Letter to the editor: Vote yes on Issue 30 for Jackson Local Schools

I write to express my wholehearted support for Jackson Local School District and to urge our community to vote yes on Issue 30. The facts speak for themselves: Jackson Local is a beacon of educational excellence, not just in our community, but in Ohio.

First, reputable organizations such as Niche.com, BackgroundChecks.org, U.S. News & World Report, and the Ohio Department of Education have consistently ranked Jackson Local School District one of Ohio’s best districts.

The district's comprehensive educational approach prepares students for higher education, enlistment or employment. This is further evidenced by the fact that regularly, more than a half dozen students earn National Merit Scholarship recognition — a remarkable achievement that underscores the quality of education at Jackson Local.

Moreover, our district is home to specialized programs that set us apart. The Jackson School for the Arts program is one of Ohio's best, seamlessly integrating the arts with traditional academic coursework. The Jackson Academy for Global Studies is one of only two ISSN (International Studies Schools Network) programs in Ohio, aiming to produce globally competent, college-ready students.

Financially, the district has been a model of fiscal responsibility. Issue 30 is a renewal of an emergency levy, not a new tax. Homeowners in Jackson Local will not see new taxes; the levy will continue to generate the same $6.15 million that it has since 2009. It's worth noting that Jackson Local voters renewed this levy by overwhelming percentages in 2014 and 2019.

In conclusion, Issue 30 is not just a vote for a levy; it's a vote for the continued excellence of our schools and, by extension, our community. I urge you to help protect this tradition of excellence in Jackson Township by voting yes on Issue 30.

Jon Ash, Jackson Township

This article originally appeared on The Repository: Letter to the editor: Vote yes on Issue 30 for Jackson Local Schools