Mixed Results for Local School Levies

Results of the two school levies on last week’s ballot that were for funding new construction produced mixed results. Congratulations to the Northwestern School District for passing its combined property and income tax levy that will allow it to build two new schools to replace the three now being used. Unfortunately, the news wasn’t so good in the Northeastern District. It failed by about the same margin that the Northwestern levy passed – 44.57 percent for to 55.43 against. This isn’t just a setback for the students and residents of the Northeastern District, but it’s a setback for the community of Springfield and Clark County.
As I said a couple weeks ago, when companies look to locate to an area and residents to a school district, they ask about the quality of the school system. When the buildings aren’t conducive to learning, they look elsewhere. Looking at the bigger picture, it’s clear that the funding system in Ohio is flawed. Maybe we should use Pennsylvania as a model in how schools operate. Decisions, such as whether a district needs new buildings, are made by the school board. Ohio should look into that concept. Have a great Chamber day!