London schools to face additional cuts
By Jane Beathard
Staff Writer
For the third time in a year, voters in the London City School District turned down a new property tax to fund school operations.
The issue aimed at generating an additional $2.5 million annually over the next five years to keep the district financially afloat.
The 8.3-mill levy failed 2,078 to 1,394 votes in unofficial results from Tuesday’s primary. It again failed to pass in each of the district’s 10 precincts.
A 7.5-mill emergency levy failed 783 to 1,774 votes in May last year. A similar 8.5-mill measure failed 1,802 to 2,855 votes in November’s general election.
School board president Martha Geib, M.D., said supporters failed to provide enough information to sway people, despite a series of forums and other public participation.
“We haven’t convinced the community that the schools need money,” she said.
Budget cuts were already afoot in the district, regardless of the outcome of Tuesday’s election. Those cuts included elimination of four teaching positions, two support jobs and 21 supplemental contracts, as well as reductions in overtime pay and extended teaching days.
Superintendent Tom Ben and school board members awaited Tuesday’s results before naming additional belt-tightening measures.
Geib said it’s likely voters will see another tax levy before the end of 2012. The next ballot opportunity will could come with an August special election. November’s general election will present a second chance to generate voter approval.
The district needs additional tax revenue, beginning in January 2013, or face a $1 million to $1.5 million shortfall by the end of the 2014 fiscal year, Geib said.
I know that voting down a levy will not help the cleanliness situation. My point is, I will continue to vote no because of the people at the school. The school needs the state to step in and put in some people that care about what they are doing. Until we have people in there who arent London elite and actually care about their jobs and the children this school and the town will go nowhere. This town has been in decline for years anyways and not just because of the schools. This seriously is the armpit of Ohio, Madison County that is
Mary Eaton……I saw the bathrooms last night and also the filthy rugs at the entrance. The Choir put on a program last night. The children were very good. I hope they do well Saturday at the competition. I felt bad for the music teacher. She had to introduce herself and the children. I saw the principal walk in at the last minutes and sit down. I thought he should have introduced the teacher and Choir and showed some support for them. I think the only people there were the parents of the children except for the principal. He just sat there with a scowl on his face. He wasn’t friendly at all. Pounting over the failed levy I assume.
The whole evening was such an interresting event.
Continuing to vote down the levy won’t help with any cleanliness issues in the facilities. LCS is down to bare bones now and the next round will amount to at least $1,000,000 more in cuts. LCS already cut $3.5 million from their budget. Class sizes are large, janitorial staff are at a minimum, the elementary library closed, enrichment is gone, high school busing is gone…the list goes on. The district is attempting to work within their means but they are at a point now where they need additional revenue to continue to operate as is right now. This is not a good situation and LCS needs our help.
Luckily you have never seen the bathrooms.
Well stated dime very similar situation. We are taxed to death. This all is a state issue anyway. The state could fund more and does not. People just do not realize that for most this is not about what we are willing to pay i pay my share and I am at my limit. Fix the bigger issues. I would be intersted in all the supporters having to pay the same regardless. Get that plan and I will support it but again regulations and laws prevent that. Future levies will be voted down
Levy Supporter…Free is talking about the 1% income tax in addition to the property tax, I believe.
Tax, tax, tax…..never ends.
I agree. When I have picked up my son after school, near the green house, I see several janitors outside the door near the school smoking. I know the school could be given a substancial fine if the fire marshall were to see this. We do have a state law requiring smokers to be away from the buildings. Also, why are they permitted to smoke on school property? Not only a violation of state law but, school policy, not to mention the bad influence on the students.
And yes, not all our teachers do their job. We do have a few good ones who actually care. Our American History teacher is one of the best I have met. I hope he continues to teach and care about the kids as he does now. And, I also hope he doesn’t get fed up and move on.
