No School Operating Levy in the 2008-09 School Year
The Board of Education is unanimous – the Lakewood City School District will continue to operate within their current income for yet another year. Lakewood residents will not be asked to vote on a school levy in the 2008-09 school year.
“Our residents are feeling the impact of very difficult economic times. Families have had to tighten their belts. We truly appreciate the past support we’ve received from our community. It is making a positive impact on the education of our students. At the same time, we believe now is not the time to ask our residents for additional support. Instead, the schools must continue to look for ways to contain costs and save money,†said W. Charles Geiger III, President of the School Board. Vice President Edward Favre concurred, “Now is not the time for the District to ask the citizens to take on any additional tax burden. We must continue to look for every efficiency and reduce costs where ever we can.†Board Member Linda Beebe stated, “We are looking to preserve and improve academic programming while at the same time save money. We are definitely committed to preserving academic programming.â€Â Â
“As a district, we will continue to hold down spending whenever possible and will continue to participate in utility and health insurance co-ops. We are already realizing benefits from the building program by not spending dollars to maintain the aging buildings that were replaced or renovated. Through proactive staffing decisions, we continue to pursue operational efficiencies by not filling some vacancies. In addition, with the cooperation of our employee unions, the District has negotiated provisions to help control health care costs. We will continue to manage our budget in order to make maximum use of the resources the community has made available to us during these difficult economic times,†said Superintendent Dr. David Estrop.
Board Member Betsy Shaughnessy noted the importance of maintaining a consistent approach to fiscal management, “The Board does not want to ignore the difficult economic environment that exists and will continue to make incremental adjustments so that in the future it does not become necessary to make deep cuts.â€
“The Board of Education and administration understand these are difficult times. Working together with staff members, parents, and community members, we are determined to stretch our dollars for another year, beyond the three years promised at the time of our last levy, for a total of eight years. This is more than twice as long as what was promised,†said Treasurer Richard Berdine. Board Member Matthew John Markling added, “The Board will continue to work closely with the Treasurer and the Superintendent to monitor spending and advocate for Lakewood at the state and federal levels. We do take our financial responsibilities and all of our responsibilities for the Lakewood Schools very seriously.â€Â Â
No School Operating Levy in the 2008-09 School Year
Moderator: Jim O'Bryan
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Jim O'Bryan
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No School Operating Levy in the 2008-09 School Year
Jim O'Bryan
Lakewood Resident
"The very act of observing disturbs the system."
Werner Heisenberg
"If anything I've said seems useful to you, I'm glad.
If not, don't worry. Just forget about it."
His Holiness The Dalai Lama
Lakewood Resident
"The very act of observing disturbs the system."
Werner Heisenberg
"If anything I've said seems useful to you, I'm glad.
If not, don't worry. Just forget about it."
His Holiness The Dalai Lama
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Scott Meeson
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