Letters to the Editor
Proud to be Black Knights
This letter is in reference to the situation facing the Newbury Local School District.
A recent survey noted that “declining enrollment and financial stability” are among the challenges facing the school. While declining enrollment is a situation facing all schools in Northeast Ohio, the financial instability situation has been caused specifically by three members of the current school board as they continue to bleed the school dry over the coming months by not placing a renewal levy on the ballot.
The fact that the school board president said that we “cannot delay this (vote for territory transfer) and we need to give time for parents to open enroll their children elsewhere for next year” is very concerning to me. Why for next year? The school is to be open through the 2019-2020 school year. What would make us want to leave the school a year early?
It seems the M.O. here is to solidify or justify the decision made and then back it later in the year with another “declining enrollment” discussion. This school board has done nothing to encourage the students that are here or encourage them to want to be a part of the school, but instead, have promoted going “anywhere but here.” I thought the goal of the school board was to promote the best interests of the students attending the district they represent.
Unfortunately, West Geauga will be faced with adding hundreds of new voters to their district who will be voting “no” on future levies and bond issues. Those opposed to the territory transfer will show their opposition as they open enroll their students elsewhere, and those for the territory transfer, who have vehemently and historically voted against increased taxes, will also be voting against them.
For those of us that do have students at Newbury, the school is excellent. Everyone from the administrators to the teachers to the transportation and custodial staff, really care about each and every student. Without a school, the township truly loses its identity. Newbury will become a place to pass-through on the way to somewhere else.
I hope the West Geauga School Board realizes what is coming prior to their vote. I hope the ESC takes into consideration what is best for the students, not the financial opinions on some community members.
We will always be proud to be Black Knights.
Phil Paradise Jr.
Newbury Township
Judge for Yourself
After reading what I concluded to be a bitter, angry and overly dramatic response to GLTG’s strategy for conservation in a January news story, I felt compelled to give this feverish characterization a second opinion. I mean I’m no doctor, but I played one on stage.
Much like the commentator (Angela Miloro) in the original Jan. 7 article, I too began involvement at GLTG at a young age. In fact, we started there the same summer participating in opposite summer workshops the theater offers.
Though distanced now, I have had the pleasure of performing in a show under the current theater’s direction (Erika Hansen, executive director). Made out to be a monster by Miloro’s comments, Erika Hansen and board members have worked wonders over the last few years, constantly growing in what the theater has to offer. Thriving under pressure when faced with any divas, moody director/actor/staff and unforeseeable technical difficulties. Never once batting an eye or holding a grudge. Always there when needed and constantly working behind the scenesto improve and anticipate needs.
The original article mentions how these changes in staffing are to make “responsible and sustainable use of resources.” I myself am not a board member, so I have zero clue to what goes on at any meeting. For me to say where I think money or resources should go would be moot.
I can, however, offer my experience. Reading the original article Miloro speaks of wonderful involvement of her own over the years. Enriching a community with exciting opportunities that spark friendship and memories to last. It seems a shame that she would walk away with a discouraging attitude and the want to spread negativity. Seems strange us both having similar upbringing in this place that Miloro would have such words only after losing a paid position. Understandably sad to lose a job, but if the big picture is to save and grow all the opportunities we had for the future generations, then I place my trust in the decision and person(s) making them.
To the reader I say consider the source. As someone who has been a part of this establishment through years of renovation, board changes, amazing patrons, comedy & drama . . . I only hold found memories and cherished times in my heart.
I highly encourage the reader to get involved if not already and judge for yourself.
Adam Siciliano (a.k.a. Alex Torray)
Chardon
Banging His Gavel
It seems the National Enquirer wasn’t enough for the potentate of probate. Nope, Judge Timothy Grendell put on his reporter’s fedora hat, grabbed his reporters pad and went to work. With the help of his trusty patronage staff and our public money, he created “Grendell’s Grandstand News.”
By now every house in Geauga has received a copy. This guy is amazing. With so much work to do shuffling papers and banging his gavel, he still finds time to take on this new project. And it’s a good thing for all of us. If it wasn’t for this self-celebratory compendium, how would we know how wonderful a jurist he is.
Grendell tells us that his newsletter is “outreach” to the community. Well, sort of, if he means he’s reaching out and taking your public money to pay for publishing it. When you mail to the 35,000 Geauga households it gets pricey. Similar mailings cost over $20,000. But since we are paying, he’s OK with it. So, as Grendell begins work on the next edition of the “Grandstand News,” we know he is following the time-honored journalistic advice to “never let the facts get in the way of a good story.” So enjoy! You paid to be told how brightly the stars shine down on his premier probate presence.
Dave Partington
Munson Township
