TCS levy group presents to League of Women Voters

TIFFIN — Members of the Tiffin Area League of Women Voters were joined at their regularly scheduled meeting Wednesday afternoon by several members of the community as well as members of Tiffin City Schools' Board of Education to hear a presentation regarding the district's proposed income-tax levy on the November General Election Ballot. Presenting in regards to the levy was Jimmy Flint, committee chairman, as well as parent and volunteer Callie Cessna. The proposed levy itself is a six-year, 0.75% earned income tax levy, generating roughly $3 million for the district. If passed, the levy would cost households earning the median income about $34 per month, or 75 cents for every $100 earned. Doing more with less According to Flint, the district has spent roughly 15% less per student than the state average. "The district has not received new local operating funds since 2013. Costs have increased significantly and are projected to continue to do so," said Flint. He said teacher salaries are also down — roughly $6,000 below the state average. Cessna, who is also a graduate of the district, stated that up until roughly 18 months ago students were still using textbooks from 2010. "That is two iterations of standards, it is not fair to the students in our district to continue to operate like this," she said. TCS Superintendent Jerry Nadeau said despite these challenges staff remain more dedicated than ever to their students. "Our team is excellent, they are truly dedicated to not only their students but also to their staff," said Nadeau. "A number of our staff members have been with us for quite some time, further showing their commitment to their students." However, for Flint, he shared that it made him almost ask himself, "Is this something we should be proud of?" He continued, noting that doing more with less is hardly a viable long-term strategy, but rather a warning sign. Warning signs vs. strategy Per members of the levy committee, without new funding the district will face annual losses of $3.5 million, forcing deep cuts across the district. These cuts could affect the district's transportation, staff members (teachers, coaches, aides, intervention specialists, nurses, after school program instructors) and more. In turn, this could lead to larger class sizes, fewer overall programs, and more, according to the committee. "The gap will only grow larger each year if the levy does not pass," said Flint. He continued, noting the impact of a failed levy would be felt nearly immediately as the district's future needs grow larger. Local families rely on the services offered by the district to ensure every child has the support they need, said Cessna, as she cited an anecdote about her son's experience with the district to-date. "The breaking point is here, and our students will be the first ones to feel it," added Flint. Investing in students and the community Cessna noted that strong schools are the foundation of a strong workforce. "When companies look to expand or relocate, one of the first questions they ask is about the schools," she said. Not only does education lower unemployment, it reduces crime and public health costs, while strengthening the community, she said. Flint added to this, citing a University of Toledo study that found every $1 invested into public education returned $5.60 to the local economy. "Families that choose Tiffin because of the schools also choose to support local businesses," said Flint. He continued, saying local employers count on schools to prepare the next generation of customers and leaders. Flint read a statement from Seneca County Collective President and CEO Bryce Riggs, which he stated the following: "If we let our schools stall, we risk more than just test scores. We risk losing our identity and the momentum that the city has worked so hard to build," said Riggs. Recently, Tiffin was ranked 6th in the nation among micropolitan areas for growth by Selection Magazine. "An entire generation of students has gone through the district, many of whom are now sending their kids to the same school that they had attended but without any new operating funds," said Cessna. Strictly operational If passed, the levy would protect classroom instruction and academic programs, sustain various extracurricular programs for students, and preserve student services such as counseling, special education staff, and mental health supports, Nadeau said. "This money will not be paying for new buildings, it is strictly for operational costs," he said. According to data provided by Flint, if passed, Tiffin will remain in the middle compared to surrounding districts. "The proposal is a small earned income tax on wages and self-employment only. It does not touch retirement, Social Security, pensions or investments," noted Flint. The decision to opt for an earned-income tax as opposed to property tax, according to members of the committee, was made in part to protect elderly members of the community who are on fixed incomes. Below are some examples of what different incomes households would pay should the levy pass, on earned income: • $30,000 earner: $225 per year • Median household $55,700: $418 per year (about $35 per month) • $80,000 earner: $600 per year • $100,000 earner: $750 per year Competitive job market When asked if the district faces any competition with other higher paying districts, Nadeau admitted there may be some potential challenges. Additionally, Nadeau acknowledged that because of how long some staff members have been with the district, many will likely retire in the near future — creating other potential challenges. "We have gotten creative, or rather had to get creative, utilizing our retire and rehire program in the past," he said. Natallie Jones, a kindergarten teacher at Washington Elementary School, also serves as president of the Tiffin Education Association, where she works to negotiate employee salaries and benefits for the district. Jones shared that while salaries are down, there are still benefits to working for the district, citing its insurance policy as one example. Tiffin-Columbian High School Principal Michelle Tuite was previously quoted showing support for the levy. "This levy isn't about a vote for adults. It's a vote for our kids," she said. For more information or to get involved, email jamesgflint12@gmail.com.