Field superintendent reaching out for school levy
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As a mother of two students who attend Field Locals Schools, Michaelann Lewis is hoping to see a levy pass for the first time in years.
On top of having to pay hefty fees for her children to play sports, Lewis worries about curriculum cuts and how they will affect her children.
“When I graduated I would have had so much more opportunities and electives that students are not getting now, and that’s pretty sad,” she said.
In the midst of the battle of getting a levy passed, David Heflinger has joined the staff as the new superintendent. He came to Field from Crestline Exempted Village School District located in central Ohio. Despite all that has been cut, Heflinger is excited about his new position and district.
“The test scores have been really really good for some time,” he said. “They have had to endure some real money problems and I think that the teachers and students have done amazing things considering the lack of funding her
e.”
Because of the numerous failed levies, the district has made cuts to art programs, physical education and busing. Also, pay-to-participate fees have been added.
Heflinger said he is optimistic about the upcoming November levy. He is encouraged by the fact that the August 5.5-mill levy only failed by about 200 votes.
He also feels the district has strong parent support and involvement with the levy committee.
“You have to have grassroot support,” he said. “You have to have the people that take ownership of the campaign. You can’t just be the superintendent or principal or board president out there trying to sell this.”
Lewis feels that Heflinger is doing a good job so far.
“He’s come to our levy meetings, he’s brought his family and he seems to be listening,” she said.
She hopes the superintendent can make it aware to parents who are not concerned about passing the levy how much of a necessity it is.
Anjenette Lowden is a parent of three children who attend Field schools. To her, not having a levy passed in years means having to transport her kids to and from school. She spends an hour and a half doing so every day.
She is upset that this upcoming November will be the sixth attempt to pass the levy and also concerned about the cuts made to art and physical education programs.
“My son is in elementary school and he only receives 17 days of art, music and gym for the entire school year, so that pretty sad,” she said.
Lowden thinks the best action the superintendent can take in helping to pass the levy is getting out and spreading the word along with the parents. So far, she has been impressed by his leadership.
Field’s treasurer had calculated a projected $1.5 million deficit by 2015. Heflinger said if the levy fails in November, additional cuts will need to be made.
His message to parents is to focus on the students and not on “adult drama.”
“I think that was too much of the focus the last school year, and I think we have to remind people why we’re here and what this money’s really for,” he said. “It’s not about funding or defunding any particular person. It’s about funding the students’ opportunities and trying to create more opportunities for success.”
More information:
Ohio.com – Three school districts on Tuesday ballot – Enjoy *
Ohio.com – Voters reject additional levies in Cloverleaf and Field – News – Ohio *