Keep our schools strong

If you live in the Poland or Bristol local school districts and haven’t paid attention to the May 2 primary election because there aren’t any contested races, hear this: Your vote is needed.

The districts are seeking renewals of school levies, but the expected low turnout on Election Day makes the outcome unpredictable, at best.

That reality should spur supporters of public education to act.

In Poland, voters are being asked to approve two renewal levies: a 1-mill, five-year tax that generates $380,839 for permanent improvements; and a 5.7-mill, five-year tax that provides $2,181,867 for emergency needs.

The first levy is used to repay a loan for school building improvements; the second is dedicated to the Poland district’s operating expenses.

In the Bristol Local School District, officials are seeking the renewal of a 3.5-mill, five-year levy that generates $330,000. The money is used for emergency requirements.

Our support for school levy renewals stems from the fact that property owners are already paying the tax. On the other hand, we do not take a position on levy increases for schools. We leave it up to the voters to decide if they can afford the additional financial burden.

But here’s the bottom line: Strong schools equal strong communities.