Understand the Issue, Become Involved, Vote!
October 20th Board Meeting
Members of the community speak out on the upcoming November 8th levy for the Fairfield City School District.
Click here to view
Click here to view
(PIE Parents Invested in Education) Supports District
“It’s a way to get people informed,” she said. “I want to help get the levy passed so that the district doesn’t have to cut $9 million next year.”
It Just Makes "Cents"
Upon the subject of education, not presuming to dictate any plan or system respecting it, I can only say that I view it as the most important subject which we as a people may be engaged in.
-Abraham Lincoln
-Abraham Lincoln
Letters to The Editor
Simply stated, we are blessed to live in a community that is fiscally responsible, safe and brings Quality Of Life to every resident and business owner daily. A key component of our Quality Of Life are our schools. Besides the obvious educational value, property value and our economic tax based are directly tied to a strong school district. I strongly urge you to support the levy on November 8th…education is the way forward it always has been and always will be!
Tim Meyers
Fairfield City Councilman
Tim Meyers
Fairfield City Councilman
I grew up in Fairfield, graduated from Fairfield High School and I care about this community. STRONG SCHOOLS do mean STRONG COMMUNITIES! The school district hasn’t had an increase in revenue since 2004, while costs have continued to increase. Significant cuts have taken place but now it’s time to give a bit more to ensure the long term success of our kids and community.
I’m planning to vote yes for the school levy on Nov. 8th. Fairfield wouldn’t be the same without the great school system that we have. This is an important issue for all of Fairfield. Please join me in voting yes!
Thank you-
Mitch Rhodus, Third Ward City Councilman
I’m planning to vote yes for the school levy on Nov. 8th. Fairfield wouldn’t be the same without the great school system that we have. This is an important issue for all of Fairfield. Please join me in voting yes!
Thank you-
Mitch Rhodus, Third Ward City Councilman
I think we have it pretty good here in Fairfield and I’m proud to represent our community. I’m proud of our school system too; it’s one of the best things we have going for us. But we need to protect the future of our schools. The state has cut funding for all schools, so it’s up to us to keep them in good shape. I’ll be voting yes on the school levy because that money will stay right here in this community and make it even better.
- Tim Abbott, Fairfield City Council
- Tim Abbott, Fairfield City Council
My family lives in Fairfield Township and we have 3 children in the Fairfield City School District. They are in kindergarten, 2nd grade, and 4th grade. I do not feel the school taxes are too high in Fairfield. I also feel that the levy on the ballot is needed to maintain the quality education my children are receiving, and to protect our property values. The district has already cut $8 million and needs this levy to pass to prevent an additional $9 million in cuts that would be devastating to the students and to the community. Fairfield ranks 47th out of the region’s 49 school districts in the amount of state aid provided per student. In spite of the low level of state funding, Fairfield does not ask for an exorbitant amount from its local residents – the district still ranks near the bottom (35th out of the 49 districts) in the tax on a $100,00 home. Only 8 districts in the region spend less per pupil than Fairfield. The district has been an excellent steward of our tax dollars. I do not think $200/year on a $100,000 home is too much to ask. For our home, my husband and I would pay around $400/year – that is $33/month – less than what it costs to take our family of 5 out for dinner. We can sacrifice one meal out a month to provide for the students and families of Fairfield. These are tax dollars that are staying in our community to educate children. I can’t think of a better way to spend $33 a month.
Thank you,
Michelle Gallo
Thank you,
Michelle Gallo
I am writing to express my support of the Fairfield City Schools levy. As a parent of 3 children in elementary school, I feel very blessed to live in Fairfield and have such excellent schools for our children. Every time I am at my kids’ schools I am struck by how caring the staff is and how hard they are working – from the custodians, kitchen staff, aides, and office staff to the teachers and administrators. My children are receiving a quality education and this levy is needed to maintain that. The district has been an efficient steward of our tax dollars - it has stretched the 2004 levy for 7 years (it was only supposed to last 3-4 years) and has the second-lowest spending per pupil of all the school districts in Butler County. The district has already made $7 million in cuts. If this levy fails an additional $9 million must be cut. Passage of this levy is critical to maintain Fairfield’s strong academic, athletic, music, and arts programs. If the levy does not pass, these programs will undoubtedly be damaged.
Tony Gallo
Tony Gallo
We are extremely fortunate to live in a wonderful neighborhood and community! I’m so
appreciative of the diverse and high-quality educational and social activities my three high
school students currently realize in our great city. These aren’t the reasons you should vote
yes…but why I will! Here are a few key thoughts worth considering from other points of view.
Grandparents: Who originally voted against the last levy were surprised their chaperone
service wasn’t required for their grandchild’s cancelled field trip…now vote yes.
Fairfield Supporters: “Strong schools – strong community” isn’t just a catchy phrase. A
community that hits on all cylinders is indeed strong…and a reason to vote yes.
Philanthropists: One of the greatest shames imaginable is that we prevent one of our youth
from attaining a high-quality education or participating in a sport or school activity due to
financial restrictions. Providing these opportunities is a reason to vote yes.
CARE Supporters: Certainly the push to be fiscally responsible is one of the driving principles.
