'When you cut, you bleed': Ravenna schools official explains need for levy
The Ravenna School District will be heading back to the ballot for a third attempt at a 6.9-mill levy this spring, it will do so with another endorsement by Ravenna City Council.
Council unanimously approved a resolution supporting Issue 12, a 6.9-mill emergency levy, which will go before voters March 19. The levy would generate $2.7 million annually and cost the owner of a $100,000 home $242 a year, or about $20 per month.
Bill Wisniewski, a retired business manager for the district, outlined the need for the tax levy in a speech before council. Council previously approved resolutions endorsing the district's levy attempt.
Why Ravenna school district officials say a levy is needed
Wisniewski said that he's noticed growth in the community, and that as the city grows, families will look at education in the school district.
He pointed out that the district's programs to help students are growing. Ravenna High School, he said, has an increased focus to steer students toward enrollment into higher education, enlistment in the military or employment.
The district, he said, has been "good stewards" of tax dollars, and has not seen an increase in operating revenue since 2005. The district, he said, has saved about $1 million through a reduction in force of 14 teachers, plus another five teachers who retired early and were replaced with younger staff. That, he said, is not enough. Someone once told him "When you cut, you bleed."
"We did make cuts," he said.
The district, he said, closed two elementary schools, plus the former Board of Education office, moving the board offices and preschool into the former Carlin building.
Absenteeism and test scores
The district is struggling to address a 43% chronic absenteeism rate.
However, the district also has increased its rating from one star to 2.5, increased its graduation rate to more than 90&, and improved its algebra and reading scores. The district offers all day kindergarten and preschool.
Ravenna High School, he said, hosts a service day for high school students each May.
The district has had to bring on mental health therapists and social workers to help students deal with real issues. Counselors, he said, conducted 82 counseling sessions for kindergarten through fourth grade students in December, and three "threat assessments" for kids that may have been subjected to abuse or neglect. Social workers also conducted 12 small groups for children struggling with issues at home, such as a divorce.
"Some of our kids are fearful and not happy on snow days, because school is a safe place for them," Wisniewski said. Every student in the district is eligible for free breakfast and lunch because of the district's high poverty rate.
Councilwoman Amy Michael said the levy is important to support "Ravenna moving forward."
"I think it's important that along with rebuilding the city that we keep our schools strong too," she said.
Reporter Diane Smith can be reached at 330-298-1139 or dsmith@recordpub.com.
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This article originally appeared on Record-Courier: Ravenna City Council endorses school levy