I have been lurking here for a while, not posting anything but enjoying all of the comments. I have seen several folks mention the cleanliness of the schools which prompted me to finally comment. I go in to my daughter’s class on a fairly regular basis to help out. I for one can tell you that the janitorial staff is not up on anything, they are very lazy and not motivated. I one time counted and my daughter’s teacher had to call 6 times before a janitor would come and clean up vomit and then it was just a quick swipe with filthy water. I have seen these lazy individuals in action…or should I say not much action. When they aren’t walking around with a glazed look in their eye they are hiding out somewhere so they don’t have to do their jobs. This just seems to be a reflection of the attitude of this whole town, do as little as possible, only care about yourself. Don’t get me wrong, there are some good teachers here, ones who really do care but those teachers are few and far between. Would a clean building help the attitude at the schools? Maybe not but it sure would cut down on sickness, diseases, etc that come from not being cleaned and disinfected.
Actually I have been to most of the meetings on the levy. I chose not to say anything because I’m still considered an out of towner. I am not originally from London so I’m nothing. That is exactly how this town is. I voted no because I dont want this town to get anywhere, I’m going to leave anyways. My kids are learning nothing! Its amazing what these teachers are not teaching. The facilities are a mess, nobody cleans them or takes care of them. This whole town needs a make over. London will never be more than a modern day Mayberry.
Some of those responding on this issue are completely out of touch with reality. How dare you try to make the anti-levy citizens of this community feel bad for their decision! I currently own a home in London and a large portion of my annual property tax goes directly to the London City School District. By the way, my home is valued at a bit more than 100k so you can take your 71 cents a day and run it through the shredder with regards to my household. There are 2 working adults residing in my household and we both pay a 1% income tax to the London City School District. But I’m supposed to feel like a bad guy because I voted no? Sorry, that’s not going to happen. I feel good about my decision and I’m very thankful that I have the right to vote this levy down whether it be this year, next year or even 5 years from now. Some of you are speaking of moving out of London. Well that’s fine, happy trails to you. I would rather see a few disgruntled levy supporters voluntarily move away than a few hundred homeowners moving away because they lost their homes to foreclosure. Once again, before I even consider the support of additional funds to the London City School District, I want to see the resignation of the 2 or 3 incompetent and irresponsible school board members that were associated with the wild spending habits of the past 7 years or so. These financial problems should have been foreseen prior to the school board decision to build a Beverly Hills, California school complex in a London, Ohio community. Someone was going eventually going to have to pay for these top of the line items. You know, I have the credit worthiness to purchase a shiny new BMW to park in my driveway but common sense tells me that a recovery agent would be picking it up in the middle of the night about 4 months after I purchased it. The London City School District must learn to live within their means just as the rest of us have.
Which “Beverly Hills, California School Complex” are you referring to? The Middle school which was built with tobacco settlement dollars and cost the district much less to operate? You need to educate yourself. The district has made 4 million dollars in cuts and there is little left to cut that will not dramatically hinder the districts ability to educate our children.
You have called for board members to resign. Are you going t run for their positions when and if they do? You seem more than willing to place blame but you have offered NOTHING to help the situation. How could the board anticipate a 3 million dollar shortfall from inaccurate fiscal information provided by the previous treasurer? How could the board anticipate huge funding cuts from our new Governor? We are not alone in this mess and it is a shame that we have folks like you in our district who do nothing more than place blame on others without trying to find solutions.
I’ll vote that levy down everytime it comes up as long as I still have to pay a school tax (which London NEVER had before in the late 90′s)
I think you are wrong there. Since 1976, when the State of Ohio imposed each school district to use property tax to raise money for their school district.
Ohio’s public schools are funded by four sources: a) local residential property taxes; b) local commercial property taxes; c) the State of Ohio; and d) income taxes
The state drastically cut funding to schools throughout Ohio. Unless you are not paying attention, we are not the only district in desperate need of a levy to pass. Lower property values and higher unemployment rates have also decreased revenues to our district. Again, we are not the only district suffering because of lower property values and higher unemployment rates. You say you won’t vote to support a levy. How should our district obtain funding????
There are lots of bitter folks ranting but no one is offering viable solutions. Failure to support a levy is short sighted. We have VERY LOW taxes in comparison to many districts throughout Ohio. Our community needs good schools in order to flourish. The graduation rate at LHS is higher than the state average. We have a higher than average rate of kids going on to college after graduation from LHS. These are facts to be proud! Additional cuts will only hurt the children in our community.
