Issue 109 – An Issue Of Accountability

Issue 109 is an Emergency Levy of 9 mills for 10 years. The mailer from the Euclid School Board read, “We need Issue 109… to improve the quality of education for our children and our city.” History has shown that passage of 109 will not improve our schools.

Before I explain, let me say this. The vast majority of the parents and guardians of our students love their children. They want the best education and learning environment possible for them.

In contrast, the Euclid Schools have too long practiced the soft bigotry of low expectations. They operate under the assumptions that if you come from a single parent household or if you’re low income or if you’re African American you cannot be expected to learn. These assumptions are false. They discourage our youth and insult the adults who raise them. They perpetuate failure and weaken our neighborhoods.

Broken Promises: In 2008 the Schools promised that if voters passed a 6.9mill levy, schools would improve. Voters trusted the leadership and a $100,000 home saw its taxes increase $241.50 a year. Schools did not improve.

In 2009-10 Euclid Schools met only 4 of 26 standards – 10^th Grade Writing, 11^th Grade repeat tests Reading & Writing and Attendance. Adequate Yearly Progress was Not Met.

In 2010-11 Euclid Schools met 5 of 26 standards – 10^th Grade Reading & Writing, 11^th Grade repeat tests Reading & Writing and Attendance. Adequate Yearly Progress was Not Met. Graduation Rate 62.4%.

In 2011-12 Euclid Schools met 5 of 24 standards - 10^th Grade Writing, 11^th Grade repeat tests Reading, Writing, Math & Social Science. Adequate Yearly Progress Not Met. Graduation Rate 66.5%. 

Euclid Schools rank 3^rd from the bottom, above Cleveland and East Cleveland.

New Schools-New Names-Clean Slate: In 2009 the Euclid Schools asked for 3.5mills to raise $40 million to build 4 new schools. Voters were told new schools would cut operating costs about $1 million a year and scores would improve. Voters trusted the leadership and a $100,000 home saw its taxes increase $122.50 a year.

The first step in improving scores was to wipe the slate clean. Euclid Schools closed Indian Hills, Lincoln and Memorial schools. They re-named the new schools Arbor (Roosevelt), Shoreview (Upson), Bluestone (Thomas Jefferson) and Chardon Hills (Glenbrook). This move accomplished three things. It eliminated 3 failing schools. It wiped out previous years’ report cards. It cut off vouchers for students attending private schools. After this year, those students will be forced to return to the failing system to hopefully improve the district’s progress. When times are tough, you do what you gotta do.

Issue 109: If passed, the 9mill levy will cost the owner of a $100,000 home an additional $315 a year. This is on top of the net loss to homeowners whose values plunged but whose taxes will remain basically the same (see my HR920 Post) and the increase in shared income tax revenues. To justify the tax increase, the Euclid School Board lists 8 things the levy will accomplish.  

- Insure all students read at grade level by end of 3^rd grade. 

- Increase tests scores and graduation rates; and Improve college and workforce readiness.  

- Improve behavior and create a positive learning environment.   

- Ensure high quality instruction; Increase technology in the classroom; Work with local businesses to offer real world experience.  

- Efficiently and effectively manage district resources.

The net cost on an average home is .40 a day ($146/yr increase)

The mailer, signed by every Board member, reveals the following sad facts:

- Our kids are being passed to the next grade before they’ve mastered their subject matter

- Overall, their behavior is bad

- The quality of instruction is inadequate

- The district’s handling of resources is inefficient and ineffective

- The average home in Euclid is now worth only $47,000.

By the Board’s own admission, Euclid Schools are failing our students and their guardians and the tax payers who support them.

If you really want to improve our schools, here’s what you can do:

-        Vote No on 109. Give the schools one year to show taxpayers that the new schools and new leadership are living up to their promises of improved scores, a positive learning environment and better behavior.

-        Hold the schools accountable for their past promises and for the trust voters have placed in them. If there is improvement, then come back and ask for money. They will have earned it.

-        In Nov 2013 replace the current Board that has by its own admission, overseen the inefficient and ineffective use of district resources; and has failed to implement policies that improve student behavior, academic achievement and graduation rates.

It’s time to raise our expectations and our standards for the Schools, for the students and for the teachers. It’s time for accountability.