Letters to the Editor
Protect Newbury’s Opportunity
Over the past months, and years, we have been hearing about the declining student enrollment, aging buildings and future financial picture of Newbury Schools.
Rather than going over that again, I want to focus on the future. The students of Newbury have been presented with an outstanding opportunity to join West Geauga Schools. An opportunity to receive an exceptional education that provides them with a wide variety of academic options, sports and other extracurricular activities.
There is now a threat to this pending territory transfer in the form of a referendum petition. If this referendum is successful, a decision to stop the transfer would be placed on the March 2020 ballot. This decision would keep Newbury independent and the district would have to wait two years before considering any other type of consolidation. At that time, the opportunity to join West Geauga would be gone, because they would not likely provide the same offer to accept all of our students again.
By delaying this decision, we just kick the can further down the road and we will continue to see more students leave the district, and higher taxes for property owners.
The voters had their say in the last Newbury school board election when Matthews, Sedivy and Zock were elected to the board. The three of them ran on the clear platform that they would seek consolidation options.
If this referendum petition gains enough signatures, the community of Newbury runs the risk of its student body being split apart into multiple school districts.
With the pending transfer to West Geauga, all the students will move TOGETHER. During this type of transition, social connections will be very important to these students.
It is time to consider what is best for ALL the students of Newbury. Therefore, I urge you NOT to sign this referendum petition.
If you have signed the petition, but feel you did not have enough information to make your decision and changed your mind, you can call the Geauga County Educational Service Center at 440-350-2563 and ask to have your name removed.
Terri Rice
Newbury Township
Editor’s Note: Terri Rice is running for a seat on Newbury Schools Board of Education in the Nov. 5 general election.
Newbury Taxpayers Have Right to Vote
I’m a little shocked at how some in our small town have become so complacent, narrow-minded and even apathetic. It’s become groups of people with “give me this,” “I really don’t care anymore,” “I want more for less” and “what will be will be” kind of attitudes.
I shouldn’t be surprised, but I am every single time I hear someone imply the grass is greener elsewhere, they will pay less in taxes (not going to be the case) and “going with the flow” is just what we’ll have to do.
When did electing people take away a taxpayer’s right to vote on an issue that affects the multitude? How has a mighty little school system and what has happened to it in recent years divided and destroyed so many relationships?
I don’t want this to happen to other towns and schools across our state.
This is exactly what will happen to other communities if the misleading process by which Newbury Schools is attempting to be closed happens without a public vote. There are schools and educators across the state watching the story unfold here in Geauga County and they are fearful. They are dumbfounded by how this process has gone the last two years and, hopefully, they are starting to make plans now to somehow not let this happen to their own public school.
This is bigger than whether you want Newbury Schools to remain or not remain. It’s about the correct process and allowing a community to vote on an issue, no matter who the elected officials are or if you are just tired of hearing about it and want it over.
Newbury registered voters signing a referendum now to make this a ballot issue in the spring is the first step in potentially restoring a community — no matter which way it goes. If we don’t have it as a ballot issue, it’s a perfect example of declining democracy and the principles our country is founded on being taken away from us at the local level.
Praying for our People and our Town.
Susan Arnold
Newbury Township
Di*lap*i*dat*ed
(of a building or object) in a state of disrepair or ruin as a result of age or neglect.
According to this definition, Chardon High School is dilapidated; this is as a result of age and certainly not neglect.
Despite appropriated money put toward regular maintenance, at this point maintenance is putting lipstick on a 68-year-old pig. The classrooms are antiquated, the roof is leaking, fire, safety and security measures are outdated, and the facility limits the accessibility for visitors and students with disabilities.
Chardon students deserve facilities conducive to focus, thought and collaboration without the distraction of puddles on the floor and drafty windows.
Just as a driver reaches a point when their car repairs become cost-prohibitive versus buying a new car, so has Chardon High School reached a juncture when repairs are untenable versus building a new facility.
After living in several different areas around the country, my husband and I chose to build a home in Chardon for the reputation of its strong schools. My three children have been educated via Catholic school, public school and homeschool for reasons I will save for a future editorial. I certainly would not have entertained the idea of homeschooling them in a dilapidated house.
Even when we have not utilized public education, we have always been ardent supporters of it. We recognize that an investment in our schools is also an investment in our community. The time is now. The plan is right. This Chardon resident supports Issue 21.
Meredith Gajda
Chardon Township
