Pride is pleased to announce the creation of an informational blog: tallmadgepride.wordpress.com. Find accurate information. Get questions answered. Find links to other helpful sites. The funding crisis facing our schools is too critical to the future of our community to rely on rumors and supposition when you vote on May 5.     Valorie Prulhiere    (as published in the Tallmadge Express 03-01-09)

  

 

  • Last week’s letter to the editor encouraging residents to shop locally neglected to acknowledge an additional key element in helping Tallmadge’s businesses to thrive.  Our community must work together to communicate the critical crossroad our city faces with the upcoming school levy.  Many understand the importance of all aspects of community (safety services, businesses, libraries, schools, and parks) working together. The direct relationship between a failing school system and a city failing to thrive cannot be ignored. Despite teachers and staff who continue to go above and beyond with limited resources to support our children, because of three consecutive failed levies, our school system is  close to the point of no return.  Tragically, even with the passage of an upcoming levy, our school system must continue to make cuts that compromise education.  As a community, we simply cannot allow another failed levy. A state run school system is not representative of the city of Tallmadge. Support of strong academic, art, music, and athletic programs have long been a part of our community’s heritage, and, are the reasons why many families choose to live in Tallmadge.  Keeping families and businesses in Tallmadge, as well as attracting new families and businesses, will not occur with continued failed levies.  The Board of Education keeps returning to voters because it has no choice. Ohio’s new proposed school funding plan will not be in place to save our community from the impact of another failed levy. Now is the time to show unity for our community.  Now is the time to carefully consider what it takes to  in keep Tallmadge a place where people want to live, learn, and work.     Kristen Gilliland   (as published in the Tallmadge Express 03-09) 

  

 

  • In our culture today, we seem to put our time, efforts, thoughts ,passions, emotions AND money in to the “things” that we truly value. If you truly value our children, our schools and our community, you will vote YES on Issue #11 on May 5th. We, the people of Tallmadge, have been waiting for someone else to fix our problem…it is a community issue. No one necessarily wants to pay more taxes, but you will if you truly value education in Tallmadge. This troublesome issue is not going away…we cannot continue to “cut our way out of this”. I have observed, first hand, the loss of programs, opportunities and great people because of past failures. You must vote on May 5th…it is time for positive action!!  Sincerely,   Don A. Duffy   (email 04-13-09)  
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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