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Bridgeport Schools

Dear Editor,

I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to the “residents” of the Bridgeport Exempted Village School District for all their past support in providing a quality education for the boys and girls of our district.

Over the past 20 years, you have been called on to assist the school district because of the “lack of funding” from the state. Each and every time, the residents of this district have risen to the occasion and provided the necessary funding to keep Bridgeport competitive. The new facilities that were built for our students are second to none. We have teaching and support staffs who work each and everyday to make certain that every student in the district is receiving a “quality educational program.” Both of our employee unions have rolled over their contracts for another year because they also know the concerns of the funding in Bridgeport.

For their actions, they are to be commended. The economy at this time is hard on everyone and our employees have accepted the challenge of doing more with less for another year. Even though the district has had to accept many unfunded mandates issued by the state and federal government, your school district has been able to meet these challenges because of your continued support.

This election on May 4, brings us once again to your doorstep requesting your consideration. Over the past six years, your school district has been doing its best to keep the district solvent and moving ahead.

The board and staff have instituted numerous reductions in the district that have amounted to over $2 million dollars in savings to the district. Going into next year, we are not replacing a principal who is retiring.

The levy on the May ballot is for an additional 3.6 mills (a 4 mill replacement levy of which you are currently paying 2.4 mills plus a 2 mill addition). The increase as certified by the Auditor’s office is for 3.6 mills of new money.

This decision was the response of our residents when at a public meeting, held in January, they recommend that the board place this levy on the ballot. The Campaign Committee has done an outstanding job of reaching out to the residents of the district with many area meetings, flyer information and phone calls. Now the time to make the critical decision is in the hands of our voters.

Let us continue to work together to keep Bridgeport Schools strong and moving ahead and we make a promise to you that we will do everything in our power to make sure that Bridgeport Schools remain solvent and fiscally responsible.

Your consideration of our request will be greatly appreciated by the students, parents, district employees and the board of education.

Respectfully submitted,

Roger W. Stewart, President

Bridgeport Exempted Village

Board of Education

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