So im a little late in reading this but how many of u anti-levy commenters have attending children in the district? How many of u have attended the SEVERAL forums? How many of u can say u have offered ur voice as to what u want to see (other than replacing the Board)? How many of u have considered how u would feel if it were ur job being cut because of lack of YOUR community. For those of u saying its best to leave town, please go right ahead. I have met the interim superintendant and I give serious props to a man that is willing to take on the chaos voluntarily. If u all feel so poorly of the board we will see ur names as their opposition, right? It is sad that ADULTS resort to such lengths as to point fingers but yet never offer their help. The situation was not caused by one particular person nor can one person magically fix it. And to fhe person that said miney doea not make a better education…huh?! Pretty sure it costs to get the STATE REQUIRED MATERIAL for our schools. And the state of the art items previously referred to were paid for by an improvement GRANT and did NOT use tax money. Apparently education needs to go beyond high school…dont turn down opportunties for others because of ur lack of knowledge.
Do you know the board members? Have you met the new treasurer or interim Superintendent? Folks are calling for resignation of our board but the fact is they tend to run unopposed. Who should we replace them with? I know many of the board members and I have confidence in their abilities. It is unfortunate that the former treasurer gave them inaccurate financials and was utilized poor accounting practices. Now that LCS has a new treasurer, who is incredibly sharp, they are trying to clean things up and do things right. Mr. Ben, our interim Superintendent, is an extremely knowledgable and caring person. He is trying to make decisions that will put less impact on the programs that benefit our children.
I have read many misinformed comments in this thread. The Board, Kristine Blind (our new treasurer), and Mr. Ben have held open forums so that questions can be addressed but they are not well attended. It seems as though folks want to hold onto misinformation instead of asking questions and making informed voting decisions….
There was also discussion of corruption within the district. What evidence of corruption are you relying upon? From what I have seen, the board members are solid caring members of our community who are paid very little for a thankless yet important job.
It is unfortunate that the issue of funding our schools has divided our community. Our children deserve better. Someone paid for our education and now it is our turn.
I, too, call for the resignation of those who have been on the school board and messed this district up KNOWING they were up against lean years in the future and still spending like drunken sailors in a brothel.
Geib, Brooks, Canney, time for you all to go! I know several people who will not vote for a levy until those responsible for this mess are gone. Want a levy to pass? RESIGN!
What Real Question said below is correct. Look at the ODU website yourself. It is amazing to me that LCS rank on the 91 percentile in administrative costs and 74 percentile in monies spent per child. That means 91 of every 100 school districts on Ohio spend LESS on administrative cost than does LCS. (http://www.ode.state.oh.us/GD/Templates/Pages/ODE/ODEDetail.aspx?page=3&TopicRelationID=1214&ContentID=708&Content=122447) Really? Where does that money go, and how come no board members are on this blog answering these questions?
I have a young child at home who will start school soon. After taking the time to look into LCS, evaluate how it is run, and having one of those long talks with my spouse, we have determined the most appropriate way to handle this situation is to leave. It is just a matter of deciding where to go now.
Also take note! Those of us with the financial means (read higher income earners) are already starting to leave, I’m not the only one I know in London that has/is leaving. You really need to get this school district right if you want to survive.
re: Red Loser
I couldnt agree more, this town is pretty darn corrupt too.
thats how the whole town is, not just the school
You two are both right, in fact its not just the schools, the whole town is corrupt. I’ve lived here for 23 years and I seem to be finally accepted as a London resident. If I could afford it, I’d move but I’m not going to just walk away from my home.
I am in complete agreement with “Fact Finder Citizen”. I only hope that enough people rally behind our kids and our community before it’s too late. I also noticed that there is an online posting from a Mt Sterling citizen regarding a different article. This citizen was talking about how the Mt Sterling community has deteriorated over the years and has become “nothing more than a drug den”. London’s fate will be the same if we don’t pass a levy soon. We have to support our schools or this community is going to crumble.
It’s simple London residents- pay now or pay later. But pay you will.
You will pay with reduced home values, no businesses wanting to come into our community, absolutely no community activites held in our schools or on school grounds, no sports for our youth, and no athletic drug testing to help the borderline kids stay on the right path away from drugs.
So, if you want a town filled with tatoo parlors, pay day advance shops, and lots of empty homes, keep voting no. It’s up to you to decide the future of our schools, which is directly linked to the future of our community.
