Letter: Vote for future of Shawnee schools

Shawnee Local Schools is asking voters to support an operating levy on Tuesday, May 4. The levy will cost the owner of a $100,000 property approximately $13/month or $161/year. The revenues of the Shawnee Local School District have been drastically impacted by changes in the State of Ohio’s treatment of tangible personal property tax that began in 2006. Leadership has been financially frugal and managed the district finances efficiently, not asking for increased property taxes since 2004. Even though the district has made reductions to the budget, the district cannot maintain the current high level of academic excellence or course offerings without a new income source.

Working for Shawnee and as a parent of two Shawnee graduates, I have witnessed firsthand the impact the school district has on the lives of its students. Often, when I see former students in the community, they tell me how well prepared they were for their next steps in life.

I believe I have never seen a bigger impact on student lives than the return to school this year after being quarantined from COVID. We learned as a nation that students desperately need schools. They need a structured place to learn. They need the help of a teacher. They need to be able to socialize with children their age. Some need breakfast and lunch. Also, some need the help of someone who will listen to their mental health needs. Schools provide this and so much more.

To learn more about the Shawnee Local Schools tax issue, please visit VoteForShawnee.com.

Tony Cox

Principal

Shawnee Middle School