Struthers schools need help and board isn't providing it

Struthers schools need help and board isn't providing it
EDITOR:
The recent Vindicator editorial, "Struthers school levy defeat an eye opener for the board" would more accurately be titled "Struthers school levy defeat should be, but will not be, an eye opener for the board."
It is understandable that the author of the editorial would conclude the negative attitude and levy defeat is the result of Superintendent Sandra DiBacco-Tusinac's falsifying Cheryl Richards educational certificates to the Ohio Department of Education. (If left unchecked, an unqualified teacher would be instructing those students with special needs). One may conclude this issue may be the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back. With history as our guide, not so.
The author appeared to hit the nail on the head, but realistically only scratched the surface. Under DiBacco-Tusinac's five years of leadership, a fiscally sound Struthers City School district has regressed to a $1.9 million deficit. Our community has endured a constant barrage of community black-eyes. Other examples: the invasive body search of a student without parental consent, the attempted expulsion of a 6 year old student for removing a plastic knife from the school cafeteria, the demise of Halloween, and the "free weight room equipment that cost the taxpayers $270,000. (Most of these items appeared on the front page of The Vindicator).
One must ponder how many tax dollars were spent correcting these ill-advised decisions and the impact on the budget deficit. The current problems are the result of no accountability and probably will continue if left unchanged.
Adding insult to injury, during this most important time as the Struthers Board of Education is promoting the passage of an operating levy, DiBacco-Tusinac is attempting to jump ship, applying for new positions in other school districts.
Our Board of Education members have achieved a distinction never before accomplished by any other in the history of the Struthers City School District. We have relinquished local control of our school district for the second time during their tenure. First to DiBacco-Tusinac and now to the State of Ohio. Our Board of Education is incapable of being part of the solution, they are the problem. They have been formally rendered irrelevant and should submit their resignations.
BILL POLIS
Struthers
If you want to get a dog, be in it for the long haul
EDITOR:
These are some things to think about before you get a dog:
Are you ready for a long-term commitment? Dogs are wonderful, loyal companions. They are the first ones to greet you when you return home, they are always ready to play or go for a walk, and most don't complain about the food you serve them; they give you unconditional love. Unfortunately, some people are unaware of the responsibilities of dog ownership. They get a dog for the wrong reasons and soon get overwhelmed.
The animal sometimes ends up dumped at the pound or shelter or chained to a doghouse for too many hours. Dogs are pack animals, they don't want to watch life go by alone, at the end of a chain. They belong in the house with their families. Besides the basics, such as food, fresh water, a warm place to rest and regular vet care, they also need your companionship. They need to be spayed or neutered to prevent more unwanted puppies from being born, and in order to be "good citizens" they need basic obedience training and should never run loose unless supervised.
Dog ownership can be rewarding and a lot of fun, but it is not for everyone, and that's OK. If you don't want to commit the next 12 to 15 years to properly caring for a dog, then don't let anyone (including your kids) pressure you into getting one.
DAGMAR LUBONOVICH
Youngstown