And for those who have financial questions, have you called to speak with the Tresurer? I have. I had questions. It’s complex, but understandable. And you can point fingers all you want, and blame the board, and call them crooked, etc… whatever makes you happy and feel justified. Bottom line is, adult decisions, right or wrong, may have gotten us into this mess, but we now have honest, caring adults in the new Treasurer and Superintendent and new Board members.
Bottom line- Keep voting No, and you are only hurting kids and our community. It’s that simple. So, keep your .71 cents a day an watch what happens to London. Can you say downward spiral?
I hope and pray that there are enough people who want a thriving, healty community, full of pride, who will step up, be an advocate for our kids and support our schools. Thank you.
AMEN to that!!!!!
Fact Finder. I have called and attended the public forums. I have even submitted my questions on the 3X5 cards to be discussed and still even have my copies of the power point slides presented at the very first meeting. Bottom line is it not that complex, and reasonable explanations have not been provided.
This is not personnel and no one wants to hurt kids. London’s downturn started long before this little school funding scrap, and preaching doom and gloom is not going to help. Bottom line, people want Leadership, and since there is a lack of confidence in current Board’s abilities, they want reasonable explanations. Maybe .71 a day is not a lot to you, but for the rest of us struggling with near $4 gasoline and predictions of $5 gallon by the summer, higher prices for milk, bread, eggs, and coffee that $260 a year is a lot of money. Everyone wants the children of the community to get a good education, but the current proposal is 5-6 million dollars too excessive. Come back to us with something in the range of half the current proposal which should adequately cover expenditures and then some to provide some wiggle room for contingencies and you might find more support.
If everyone knew what really went on at that school, the bullying (not the kids), the corruption, people retiring and rehiring and not starting over at step one pay grade then the school district would never pass another levy. Believe me, if you aint one of them, them being the families who run this town or have the right name you arent anything. The state does need to come in and clean house.
Red Loser;
You are absolutely correct. The teachers need a bullying class for themself. Mr Eisler can join in the group also. He is the one who actually lets it happen. You are also correct on what I call upities. The kids who have the parents with all the clout in London who get all the special treatment at school.
Just one more point, my son is in 10th grade. He has ONE teacher who actually teaches his class and actually cares about his kids. He deserves more money than the rest because he actually does his job.
Mr. Edwards…..thank you so much for caring so much for the kids and their learning.
Based on their projections they did project a shortfall of just over 2.6 million, but their cash reserve of just over 3 million was used to cover. The cash reserve in 2011 of 3,007,282 is derived from their unreserved fund balance of 2,824,761 in 2010 and the outstanding encumbrances of 182,521. An outstanding encumbrance is public accounting term used to identify a reservation of funds, for a future known commitment or contingent liability but not yet paid. What is odd is why the revenue from General Property falls off the cliff in 2012? In prior year it is 5.5 million falls off to 3.1 in 2012, and then rebounds to nearly 5.5 million in 2013?
I did misstate my first response when I said the projected revenue increase was from this Levy. Likely based on the date of the forecast the original projections were from the first 7.5 mill levy request. Therefore, an 8.3 or 8.5 mill levy increase would generate slightly more revenue. On the other hand these “two support jobs and 21 supplemental contracts, as well as reductions in overtime pay and extended teaching days” were likely included in the projected expenditures as well.
Again, confidence is an issue and radical fluctuations you see in the projections which are being used to support the Board’s request for the mill levy increase just don’t make sense, and bring serious doubt into my mind as to exact amount really needed. Please refer to the projected 1.4 million shortfalls on this forecast at the end of 2014, and Board’s statement, “face a $1 million to $1.5 million shortfall by the end of the 2014 fiscal year.” Likely some additional revenue is needed but certainly not at the proposed rate being considered by these levies.
I agree our children have done nothing wrong and certainly deserve a quality education, but for those that are asked to foot the bill the costs should be explained and be reasonable. For example, why does the General Property revenue fall so drastically to 3.1 million in 2012, and then rebounds to nearly 5.5 million in 2013? Also, why do we need a 6.3 million dollar (likely 1.2 to 1.5 million higher at 8.5 mills) reserve by the end of FY 2016?
