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Voters should support Warren levy request

There is a lot of misinformation going around about the Warren Local School District and school bond Issue. I implore you to read this whether your planning to vote “yes” or to vote “no.”

Please understand that the Warren Local School District is trying to keep up with maintenance on our old buildings, regardless of what you may hear or believe. More and more money must be spent every year to upgrade leaking toilets and inoperable sinks, to patch roofs, to install a new window here and there as they break, etc. There is only so much money that can be used for that every year. Each year, as the buildings age even further, a bigger slice of the budget pie must be used for maintaining these failing buildings. Money that should be spent giving our students a lower student/teacher ratio or offering more educational opportunities that their peers in other school districts around the state already have access to.

We all benefit from stronger public schools, even if you do not have children. Stronger and better public schools are one of the first things new companies consider before moving into an area, bringing more jobs for local residents. Stronger and better schools mean a better chance of selling your home should that need arise. Stronger and better schools will bring back some of those students lost in recent years to charter schools or to other districts.

One of the concerns voiced at a meeting last fall by a vocal anti-levy resident concerned fuel prices. What if fuel prices go back up? What would the school do in that case when the cost of heating the schools in the winter goes up? My answer is this: Which would you rather heat? Several very, very old buildings with inefficient heating systems and ancient windows that do nothing to insulate the building or a new modern facility with an energy-efficient heating system and energy-efficient windows and doors?

A home that appraises for just $100,000 and we would see an increase of about $14 a month in property taxes. A $225,000 home in our district would see an increase of about $27 a month. A $500,000 home in the district would see an increase of about $60 a month. For brand new, safe and modern schools.

The increase would be district wide and not just in one township, as some have erroneously suggested.

To find out what the amount would be for your property, please visit the Washington County Auditor’s site at www.washingtoncountyauditor.us and do a search for your property by name, parcel number or address. Click on the “tax” link and then the link to show how proposed levies will affect your taxes.

Vote “yes” on Tuesday, May 2, for safe, modern schools in the Warren Local School District.

Catherine Cunningham

Marietta

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