To the Editor:

Very few Worthington residents would dispute the historic tradition of excellence in their educational system. Still fewer would question the teachers' dedication and contribution to that excellence. However, this has no bearing on the economic situation we find ourselves in today.

As Mr. Toth pointed out in his letter (Worthington News, Sept. 23), "Pay cuts, layoffs, and furloughs are the order of the day." This is what the Worthington community is experiencing. Are they any less dedicated to their professions? Any less deserving? Again, that is not the issue.

The inescapable fact is we have fewer resources at our disposal. The inevitable higher state taxes and looming increase in inflation will diminish those even further. The school board and union must work together to significantly reduce spending now.

The recent concession by the teachers' union is a step in the right direction, but the journey is far from over. I urge the school board and the union to take the initiative to end the creation of an elite class in our community and "share the pain" so later, when this downturn subsides, we can all "share the gain." Together, we will get through this, as long as some are not "more equal" than others.

Terrence Banbury

 

 

To the Editor:

I have lived in Worthington all my life. I served the community as a teacher and school counselor for 29 years, and my husband impacted hundreds of young lives during his 30 years as an elementary physical education teacher. I love this town and the quality of life it has provided for my family.

However, I'm worried. The quality of this community is at stake. The cuts that must be made if Issue 49 should fail are not administrative threats. Rather, they are necessary reductions that simply must happen.

Some would consider programs like guidance and physical education to be "frills" that won't be missed should they fall victim to a levy defeat. I strongly disagree. The social and emotional issues students are facing have a huge impact on youngsters' ability to learn. Issues like poverty, changes in family structure, abuse, drug and alcohol use, and learning differences are real and they are here. We must help families address these challenges if children are to maximize their learning potential.

With childhood obesity and diabetes on the rise and with the rising cost of health care, now is not the time to make cuts in the physical education program. Guidance and PE are just two of the programs that will be impacted by the cut list. These are the kinds of programs that make the difference between excellent schools and average schools.

Without proper funding, excellent schools quickly become mediocre schools. Potential home buyers look elsewhere. Businesses lose vibrancy. The community rapidly becomes less desirable.

Like you, Gary and I would prefer not to pay additional tax money. However, we perceive a "yes" vote on Issue 49 to be an investment in the community we love.

Kathy Moore