Reaction to failed additional school levy

On Tuesday, Poland residents voted on two school levies in the primary election. The district’s $3.6 million, five-year renewal levy passed with 59 percent of voters in favor, with yea votes tallying 2,568 and nay, 1,884.

However, the district’s levy for additional funding of $4.9 million over five years failed, with the 58 percent voting no. The final tally for the additional levy equaled 1,899 in favor and 2.544 against the issue. The morning after the election, the reaction to this outcome in the Poland community was mixed.

VOTED FOR

Anita Jacobson

“It’s a shame the additional levy didn’t pass. We have a wonderful district of schools and my choice will always be to support them.”

Rose Mary Memo

“I’m disappointed. The schools are our community’s life blood. When we don’t invest in our schools, it affects our children, our home value... the affects will be felt everywhere.”

Lisa Hill-Sarraino

“I wish both levies had passed. My kids attend Poland Schools and I think the main draw for people to move to Poland is the quality of our schools. Our entire community suffers when we don’t support our schools.”

VOTED AGAINST

Patrick Quinn

“I opposed a similar additional levy last year and I voted no yesterday, too. I see our money being spent on things that look good to the eye, but don’t have anything to do with the quality of education.”