Nothing is more important than supporting kids

8:13 PM Saturday, October 31, 2009

The Springfield City School District has turned the corner on a lot of problems.

• It has stemmed the flow of students to other districts.

• It has made academic progress four years in a row.

• The board and administration have lived within a tight budget.

• It has merged two high schools into one and has set about correcting some of the difficulties in combining two large institutions and cultures.

• Even the high school football team is doing well.

The district has earned our trust and our votes to renew their operating levy.

Not to renew the levy is just about unthinkable.

It would blow a $4 million hole in the budget and force the dismissal of about 60 teachers and 40 members of the support staff.

That would come on top of the looming cuts in state and federal funds to Springfield schools.

Springfield families already have this renewal factored into their budgets.

Its passage is a matter of taking responsibilitity for the education of our children.

The future of our children in a world economy should be our top priority. If today’s students fall behind those of China, India or Europe, the future will be poorer for everyone.

In addition to Springfield’s renewal levy, Cedar Cliff Local, Southeastern Local and Tecumseh Local also have renewal levies on the ballot.

The News-Sun believes all of these are important and worthy of a “yes” vote.

In addition, both Northeastern Local and Northwestern local school districts are seeking income taxes for operationing expenses and to issue bonds for paying the local share of new buildings under the Ohio classroom facilities assistance program.

These issues will present hard choices for voters hurt in this economy. Nevertheless, a “yes” vote would be in the best interest of the two communities.

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