Help seek more funds, Liberty chief urges

Art programs and busing have recently been victims of funding hits.
By HOLLY A. TAYLOR
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
LIBERTY -- School Superintendent Lawrence C. Prince wants school-district residents to accompany him to Columbus to lobby for more money from schools.
Prince is spearheading the Liberty group going to a rally called "Project Chalkboard" in Columbus on May 5.
"Our legislators are accountable to the community," says Prince, and any extra involvement of the community would be appreciated. Prince will schedule the local caravan to meet up with other school groups going to the rally.
For more information on the rally and caravan, call Prince at his office, (330) 759-0807.
Speaking out
The board of education's Wednesday meeting reached a heated crescendo as parents and supporters of school athletics responded to the "pay to play" program to help fund athletics.
Students, teachers, parents and supporters all questioned the board's decision to charge $250 for each sport a student wants to participate in.
Art programs, language programs and busing also have all taken funding hits recently.
Board Member Richard Malone encouraged those concerned to attend the levy committee meeting being held Thursday nights in the high school community room. Board members agreed a school levy is essential to the survival of many programs and the maintenance on the school buildings.
Board members promised to have the answers about the levy and fate of the athletic program available at the next board meeting May 11. All financial reports are public records and anyone interested in more information can call the superintendent's office.