Reynoldsburg City Schools

Dear Families,

I hope your students are having a great year. When I walk through our schools, I am struck by how energetic our staff and students are about learning - and I am proud to be a part of it.

For me personally, this year is pivotal. My youngest daughter is a senior at Reynoldsburg High School. I can't help but think about the many wonderful milestones our family has experienced with the staff and families here. At the same time, an exciting part of my job now is planning for the future of our schools.

We're enthusiastic and grateful about the two new buildings and district-wide renovations voters authorized in March, as well as the state's $56-million contribution. Our planning teams are working hard to get ready for the construction, as well as to develop the academic programs that will make these buildings into schools. We are determined to make our "Excellent" school district even better.

Even as we make these exciting plans however, we have pressing matters to attend. The bond levy approved in March takes care of our building needs, but it cannot be used for day-to-day operating expenses. To that end, our board of education has placed an operating levy on the November 4th ballot. This is the first time in more than a decade that Reynoldsburg has asked for operating funds. My daughter, the senior, was just starting kindergarten the last time Reynoldsburg needed an operating levy.

This issue will allow Reynoldsburg Schools to continue our current level of services and open the two new buildings. It would pay for the educational supplies, utilities, salaries and services necessary to run our schools. This district's board of education began preparing for the day when our costs outpaced our revenues. That day arrived three years ago. Since then, more than $6 million has been cut from our budget, but it's not enough to offset inflation and the rising cost of oil and commodities.

While we have tried hard to keep reductions from directly affecting students, any further cuts will, by necessity, result in the reduction or elimination of existing programs and services. Reynoldsburg Schools would be a different place next year without new operating revenues. It is my hope that our community will support the board's request in November so that this generation of children will have the benefits of a Reynoldsburg education that my daughters had.

As always, I am happy to discuss any questions or comments you may have about our schools. I value your input. I may be reached at (614) 501-1023 or sdackin@reyn.org. I have open office hours from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Mondays. Please attend one of our town meetings to learn more and let us know what you think.

Sincerely,

Stephen D. Dackin