Dear Editor:

Most people would agree that school funding in Ohio is in crisis - and

Westerville is not immune from that crisis.  Our schools have already

experienced massive cuts ($5.7 Million worth), and another set of deeper

cuts ($8.5 Million or more) is being prepared by the board. 

Unfortunately, our community shares this crisis situation with many of

our neighbors.  Over the past two weeks, community newspaper accounts

 have detailed how many central Ohio districts face the same problems. 

    *

      Canal Winchester - School board is facing a $3 million deficit

      next school year and communicated that it would take 23 NEW mills

      just to fund current programs.

    *

      Delaware City - Schools are contemplating a three step approach of

      a new 4 mill levy in March, making $800,000 in cuts, and

      requesting an additional 3 mills in November.

    *

      Dublin - Schools are in need of something like 9 new mills to

      off-set projected future deficits approaching $10 million.

    *

      Grandview - School board evaluating a new levy proposal in the 11

      to 17 mill range, just to MAINTAIN current programs.

    *

      Groveport - School board has already voted to go to split sessions

      next school year.

    *

      Hilliard - Had an operating and bond levy defeated in November.

      Looking at a new operating levy in the double digit range once

      again to off-set massive projected deficits.  Any bond levy to

      address growth was delayed (after 2 defeats) until November 2004.

    *

      Olentangy - Board is expected to make $2 million in cuts to their

      budget AND request a new operating levy in March of something in

      the 10 mill range.  A $60 million bond levy will also be proposed

      for March.

    *

      Upper Arlington - Schools contemplating a 9 mill levy for voters

      in March...to address funding current programs.

    *

      Worthington - Facing a projected $19 Million deficit and in need

      of a new 10 mill operating levy.

ALL of us are hurting.  From Dublin to Canal Winchester and Westerville

to Upper Arlington , education funding is in crisis.  Who gets hurt? 

Our children.  Why?  Because there is a lack of responsibility for the

problem and for developing a viable solution.  The state has failed to

address public school financing.  It continues to hand down unfunded

mandates, curb growth in financing, and flat out eliminate other funding

sources.  This is an embarrassment - and a shame.  This past year, our

state legislature enacted tax relief, then slapped on a 1% "temporary"

sales tax increase to bail itself out.  Meanwhile schools , our

children, and taxpayers continue to suffer.    The actions  (or

inactions) of state leaders over the past several years are inexcusable,

and I say enough is enough.

What is the solution?  More local control. I think it starts with

getting more serious and more creative about finding a solution.  In the

short run for Westerville , this means working with voters to pass a

pared-down levy to keep the schools operating.  In the long run, it

means working with our City Council and Westerville Area Chamber of

Commerce, and others to find additional ways to fund our quality city

school system.  My wish is that these bodies will come together, perhaps

with other like bodies in our neighboring communities, to develop

solutions to affect the kind of change that will be meaningful and long

lasting. Working with our leaders and voters, in partnership with our

neighboring communities, we can make a difference in school finding -

and in the future of our children.

I submit this letter to Westerville residents and leaders as food for

thought.  Our schools need a solution, our kids need a future, and our

citizens need a plan that will provide stability for our community .  If

you agree, write, call or email members of our school board and city

council.   Tell them that you are ready to be part of the solution to

our school funding crisis.

I have attended one of the community forums and the most recent board

meeting and I know the school board and administration are sincere about

addressing need, balanced with what the community can support.  Let's

get behind our schools and give them this support while we challenge our

local leaders to establish a  strong plan for our future.

Rick Bannister 

Former Member, Westerville Board of Education