My guesstimate of 1.2 to 1.5 is based on the assumption that 2.3 million/7.5 mills would generate approximately 300,000. Therefore if you increase the mille levy request from 7.5 to 8.5 over 4-5 years you would generate another 1.2 to 1.5 million.
Real Question, if levy passes and property value goes up, you still pay what your property was when levy passed. That is a State Law HB920, says that is the maximum that can be ever collected once the levy passes. So let’s say the levy passes with the 8.3 mill and your property currently is valued at $100,000, you would pay $260 in taxes on this levy. Then in let’s say 5 years your property is valued at $130,000 you still only pay $260 that you paid when the levy passed.
I don’t agree; however, I do understand what you’re saying. Most of us have questions and emotions regarding this whole mess. And, yes, I believe that mistakes have been made. But, our children have done nothing wrong and our children deserve educational and enrichment opportunities that will fuel their future success. By taking a “dig your heels in” approach, you are punishing the innocent bystanders……. the children of this community.
I offer this deal to the London City School District. If the remaining school board members who are responsible for putting the school district in their current financial deficit would resign immediately, then I would definitely consider voting yes on a ½ or 1 percent “income tax” levy increase. Come on, you know who you are. YOU made many terrible financial decisions for the school district going back as far as 7 years or so and as recently as 2 years ago. Stand up and resign! For it was YOU that wildly spent the school districts monies on unnecessary-top of the line items. For it was YOU that elected to build a greenhouse at the rear of the high school while the school district was facing a multi-million dollar shortfall. For it was YOU that decided to replace both the ceiling and floor tiles in the high school while the school district was facing a multi-million dollar shortfall. And all along, it was YOU that acted as if you were unaware of the pending MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR shortfall. And as if that weren’t enough, it was YOU that decided to name the former-school board treasurer as” The fall guy” in this entire fiasco. The aforementioned school board members are irresponsible spenders and far too incompetent to hold their current positions. As long as they remain on the school board, I’ll vote NO on any increase, whether it be property or income tax. Not even one thin dime!
Why would we vote for another income tax increase of 1% we already have one and lets get back to basics anyway as far as education goes all these programs add value to few not the majority?
Real Question, what a great post. I appreciate you digging into facts and trying to learn what is really going on. I am not an accountant and it has been a long time since I have looked at a financial statement but am I reading it wrong in regards to the forecast you linked to? Doesn’t it show London being in the black for 2012 and beyond? Why would they submit a forecast showing that when I interpreted what I have been told that London is going to be in the red and that is why we need to pass this new levy? The issue I am facing is that I am so confused on what to believe. Do we really need more money or not? As with most levels of government, I don’t find the facts to be communicated in a simple, straightforward manner so I become distrustful and error on the side of caution. The other frustrating thing is that it seems to be a never ending request for money. How many times have we had to vote on new funding? It seems like every year it’s an issue. I thought when I voted yes for the income tax that would be it for a while. It doesn’t seem to have mattered.
Real Question: You bring up some very interesting points. It is hard to imagine that the school district anticipates finishing each school year with millions of dollars of surplus. No one would ever vote for a levy if the district is indeed on such solid financial footing and if that is true I’m wondering why no one else seems to know it. My gut feeling is that you are missing and/or misinterpreting something. I would invite the superintendent, treasurer, or board member to respond to your points.
Real Question, you bring up some very interesting points. It is hard to imagine that the school district anticipates finishing each school year with millions of dollars of surplus. No one would ever vote for a levy if the district is indeed on such solid financial footing and if that is true I’m wondering why no one else seems to know it. My gut feeling is that you are missing and/or misinterpreting something. I would invite the superintendent, treasurer, or board member to respond to your points.
I voted no because this town is a @#$%hole.