Consider the whole financial picture. The 23% reduction in property values in the Little Miami
district demonstrates the negative impact when school quality is compromised. Maintaining your
assets is your reason to vote yes.
Parents of Private School Students: You’re paying a schooling premium already. Preserving the
value of your home and chosen community is your reason to vote yes.
Parents of Fairfield Students: These are your children (10,000)…is there any doubt you should
vote yes?
Steve Gilbert
Fairfield
appreciative of the diverse and high-quality educational and social activities my three high
school students currently realize in our great city. These aren’t the reasons you should vote
yes…but why I will! Here are a few key thoughts worth considering from other points of view.
Grandparents: Who originally voted against the last levy were surprised their chaperone
service wasn’t required for their grandchild’s cancelled field trip…now vote yes.
Fairfield Supporters: “Strong schools – strong community” isn’t just a catchy phrase. A
community that hits on all cylinders is indeed strong…and a reason to vote yes.
Philanthropists: One of the greatest shames imaginable is that we prevent one of our youth
from attaining a high-quality education or participating in a sport or school activity due to
financial restrictions. Providing these opportunities is a reason to vote yes.
CARE Supporters: Certainly the push to be fiscally responsible is one of the driving principles.
Consider the whole financial picture. The 23% reduction in property values in the Little Miami
district demonstrates the negative impact when school quality is compromised. Maintaining your
assets is your reason to vote yes.
Parents of Private School Students: You’re paying a schooling premium already. Preserving the
value of your home and chosen community is your reason to vote yes.
Parents of Fairfield Students: These are your children (10,000)…is there any doubt you should
vote yes?
Steve Gilbert
Fairfield
We moved into Fairfield 6 years ago. Our move was driven by the fact that the school
district we had been in was struggling greatly because the voters would not pass a
much needed school levy. While we were not surprised at the negative effects this had
on the school our children attended, we were surprised to see the negative impact on
our neighborhood. “For Sale” signs sprang up throughout the neighborhood. Needless
to say, it was a downward spiral, not just for the schools, but for our neighborhood as
well.
We chose to move to Fairfield primarily because of its reputation for strong schools, and
we have been greatly pleased with the schools and the teachers. Fairfield has teachers
who are dedicated, hardworking, and they care--not just about our children’s education
but our community as well. There are those who say they will not vote for the levy
because they do not have children in schools or their children are not involved in the
programs that will be cut. This way of thinking is not long-term focused, since weaker
schools ultimately result in a weaker community. Families will ultimately move out of
Fairfield and other families will avoid moving here—property values will lower. We are
all party of this community. If this levy fails, it will impact all of us. My family and I have
experienced that before, and are hopeful that we will not have to experience this again.
Strong schools are the backbone of a strong community.
Lara Bruesewitz
district we had been in was struggling greatly because the voters would not pass a
much needed school levy. While we were not surprised at the negative effects this had
on the school our children attended, we were surprised to see the negative impact on
our neighborhood. “For Sale” signs sprang up throughout the neighborhood. Needless
to say, it was a downward spiral, not just for the schools, but for our neighborhood as
well.
We chose to move to Fairfield primarily because of its reputation for strong schools, and
we have been greatly pleased with the schools and the teachers. Fairfield has teachers
who are dedicated, hardworking, and they care--not just about our children’s education
but our community as well. There are those who say they will not vote for the levy
because they do not have children in schools or their children are not involved in the
programs that will be cut. This way of thinking is not long-term focused, since weaker
schools ultimately result in a weaker community. Families will ultimately move out of
Fairfield and other families will avoid moving here—property values will lower. We are
all party of this community. If this levy fails, it will impact all of us. My family and I have
experienced that before, and are hopeful that we will not have to experience this again.
Strong schools are the backbone of a strong community.
Lara Bruesewitz
Education is important. Let me say that again. Education is important. Fairfield Schools provide a solid education to prepare this community's children for the future. That quality, however, is in jeopardy. An operating levy up for a vote on November 8 is desperately needed to just maintain what the district offers to students. We're not talking about adding programs or filling pockets. The staff already agreed to a freeze of base pay and step increases. This levy just prevents further cuts. And those further cuts would be devastating. An additional $9 million. That means fewer teachers, larger class sizes, and an immediate downward spiral of opportunities for students. Public schools need the community's support. Fairfield students need your help. Please vote yes for Fairfield schools on November 8.
Eddie Thompson
Eddie Thompson
Fairfield City Schools has earned your yes vote on the upcoming levy. The administration has stretched dollars from the last levy an extra three years, despite tremendous cuts from Columbus. Our highly rated schools are a cornerstone in bringing families and businesses to our community. I can think of no better use for $200 a year than investing it into something that will maintain the value of my home for years to come. Whether you have children in the system or not, a yes vote is good economic sense.
Arlene Werts
Arlene Werts
To Whom It May Concern:
Significant media attention and publicity has been given recently to the efforts and opinions of those opposed to the upcoming Fairfield City Schools levy on November 8th. As a proud district resident and parent of two students in the school system, I find it necessary to share an alternative viewpoint to the anti-levy sentiment. It is particularly troubling that some members of our community take exception to the distribution of factual, non-partisan truths regarding the current financial challenges facing our district. How is it possible to make an informed decision on the future of our schools without first understanding our current situation?
