Editor’s note: The Portager publishes letters to the editor from the community. The opinions expressed are published not because they necessarily reflect those of the publication but because we feel they contribute meaningfully to the local discourse on matters of public interest.
This letter is in response to recent comments made by community members regarding the Ravenna School District not having a workable plan to make our schools more viable and financially sound. Over the past two years, the levy committee and the school district have hosted a number of community meetings at various times and locations to provide information about the state of the schools, impacts of the financial constraints, and future plans. Among other details, meeting attendees heard that busing is not the only cut that has been made. Over the last few years, 30+ staff member positions have been eliminated, and cuts have been made to curriculum and sports programs.
In addition, facilities, programming, and staff positions at all levels have been consolidated. Unfortunately, these cuts were necessary for financial stability, despite the resulting adverse effects to the school district and community. Our Ravenna School District is functioning on an operating levy budget approved by taxpayers in 2005.
Requiring a family, business, or school district to operate on the same amount of allotted operating levy funds for 20 years is a no-win situation and deeply hurts families, students, staff, and the community as a whole. Without the funds necessary to operate well, how do community members expect the school district to provide these non state-mandated services? Voters who desire to see growth and positive change in the Ravenna community must be willing to stay informed and support our future.
Community members are encouraged to attend upcoming community meetings hosted by the levy committee and Ravenna School District school board meetings.
Some upcoming meeting opportunities are:
- March 18, 6 p.m. at RHS auditorium (Community meeting w/ State of Schools presentation)
- April 1, 9:30 a.m. at Reed Memorial Library (Community round table discussion)
- April 3, 6 p.m. at Ravenna High School (Community round table discussion)
— Connie Bennett & Bill Wisniewski, Friends of Ravenna Schools, Co-Chairs
The Portager publishes a range of opinions from the community. To submit a letter to the editor, write to [email protected].