Raises 2.5 million annually” versus “Projected shortfall 1-1.5 million” Odd, what is the surplus for? The London Five Year forecast submitted to the ODE for fiscal year (FY) 2012, assuming the passage of this increased mill levy, projected a steady increase in the District’s unreserved fund balance. For example, in FY 2013 it is expected to be approximately 3 million dollars and exceed 6.3 million dollars by FY 2016. Why does the district need such a surplus? Let me briefly return to the quality education questions. London long before this levy was even proposed was failing to meet State minimum standards. In fact elementary students in grades 3-8 have not met State minimum standards in Reading, Math, or Science for years. If you don’t believe me look for yourselves on ODE web site. Here is our 2010-2011 Report Card. http://www.ode.state.oh.us/reportcardfiles/2010-2011/DIST/044255.pdf Also, please note that London’s instructional expenditures per pupil still exceed state averages. Oddly, pupil support and administrative costs per pupil also are significantly higher than the states average? Begging yet another question of why?
This levy has nothing to do with the quality of education, because with the passage of this proposed levy the projected revenue would significantly outpace projected expenditures, our expenditures per pupil still exceed State averages, and if the quality of education was the real cause of concern where has been the uproar for all these years? There is no one in this District who denies the need for a quality education for our children, and I think the majority would reasonably support a levy that sufficiently cover costs, but not one intended to build huge surpluses! Again, check for yourselves at http://fyf.oecn.k12.oh.us/genForecast.asp?IRN=44255&Format=HTML Remember, this is essentially the same Board members who by their own admission were unaware how to properly interpret financial statements and Districts budgets, and who were just as astonished to learn of the prior Treasurer’s mistake which put us in this mess in the first place. How can there be any confidence in a Board that: a. now proposes a levy which essentially will be used to build a surplus, b. does not sufficiently address the quality of education, and c. has not been willing to provide the necessary specifics or plan of how these funds will be spent. The families of this community simply can’t afford to write blank checks anymore! Oh, by the way there has been some increases in the amount of support for the levy, but understand there has not been an organized opposition either! This indicates the people of the District are not as ignorant as some would like to believe.
Good post, constantly throwing more money at our education problem does not improve the quality of education received, that’s just a fact. And why do they always want to cut out sports programs????? Well, we all know the answer to that one.
As a parent of two children in the district, I am deeply disappointed for my children and all children in the district. But, moving away only compounds the problem. If we leave the district, we are no longer paying the school district income tax. And, not to boast, but the combined income of my wife and I is substantial. In addition, the school district will also lose the State funding that the district receives for each enrolled student, approximately $5,700 I believe. It is tempting to give up and take our children to a communnity that values education more than this one. But, long term, that does not solve the problems here in London, it only passes those problems off to someone else.
Unfortunately, it’s a downward spiral. Without at least a half way decent school district, London will not be an attraction for future business endeavors, nor future home buyers, etc…. And once the middle class leaves the collapsing community due to the poor school system, say good bye to your tax base. Low tax base equals further crumbling streets and sidewalks, reduction in police and fire, no one to spend money at the local restaurants and stores, etc…Which further makes attracting any additional business to booster the local economy almost impossible. Anyone been through South Solon lately? Check the once thriving community out! It’s a ghost town. London will look just like it if we don’t strengthen the base. The base is our school district!
Furthermore, when the students don’t have sports to occupy there time and energy, they start playing mailbox baseball. Then everyone can complain about the vandalism.
Well said. Totally agree with “the base is our school district”……
You’re right about the downward spiral if we don’t rally behind our schools. Which is why we need to pass this levy at next opportunity!
Madison County has the HIGHEST level of HEROIN abuse IN THE STATE!
If you think the drug problem is bad now, what do you think is going to happen when the kids dont have sports and activities? Bored kids get into trouble… Is that a chance you are willing to take???
Look around at most of the schools around us, they already has 8.5-mill levy’s. London was only asking for 8.3-mills.
Sad, sad day for London…
Plus a 1% income and all the school programs were around for residents that now are doing all the drugs u talk about. Everyone linking the drugs to this levy are way put of touch
Madison County has the HIGHEST level of HEROIN abuse IN THE STATE!
If you think the drug problem is bad now, what do you think is going to happen when the kids dont have sports and activities? Bored kids get into trouble… Is that a chance you are willing to take???
Look around at most of the schools around us, they already have 8.5-mill levy’s. London was only asking for 8.3-mills.
Sad, sad day for London…
I think schools need to get more creative in how they spend their tax dollars. I think if administrators start thinking outside of the box that costs could be cut drastically while still offering the same education levels. Of course, that is assuming there would be a way to make good changes if the face of dealing with the teacher’s unions. It still comes down to reading and retaining, IMO.
