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Same Old Song

THE UNION Local School District is singing a familiar tune. Unfortunately, it is not a pleasant one.

At its meeting last week, the Union Local school board addressed an all too common issue in Eastern Ohio, that being a financial pinch. Like many neighboring districts, the western Belmont County school system is staring at red ink.

The district is feeling the impact of state funding cuts, which will cost Union Local schools some $100,000. That’s a bitter pill to have to swallow in these tough economic days.

Union Local currently has a balanced budget, but that is certain to change with less income coming into its coffers.

Superintendent Kirk Glasgow put the situation in clear focus by saying, “Our backs are against the wall. We are asking help before the state comes in.”

When the state arrives, it brings a new set of rules to play by. Local control no longer exists, as is the case currently playing out with Bellaire schools.

Help for Union Local’s dilemma may come in the form of a levy on the November ballot. Such a plan, however, brings with it no guarantees of passage. Voter approval would help solve the money shortcomings, while defeat would leave Union Local officials scrambling for other options.

Few, if any, local school districts are in solid financial shape. With the economy and employment situations both gloomy at best, levies are no easy sell. Making cuts in a school district is a temporary remedy, but there is only so much meat on the bone.

With local school districts experiencing mounting money issues, we wonder if consolidation isn’t the best avenue to travel in Belmont County.

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