VIEWPOINT/ Newbury Residents

May 20, 2019 by Submitted

Newbury Township residents have a long and proud history of supporting their local school system by approving tax levies for both renewals and additional revenue. Newbury voters passed a new 8-mill levy in 2014. The residents have shown that they care about the students and desire quality education.

Since 2013, the school system has seen a 30 percent decline in enrollment. In addition, Newbury has fewer class offerings and extracurricular activities than neighboring school districts.

While taxes have steadily increased over the previous decades, our school system has declined. Newbury’s current school taxes are significantly higher than both West Geauga and Berkshire. Our residents persevered and remained dedicated to maintaining an independent local school system. There was no other alternative until Berkshire offered a merger with Newbury in 2013, and later in 2016, West Geauga offered a merger.

As residents of Newbury Township, we support the consolidation of Newbury Schools with the West Geauga School District in the form of a territory transfer for the following reasons:

1. WG is rated 26th out of 610 public school systems in Ohio, and earned an “A” grade on the state report card.
2. WG ranked fourthin value added among Ohio’s 610 public schools in 2018.
3. WG offers nearly double the class curriculum, sports and extracurricular activities, and many more advanced courses.
4. WG has a renovated sports facility.
5. Newbury property owners will enjoy a significant property tax reduction.
6. Newbury property values could increase as WG Schools will become a selling point.
7. The Newbury community will enjoy renewed confidence and stability in its new school system.

Signed:

Julie Barnes and Lori O’Brien                          Daniel Bond                            Sue and John Bond

Linda DeCredico & George Arruda                Judy Chess                              Doug and Linda Coole

Maureen Doerner & Geoffrey White            Gisele & Tim Jarvie                 Sally & Steve Koepke

Landa & Dave Lair                                           Leslie & Ed Linsky                    Colleen & Dave Lair Jr.

Stacia & Bill Gilbert                                         Jan Ludwig                              Donna & Dan MacDonald

Janice Matteucci & Parnell Tillotson              John Jefferson                         Kenzie & Mario Mormile

Cheryl & Wayne Moster                                 Robert Jefferson                     Samantha & Tom O’Brien

Frieda & Dan Piscura                          Terri & Don Rice                     Helen & Scott Ullman

Kelly & Mike Williams                         Ben Calkins                             Jennifer & Tyler Zella

Kathleen Saunders-Reinker                Lilian Hill                                 Dana & Jon Pavick

Bobbi & Roger Prinkey                       Hanna Stefanchik                    Joanne & Bill Majeski

Chris & Rose Yaecker                          Amy Carver                             Mary Yaecker

Stephanie & Larry Welker                  Shirley Bizjak                           Melissa Orange

Jodie Swartout                                    Angela Miniard                       Melissa & Mike Ferry

Dick & Fran Dittrich                            Melissa Miller                         Bob Robertson

Mary & Chuck Masilonis                     Sara Steimle                            Bill Ward & Mary Cseplo

Kate & Seth Musick                            Dedra & Ray Fidel                   Mr. & Mrs. Mohammed Bagheri

Kathy Markiewicz                               Jan Stefanchik