To the Editor:

Twenty-nine years ago, our family moved to Worthington. Our primary reason was the superiority of the Worthington schools and the Worthington community. It was important to us that our children have the best possible education, and Gerald wanted to work in an exemplary school district.

The education our children received in the Worthington City School District proved to be outstanding. Our daughter has her B.S. and M.S. and is successful as an exercise physiologist, working at the McConnell Heart Health Center. Our son has his B.S., M.S. and Ph.D. in social psychology and is successful in his field, analyzing research projects across the country.

Outstanding teachers, great support staff, dedicated administrators and hardworking board members contributed to the education of our children. However, it was the committed grandparents, parents, community members and businesses that provided the needed tax money for the staff, programs and facilities. We thank each of them for the excellent K-12 education our children received.

The Worthington City School District has made major cuts in programs over the past 15 years. It saddens us as we realize the additional program cuts the district will be forced to make if the levy does not pass. The quality of the education students receive in the Worthington City School District is at risk. The current programs must be maintained and enhanced if our students are to successfully compete in the world.

We live in tough economic times. We do not want to pay more taxes, and we are frustrated with all the pending tax increases that may be imposed on us at the state and federal levels. However, we view school taxes as a direct investment in the future of our Worthington community.

We prefer to pay taxes that go toward something that will actually make a difference. A positive difference will be made in our schools by voting "yes" on Issue 49.

Gerald and Barbara Prince