A Letter To The Community

A special election is taking place Tuesday, February 6, 2007. On the ballot is a levy for operating expenses for Coshocton City Schools. This is not a levy to build new schools. It is a levy for the maintenance of our existing facilities.

Coshocton City Schools offer so many opportunities for our youth – effective education, sports programs, music, band, choir, art, computers, and work programs. Do we want our children to lose out on these great opportunities?

I know that times are tough. Many people are on fixed incomes. Our community is struggling. I believe it will struggle even more if our school levy fails. Do people want to live in an area where school districts are suffering? Can we attract the growth this community so desperately needs if our school system is just mediocre? It has been proven that our school administration is currently providing an effective education for our youth along with awesome extra curricular activities that encourage character growth. Can this continue without the funds needed to support our schools? If some of our buildings are closed won’t this mean less educators and as a result overcrowded classrooms? Will schools that offer nothing outside of academics attract growth to our community?

I have had to examine my own finances. If this levy passes it will mean that my family may have to give up something in order to cover the extra tax expense. I believe our youth are worth it. I encourage the residents of the City of Coshocton to ask yourselves if there is something you can give up in support of our children. I think any sacrifice you make will be well worth it.

Finally, do I agree with how our schools are largely funded by property taxes? No, I don’t. However, voting no on this levy will not change the funding. The only way to change that is to write, call, email, and visit our state representatives. I, for one, intend to do that, but meanwhile I’m going to vote yes for Coshocton City schools and the effective education that our children are provided. Our future, our children’s future, and Coshocton’s future depend on it.

Jinni Bowman