Letter to the Editor: Wash. Twp. man analyzes Marlington finances

Marlington Superintendent Michael Shreffler recently said that failure of the 7.6-mill May levy will bring staffing cuts. That, and using R.G. Drage for technical education were the only reductions mentioned.

Reducing teaching staff should be the last option. According to the state, the teacher-student ratio is about 1:16. A reduction will result in decreased education quality, reduced programs, course offerings, impact teacher morale and cause additional resignations. A downward spiral.

I believe other actions need to be considered.

Recent board discussion revealed major building repairs and upgrades need to be done in the near future. Known major costs were addressed in the finance report at the March 16 meeting.

It appears the need for the May operating levy is only the beginning.

I agree additional operating funds are needed, but will this be enough? The board is very aware a renewal levy is on the ballot in November.

There are different opinions on what caused the current financial emergency:

• The community's emotional decision to reject the central-campus elementary school bond issue that eliminated millions in long-term cost savings and forced millions in building repairs.

• Declining school student enrollment, which reduced state funding.

• Closing, and reopening, a elementary school.

• Finance cost for school building mortgage loan.

• Past financial forecasts were ignored, and corrective action was not taken.

• Delay of NEXUS payments, which might never occur.

• Uncertainty over pursuing innovative approaches for reducing costs and optimizing education quality. This is difficult to assess.

• Past failure to operate the district as a business, with financial decision-making. this also is difficult to assess.

• Appears to be lack of balance of administration and other positions.

• Inflation has been a deadly blow.

I have much empathy for the new board.

If the levy does not pass, will it be on the November ballot? What if both levies fail?

The school district certainly needs the money. Please vote in May.

– Jake Peck, Washington Township

This article originally appeared on The Alliance Review: Letter to the Editor: Wash. Twp. man analyzes Marlington finances