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What would you do??
What would you do if you were the CEO of a company and knew that by making a big change in your company you could add services, save millions of dollars for the customers and improve your product? Well, we know what some of the CEO’s of well publicized companies that are on the brink of bankruptcy or bailouts did!
Barberton City Schools is at the same crossroads now….Do we take an opportunity that will lead to big benefits for students and community or do we remain on a status quo path?
You may hear discussions we are having with our staff and parents in an attempt to avoid the mistakes of some big companies. That discussion centers around what our district will look like after construction is complete. We must face the facts while planning for the future:
- We are in a severe economic crisis in our community and state,
- Barberton City Schools enrollment has declined by 275 students since the bond issue has passed, and
- Some of our families need help.
Our planning the last several months has led us to believe that developing an east side and a west side elementary serving students in grades K-4, which will help us provide bussing for all grade levels of students (K-12) may best meet the district needs. Some of the reasons are:
- Academic benefits
- Financial savings
The Ohio School Facilities Commission who is funding 60% of our projects has told us we are on the right track with out discussions. All three unions are supporting this concept as well as the Board of Education and Administration. Without support of our staff and the majority of parents we have talked to, we didn’t want to introduce this to the community unless we knew internally it would work.
The Mayor hosted a community meeting at the Lake Anna YMCA on this topic and we have also set up a community hotline (330-780-2075) so that your questions can be answered.
This plan fits perfectly with one of our district goals of being financially responsible with taxpayer dollars. With all of your help and continued support, we will become the school district of choice in this region.
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