Ohio’s school funding system is broken; let’s fix it

Ohio’s school funding system is broken; let’s fix it

EDITOR:

I have great respect and admiration for Bart McGee, Jackson-Milton school board member, but I disagree strongly with a recent quote in The Vindicator regarding collective ideas to get school levies passed. Mr. McGee stated that the passage of levies and school funding in general is a community problem, even more than just a board problem. Excuse me? Didn’t he, other J-M board members and the entire administration understand the Ohio Supreme Court ruling 10 years ago that continued levies on personal property is in violation of the Ohio Constitution?

The entire school funding program in Ohio rests with the nonproductive-do nothing elected officials, hindered (paid off?) by corporate lobbyists in Columbus. We are indeed, a nation of individual citizens who have submitted to the will and control of the various power groups within the state legislature. These groups and various committees crave control and the power of selective funding. Sadly, most politicians feed upon that power. Collectively, from the governor on down, the objective is unchallenged domination of “we the people” and they are winning.

The previous Ohio governor and the present, along with all related elected officials are in violation of this order, as well as each and every school administration and board that puts new and renewable levies before the voters. The court’s decree covered all levels of education using public funding from property taxes. Everyone agrees that our children are the real wealth of America, but unless Ohio legislators make some changes, and soon, our entire education system is headed for a fall.

One good area to look at is the taxation of carry-out food and drink. When lawmakers years ago bypassed a carry-out food and drink tax (at the insistence of corporate lobbyists) there were just a few such establishments across the state. Presently there are thousands of businesses who cater exclusively to the carry-out customer, simply because there are no burdens of food and drink tax collection. Such a tax should be targeted directly to schools for education and normal, everyday operations on a per-pupil basis. Divided school districts in Ohio need to unite ‘yes’ and ‘no’ voters, then band together with other local schools to put continued pressure where it belongs — on Columbus.

DAVID METZLER

North Jackson

One night in a thousand

EDITOR:

On March 13, I had the privilege of attending Boardman Center Middle School Drama Club’s production of Disney’s Aladdin Jr. Under the direction of Mrs. Pam Grabman, these very talented young people delivered a performance I would rate as an A+, five stars or a very enthusiastic “two thumbs up.”

From the response of the audience, I feel it is safe to say that others present, young and old, thoroughly enjoyed the show also. Everyone involved is to be commended; the actors, singers, stage crew, choreographers, costume managers, directors and the Magic Carpet.

While the entire cast was amazing, I feel I need to mention the wonderfully understated comic talent of Kiyan Taghaboni as Jafar and the delightfully flamboyant portrayal of the Genie by Alicia Lawson. I look forward to seeing what this talented group of students will accomplish in the future.

Just another reminder that Boardman schools have a lot to be proud of.

LORI FILICKY

Boardman