We are all entitled to our opinions, but I applaud the district for opening my eyes to the harsh realities and facts of our situation. I, too, was upset by the data contained in the recent fact flyer sent home with our students but for a different reason. I was troubled because it is clearly evident that significant changes to the quality of the educational experience for our students are at stake if we do not take immediate action. Unfortunately, all we have to do is look at neighboring school districts, such as Lakota or Little Miami, to see the potential impact of budget cuts to student class sizes, busing, or extracurricular enrichment programs. I provide these examples not as scare tactics, but rather a foreshadowing of what we may face in the near future. The school board has not released specific budget recommendations but it would be naïve to believe our fate would be any different than those of neighboring districts.
While those opposed to the levy continue to prey on emotional rhetoric and overstated analogies in the editorial pages, the fact remains Fairfield City Schools is facing a $9 million deficit at the end of the 2012-2013 school year. I am a fiscal conservative and support responsible spending. If someone can show me how $9 million can be cut from the district’s budget without negatively impacting the quality of education and community services in our district I am open to your ideas. Until that time, I will gladly support Fairfield City Schools and the levy. As a famous quote from Martin Luther King Jr. states “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” We are definitely facing times of challenge and controversy in our district, and I ask all concerned parents and residents to join me in supporting our children by voting “yes” in November.
Rich Joesting
Significant media attention and publicity has been given recently to the efforts and opinions of those opposed to the upcoming Fairfield City Schools levy on November 8th. As a proud district resident and parent of two students in the school system, I find it necessary to share an alternative viewpoint to the anti-levy sentiment. It is particularly troubling that some members of our community take exception to the distribution of factual, non-partisan truths regarding the current financial challenges facing our district. How is it possible to make an informed decision on the future of our schools without first understanding our current situation?
We are all entitled to our opinions, but I applaud the district for opening my eyes to the harsh realities and facts of our situation. I, too, was upset by the data contained in the recent fact flyer sent home with our students but for a different reason. I was troubled because it is clearly evident that significant changes to the quality of the educational experience for our students are at stake if we do not take immediate action. Unfortunately, all we have to do is look at neighboring school districts, such as Lakota or Little Miami, to see the potential impact of budget cuts to student class sizes, busing, or extracurricular enrichment programs. I provide these examples not as scare tactics, but rather a foreshadowing of what we may face in the near future. The school board has not released specific budget recommendations but it would be naïve to believe our fate would be any different than those of neighboring districts.
While those opposed to the levy continue to prey on emotional rhetoric and overstated analogies in the editorial pages, the fact remains Fairfield City Schools is facing a $9 million deficit at the end of the 2012-2013 school year. I am a fiscal conservative and support responsible spending. If someone can show me how $9 million can be cut from the district’s budget without negatively impacting the quality of education and community services in our district I am open to your ideas. Until that time, I will gladly support Fairfield City Schools and the levy. As a famous quote from Martin Luther King Jr. states “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” We are definitely facing times of challenge and controversy in our district, and I ask all concerned parents and residents to join me in supporting our children by voting “yes” in November.
Rich Joesting
Paid for by Citizens for Fairfield Schools, Tom Krieghoff, Treasurer, 5539 Crestview Drive, Fairfield, Oh 45014
Please consider making a donation to support the levy.
The reason I am voting YES for the levy...
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Fairfield Students Speak Out
Fairfield High School Students led by Jeremy Ervin have created a Facebook page to emphasize the importance of Voting YES on November 8th.
The following statement was taken from their FB site: Our cause is simple. We are devoted to doing our part to ensure the financial future of Fairfield City Schools. We are a student activism organization. Alumni of Fairfield High School are welcome. Its about time the students voiced their opinion.
Click here to learn more.
The following statement was taken from their FB site: Our cause is simple. We are devoted to doing our part to ensure the financial future of Fairfield City Schools. We are a student activism organization. Alumni of Fairfield High School are welcome. Its about time the students voiced their opinion.
Click here to learn more.
This levy needs to pass because if it doesn’t, the students of Fairfield will loose things that they do not deserve to. If you have a problen with a board member, don’t vote for them but please vote for the levy. VOTE YES! Its not about you. Its about the STUDENTS and the education they get.
For many kids (high schoolers especially), their future starts now-- not in a couple of weeks, not in a couple of months, now. If this levy does not pass, their future may not be what they want. Vote yes for those students who have a dream. The next generation starts with us. Maybe some of these student will be teaching your kids or grankids and you should want them to get a good education. VOTE YES because it is what is right.
Turner Ruberg, 8 th grader
For many kids (high schoolers especially), their future starts now-- not in a couple of weeks, not in a couple of months, now. If this levy does not pass, their future may not be what they want. Vote yes for those students who have a dream. The next generation starts with us. Maybe some of these student will be teaching your kids or grankids and you should want them to get a good education. VOTE YES because it is what is right.
Turner Ruberg, 8 th grader