What does this do to sports at London? What are the 21 supplement cuts for? People saying you shouldn’t move, why not? You only have one chance to make sure you child gets the best education and experience possible. Why make the kid suffer if the general population of London does not help support?
Would like to take a minute to thank those who have worked so hard campaigning for our schools, and keeping us informed. Especially our parent volunteers. Your hard work and dedication is appreciated, and has not gone unnoticed.
Really can’t believe this levy failed again. Our community desperately needed to pass this levy before the damage to education and community is beyond repair. I do agree with the explanation “Teacher” gave in a previous posting. Other surrounding communities are feeling the economic strain just as much as London, but they passed their levies because those communities have realized that a thriving school system is crucial for a prosperous community. PLEASE PASS THIS LEVY THE NEXT TIME IT’S ON THE BALLOT. We can still turn this around. Our children, and our community as a whole, are depending on it!
Not paasing the levy is not all about the need as mich as it is about the overall tax situation, the economy, politics and the way schools are funded. We already have 1% income tax and a current portion of property tax. Add in all the other taxes and people are fed up. In addition there is inequity of who pays what. Find a way that every person pays the exact same amount to find the schools and I will vote for that. The 1% would work if we had high employment and higher paying jobs but the levels in this county are too low. We also are not bringing in new commerce to the town. New businesses equals jobs which equals income. This is much bigger than the need for the schools, I think as far as other schools we should take a look at them in comparison Did they have the 1% in place and add a property on top. I have not done the research on that. I
JA did and does
Do you people really think it would be cheaper to move. Instead of paying 71 cents a day. Let’s all sell our houses (which we will loose our butts on) Pay for a moving truck and gas(which would be the same amount of money you would have paid to pass the LEVY) The ignorance is amazing to me. Thats the answer desert the community and flee. IGNORANCE at its finest.
Ummmm IGNORANCE IS AS IGNORANCE DOES
I have taught in London for many years. I have had more than one opportunity to leave the district, but I have always decided to stay because I love the community and the children that inhabit it. Unfortunately, the community as a whole does not share my feelings. The majority of the people in London don’t understand that the only way to make this community better is through education. Education is the great equalizer. For our low income families it is their children’s only chance at a better life. Unfortunately, if London doesn’t figure this out by August this community that will soon fall apart. If you believe the people of Westerville (who passed their levy last night), Hilliard (who passed their levy last November) or Jonathan Alder school districts want to/can afford to pay higher taxes, you are mistaken. They are hurting just as bad as the people in London. The only difference is they value education in those communities. This is why those school districts scores are so high, sports are so good, property values continue to rise, and businesses want to move there. Thank you for the memories. I truly love London, but it is time for me to start pursuing another district.
Your statement was written an hour ago. Were you on break or were you in a classroom NOT teaching? As for the other districts that you say passed their levies and can’t afford to pay higher taxes, where will they get the money? Are they going to borrow from China like the US does? Or, are they going to default on their property taxes and then loose their home? Then, they are homeless and their children are homeless.
All you people that want the levy to pass don’t know what it is like to live from paycheck to paycheck. Most jobs in London are manufacturing. For the past year manufacturing in London has been struggling as well. The tsunami in Japan had a great affect on all automobile manufacturing in Ohio. Educate yourself on this topic.
As for this teacher. My hat is off to you. Leave. Your paycheck is more important than the children. Move to the other districts that can’t afford their levy but voted yes anyway,so you say. Watch as all of them default on their taxes, take on second jobs, or loose their homes.
London residents will vote YES for the levy when you prove you are educating our children to your full capacity and actually teaching. Ummm..yes, like J. Alder.
Beth,
So, if you’re living from paycheck to paycheck how can you afford a luxury like a computer?
I moved out of London many years ago and raised both my kids in a school district that has never had a levy voted down and guess what? Property values in my community have more maintained their values much better than other communities in Ohio. Our schools continue to consistently prepare our children for future successes by ensuring that they have the best equipment and facilities and teachers.
Nothing like being “pound wise and penny foolish”.
