Jackson-Milton voters have a decision to make

Jackson-Milton voters have a decision to make EDITOR: A school levy in the Jackson-Milton school district will build a new middle/high school and for sure it is needed. On Aug. 8, the 28-year, JM bond levy of 5.5 mills was defeated, 1,200 to 700. The second defeat, by a wide margin, was in large part due to a perceived "secret ballot" that cost taxpayers $5,000. Now for the third time, the bond levy is back on the November ballot and at higher tax millages -- 5.95 for 28 years, about $13 million dollars. Jackson-Milton will lose the current $6 million state matching funds if the bond fails. Is funding gone forever -- probably not. A total $35 million campus with 75 percent state funding can happen in the future for about $9 million, not $12 million. Votes can be effective at the state level too! PROBLEM: Jackson-Milton has higher per-pupil costs than Newton Falls Catholic and Western Reserve. Academic comparison of JM's overall proficiency test scores to other schools is lowering enrollment as local students transfer to open enrollment schools with better proficiencies. We are losing students, about 60 to Western Reserve, with active parents willing to transport. JM is also busing an increasing number of students to Newton Falls Catholic, JFK and two private schools in Youngstown. This is very expensive with today's gas prices, wages and bus upkeep. BACKGROUND: Our high and middle school building, built in 1913 and added on to 1936 and 1962 school, are in poor shape, not because of age but because of little maintenance. Again, looking at Western Reserve for a comparison within a rural area and nearly the same enrollment, the elementary school was built in 1892, the middle school in 1913 and the high school in 1960 and all are in fine condition, as seen on our tour last month. We cannot go back; today's reality is that a new middle/high school is needed. The current economy -- gas, heating costs, as well as cut backs at Delphi and reductions in GM retiree benefits -- make voting for a new bond difficult at this time. The new real estate appraisal will add 15 percent or more to existing property taxes. We certainly realize that many seniors and low income people are struggling and will not consider new taxes now or ever. SOLUTION: Many local voters want to hear that teachers are going to pay part of their health insurance like the rest of us. See a report of other realistic cost savings, and then consider a bond levy. RAY CARROLL JOE LEONARD North Jackson Students ask for support EDITOR: We, as members of the junior class of Struthers High School, would like to take this opportunity to address the Struthers community. We realize that we are only 16 and 17 year olds and do not pay property taxes, but in light of our school system's current financial situation we felt our voices had to be heard. On Nov. 8 the Struthers City Schools will have a levy on the ballot. We strongly encourage you to vote "yes." The city of Struthers has long been a community filled with pride and hard working citizens. We are the future voters of Struthers and are asking you for your help. We don't want our senior year filled with lost elective classes and lost extracurricular activities, etc. Our entire school system is on the rise. We are finally an "effective" school district and we want to continue to improve! We need your help. Please vote "yes" on November 8th, if not for the students, then for your community. Our future is in your hands. NICOLE LARICCIA and 41 other members of the Junior Class Struthers High School