Ohio fiscal situation hurts school districts

I can't be as pessimistic as board member Marc Schare, whose attributed statement that the Worthington school district is about to "fall off a cliff" has sparked controversy. However, the future for education in Ohio, and therefore in Worthington, too, is certainly less than bright.

Schare is right in that serious challenges present themselves tothe district. He is equally right in pointing out that, since salaries and benefits are the largest (by far) expenditures of the district, no real savings can be achieved without looking at those expenditures.

I also believe that board member Charlie Wilson, who described the reality of Worthington's salary schedule in relation to those of competing districts, was echoing Woody Hayes' reportedly saying, "You win with people." This is true for any organization, especially one that is so people-d pendent as a school district.

Although I do not wish to pass judgment on the issues relating to the Perry to McCord transfer, it seems to me that all board members are right when they point out that all options have to be considered when trying to preserve and improve the educational program within the economic and other constraints. Among the con straints mentioned by Schare is that some parents will always object to this or that strategic move.Finally, listening to the audio-file of the last board meeting, Ifound that it was left to board member David Bressman to mention the 500-pound gorilla in the room: the dismal fiscal situation of Ohio. A projected deficit of 7-8 billion dollars can't but negatively affect the state's contribution to education. Couple thatdeficit with the elimination of the tangible property tax that supplied the district with a large part of its income, and the outcome becomes evident. Because of the national recession and poor economic growth in Ohio, the Commercial Activities Tax (CAT), which supposedly was to replace the repealed tax, came in at a much lower rate than projected.

Wilson is right when he says that for all our sakes we should be interested in keeping the Worthington school district a "District of Choice." A district where young parents want to move for the education of their children, a district where those of us whose children are gone, choose to stay, and, finally, a district where good teachers, both young and experienced, choose to come to work. It will not be easy and it will take all of us to make it happen.

Do you ever stop to think about the impact we have every day on the people around us? We have the power to greatly influence someone's day by our simple words or actions. Whether with the cashier at the grocery or the driver who cuts us off, we have dozens of opportunities every day to make a difference, if only for a moment, in someone's life.

Worthington is fortunate to have a vibrant group of teachers and senior volunteers who not only think about the impact that they can have on our community, but put their thoughts into action. Nine years ago the Partners for Citizenship and Character's (PCC) Circle of Grandparents program entered Worthington elementary classrooms to teach the PCC designated Word of the Month (12 positive character values for success). Beginning with just six brave senior volunteers (four of whom are still active) the program has expanded to 58 volunteers working in 76 classrooms, touching 1,900 students this year alone.

According to Webster's, a Hero is "an object of extreme admiration and devotion". That describes our Circle volunteers to a tee. Students simply adore the program that brings an "adopted grandparent" into their classroom each month to talk about the importance of making good character choices. Teachers, "grandparents," and parents all agree that this program is making a difference. So it was fitting that the PCC Circle of Grandparents End of the Year Celebration held at the Griswold Center focused on "Everyday Heroes – Making a Difference".

Resident songwriter, humorist, and educator Eric Gnezda (son of Circle volunteer Mary Winter) donated his time and talent as he shared his thoughts and a song that he had written: "True Heroes".

Sixth-graders Joshua Stoner, from Brookside, and Jamie Eubanks, from Evening Street, were presented the 2009-2010 persons of exceptional character award. Principals Fritz Monroe and Mary Rykowski talked about how Joshua and Jamie were making a difference with their peers by being shining examples of good character and citizenship. This award is jointly sponsored by the PCC Circle of Grandparents and Dick Rabold, general manager, of Worthington Pools.

The evening concluded with the recognition of teachers and grandparents, the heart and soul of the program. Their selfless efforts to teach character to the children in the Worthington school district should be commended. Indeed, the admiration and respect as teachers and grandparents introduced one another made it is easy to see how these individuals make such a tremendous difference in our community.

The Circle of Grandparents would especially like to thank the following Business Heroes who make a difference: Becca Friedlander, the manager of the Sawmill Olive Garden, who provided dinner for the event; Mark Fultz, manager of Giant Eagle, who donated the cake; Dick Rabold, general manager of Worthington Pools for gift certificates and the Worthington Mall Kroger, which donated gift cards.

The circle would also like to thank special guests Superintendent Dr. Melissa Conrath, PCC President Kip Morse and new PCC Executive Director Holly Richard for their attendance, support and encouragement.

For more information about the Circle of Grandparents, contact me at 436-4799 or visit our website at www.circleofgrandparents.com.

Many thanks go out to all the volunteers and supporters of this year's Service Day in Worthington.

More than 90 volunteers ranging in age from six years to "older" and 30 donors supported this year's annual event, held May 1, by helping senior citizens and other individuals in need with jobs in and around their homes, as well as helping the City of Worthington's Parks and Recreation Department.

Leadership Worthington has taken the lead in coordinating Worthington's Service Day since 1993 when the Adult Leadership Class developed this event as a class project. Neighboring communities in central Ohio have since adopted Service Days in their communities, all saving the first weekend in May for this annual event.

Outside jobs include garden weeding, leaf raking, flower bed planting, mulching, mowing lawns, pulling ivy, cleaning a gazebo, trimming bushes, cleaning patio furniture and even re-roofing a tool shed. Inside jobs include window washing, removing storm windows, refrigerator cleaning, turning mattresses, washing a comforter, dusting, moving furniture and programming at TV.

In addition to the jobs, volunteers applauded the service of five individuals who have defined community service throughout the year for the Annual Leadership for a Lifetime Award. Awards were presented to Gavin Ware, kindergarten student; Grant Nash, eighth-grade student; Seung Wan (Andrew) Paik, high school student; and adults Lynn Nadler and Rob Wendling.

Food and drinks were donated by Kiwanis Club of Northern Columbus and by Fifth Third Bank. Many of the volunteers left the day with a door prize, thanks to contributions made by House Wine, Family Video, Doubletree Hotel, Shoedinger Funeral Services, Tilton's Automotive Service, Buca di Beppo, Kroger, McDonald's, The Screens at the Continent, Old Bag of Nails, Graeter's Ice Cream, Scottie's Coffee and Tea House, and Starbucks.

Additional contributors to the 2010 Service Day included Schoedinger Funeral Services, Huntington National Bank, Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Value Added Business Services, Worthington Schools and Worthington News. Sponsors of Leadership Worthington 2010 are Cardinal Health, Tilton's, Clark-Schaefer-Hackett & Co., Dr. Anthony Lordo DDS, First Place Bank and Allstate insurance agents Katherine Reddy and John Butler.

Service-day committee members were Jim Sauer and Rose Byrd (co-chairs), Bob and Kathy Reddy, Andy English, Rob Wendlin, Ciss Sweeney, Barry Griffith, Val Knapp, Marilyn Baker and Joan Bird. Leadership for a Lifetime Award selection committee members were Pam Sturiano and Kathy Starks (co-chairs), Jim McElligott, Lou Briggs, Jeff Appel, Kathryn Paugh, Kathy Moore, Lou Goorey and Sandy Byers.