Left London…
You are a jerk….I also have a car. Wow…..And you know what I do with my car? When I am not working 40+ hours a week, I am taking my brother to his kidney dialysis and taking him for his check ups at his kidney specialist. I have to use FMLA and I do not get paid for those days I miss at work caring for my brother. I also help him with some of his daily expenses.
Not that any of this is your business but, I guess I had to explain to you why I can afford my computer.
I forgive you for your ignorance in thinking that everyone has a perfect life without heartache and plenty of money.
Who is the foolish one? FYI, it is raining today so be careful when you go outside.
God Bless.
If I was you I would ask the Madison Press about the timestamp on the “Teachers” post. I think it is when the moderator of comments allowed it to be posted. Teachers are only part of who teaches our kids. As parents it is our responsibility to help what the teachers do at home. If more parents would do this, you would have a Excellent score every year at LCS.
The lack of community awareness & pride, lack of support for the schools, the drug problem. Sad place to live these days.
I totally agree with “London Resident”… there really is no reason to stay in London. The people of London are never going to support the schools and the community….no matter how many times a levy is placed back on the ballot. Never. Time to move on. And, MOVE.
I also noticed (as did “Sad”) that the other Central Ohio communities passed their levies. Perhaps these would be communities for us to “flee” to? Oh wait, that’s right… we won’t be able to sell our houses because they won’t be worth anything. And, there won’t be anyone interested in moving here to buy our houses anyhow!
Our only option for local public education will be to throw ourselves on the mercy of a neighboring school district, and set up a mass carpooling for working parents. Anyone own a bus?
Five school levies were on yesterday for central Ohio schools, four passed. What an embarrassment for the London community.
I would be interested to see an article focusing on why people voted no. I have some theories beyond the usual anti-tax feelings, but it would be nice to hear some actual research on it.
Yes, Dr. Geib, you have convienced the community that the schools need money. We haven’t convienced you that we just don’t have it to give.
Thank you for you posts Beth.
Many still do not understand that more dollars spent does NOT equal better education. Those on the school board are clearly among those.
I am so disappointed in our community. The kids deserve a quality education. With more and more district cuts, there will be less and less opportunities. Quality education? Nope. College Preparedness? Good Luck. And, our community needed this levy too. What business person in their right mind would want to set up shop in London? Like it or not, Good schools = Good communities. London will no longer be able to attract prospective buyers, spenders, businesses. And property values? You thought they were bad now? Just wait. The London community just squelched its own opportunity to flourish. I can’t believe people can be so ignorant.
I don’t think the people of London are ignorant! I think they are thinking with the heads and counting their pennies. Not all property owners can afford an increase. Maybe the schools need to look at the adminstrative positions and start some cuts there. I think they need to have a outside company come in and re-evaluate the entire system. The property owners should not be the only ones that support the school. How about an income tax raise, fair way so all the people in London help support the schools!!!
TO SHADOWRIDER: You are right, I should not have called the people of London ignorant. We are all counting our pennies. I also agree that an income tax rate could be beneficial because we (as property owners) are continually asked to sacrifice. There are certainly other ways that could be investigated to make some financial gains.
Unfortunately, I am also acutely aware that a large majority of those consistently voting against the levy are not even property owners… and I find that to be extremely frustrating! Sorry to offend.
Property owners cant afford an increase??? Just wait until the poroperty values drop! Then we will see what they can afford!!!
When Grove City denied their levy the first few times, property values dropped drastically! I know someone whos house was appraised at $285, 000. They had kids that wanted to play sports so they decided to sell and move. They had to sell their house fro $160,000!!!!!!!! Thats pretty drastic to me! How can property owners AFFORD NOT TO PASS the Levy???
What city do you live in?
Property values have ALREADY Dropped here in London!
David F.
It is proven fact that school districts that have not passed levies, their property values have dropped an additional 10%. If you want your property valued higher, London City Schools needs the levy, so businesses wanting to locate here see the community cares about the schools and come here to create jobs. In addition, to keep what companies we currently have we need to pass this levy. If current companies cannot get quality educated kids in their workforce they will look elsewhere and your property will drop even further.
The people of London have spoken resoundingly, and repeatedly, they will not support the schools under any circumstance. That message should by now be coming through loud and clear. It is time for the good administrators, teachers and families with students to flee this community.