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Bellaire Levy

Dear Editor,

I am writing in support of the Bellaire Local Schools levy coming up in May. The current situation of our school district is a shame. Something has to be done about this now! Already the jobs of so many teachers/staff who myself and my children have had the privilege to know and respect have been lost. This is really upsetting to me. My heart goes out to these great people. I would like to say thank you to all of you. I have three children, one in the middle school and one in the elementary school. In my opinion my kids are attending the best schools and getting the best educations in the valley. This due to such wonderful educators and staff. I hope that my youngest child gets the same opportunities that my other two have been given and continue to receive such quality educations, and feel the pride that their father and I have for being graduates of Bellaire High School! Please for the futures of my children and yours vote YES for the Bellaire Local Schools levy!!!

Misty Maupin

Class of 1991

Bellaire, Ohio

Bellaire Levy

Dear Editor

During difficult economic times, it’s asking a lot of a community to pass a school levy. The challenge is even greater when a community feels it needs answers and accountability. While the passage of the Bellaire Local Schools’ levy may seem a formidable challenge, I believe the Bellaire community will rise to the challenge.

We can expect the government to educate our children, but ultimately, I believe their education is our responsibility. It’s time to tighten our belts and do what we have to do to remove ourselves from this financial crisis. Whether that means working more hours, eating out less, popping popcorn at home and watching a rented movie, giving up smoking, walking versus driving or traveling closer to home for vacation, we can all try to find ways to assume the added burden of the increased taxes created by the passage of this levy. While I realize for some, there may be nothing they can do to afford it, most of us can.

Our school is the heart of our community. Without it, we lose our identity. As government imposes more and more control over our lives, do will really want them telling us whether we can have a school district and forcing us to consolidate?

Passing this levy and making drastic changes within our school system may lift us from this financial crisis, but it won’t stop the exodus of our youth from this area nor will it stop the decline in property values. It’s time, not only to work together to bring back our schools, but to Bring Back Bellaire. I encourage each of you to find a way to get involved. The village administration, the chamber of commerce, volunteer groups such as those who are restoring our park, the Ohio Valley Riverfront Development Corp, the farmers’ market, and many civic and community organizations and individuals are taking active roles in cleaning up the town, improving our businesses and bringing new growth and development. No one is going to fix this for us. It’s time we roll up our sleeves and go to work.

Almost15 years ago, our community reeled with anger and fear in the face of an unspeakable crime. We came together, prayed together, protected and supported each other. This community got on the backs of a group of young men as they took us on the ride of our lives to the state championship game in Massillon. I have always believed God used that football season to allow us to heal and move forward. We did.

Now it’s time for us to strap our youngsters on our backs and carry them through this crisis. We will emerge a stronger and better community.

Susan Badia West

Class of 1971

Big Reds Forever

Bellaire Levy

Dear Editor

I am a proud graduate of Bellaire High School, as is my husband. We have two children, who attend Bellaire schools and want nothing more than for them to be “Big Reds” and graduates of BHS also.

I understand that the current situation with the schools is not good but I am willing, as are many, to help pass this levy for the sake of our children. Not only my own but ALL children in our schools.

We pride ourselves in our schools and education and have had many successful graduates from our school. Why? Because we have great schools, great teachers and great students.

Don’t get me wrong, I am greatly saddened by the loss of jobs in our district and I believe some very good teachers are being let go. I think it is time to rebuild our fine schools. I feel it’s time to stop the finger pointing and blame game and work together to get back what we want for our schools.

Yes, I agree that what has happened should have never been allowed to escalate to this, but it is done and now needs to be fixed. We, as a community, have stood strong for many causes, and now its time to stand strong for our schools and students futures.

Without our schools what will become our town?

No one will want to bring their families, their businesses, or anything else to a town without a school district.

Shelli Runyan

Bellaire

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