RUMOR CENTRAL

Rumors and speculation are once again circulating through the Lake Local Schools community. Much of this is in response to the recent announcement of teacher lay-offs and staff cuts or the construction of the new Lake High School.

In this age of social media and mobile communication, it is easy to reach hundreds of people with one click and share information that may or may not be accurate. The Board of Education and Administration will use this page to attempt to expose any accusations and make sure the public is aware of the source when possible and THE TRUTH.

We also want to remind and direct you to an area of the website that has been posting information regarding finances and information from the Ohio Department of Education at /education-updates

If you hear a rumor or have questions regarding anything you've heard, please contact the Board of Education or Superintendent's office at (419) 661-6677 or JWitt@lakeschools.org 

Rumor:

Channel 13 has reported that Lake Schools is building an addition onto the new Lake High School this summer.

Lake Schools Responds:

* Updated May 14, 2013

After a series of meetings, simulations, and discussions amongst our administrative team, in consultation with the board of education, and in partnership with The Collaborative, Inc., it is our goal to add six classrooms to the new high school in an area that was designated for classrooms in the original drawings.

We will NOT be adding on to the high school!!! There is a shell of an area already with a rooftop unit in place, rough-ins for electrical and other structural mandates ready to go. We will need to frame and drywall to shape the classrooms, add electrical and technology components, and furnish the area with casework.

Our goal is to move our 8th grade to the high school, move our 5th grade to the middle school schedule, and re-arrange a crowded elementary school. Pending the numbers that come back to us through the bid process, we would make these changes for the beginning of the 2013-14 school year. We realize that the time frame is tight but we believe it is in the best interests of our students to complete this move, if possible. We anticipate making a final decision by May 25, 2013 and we appreciate your patience.

This project will be funded through a gift from the estate of Joseph Baker, the proceeds from the sale of the Walbridge building, the cost savings realized from the closing of Walbridge, and possibly Permanent Improvement dollars.

April 24, 2013
After a series of meetings, simulations, and discussions amongst our administrative team, in consultation with the board of education, and in partnership with The Collaborative, Inc., it is our goal to add five classrooms to the new high school in an area that was designated for classrooms in the original drawings.
We will NOT be adding on to the high school!!! There is a shell of an area already with a rooftop unit in place, rough-ins for electrical and other structural mandates ready to go. We will need to frame and drywall to shape the classrooms, add electrical and technology components, and furnish with casework.
The Collaborative is going to provide architectural services and construction documents, and they will also handle the bidding process.
Our goal is to move our 8th grade to the high school, move our 5th grade to the middle school schedule, and re-arrange a crowded elementary school. Pending the numbers that come back to us through the bid process, we would make these changes for the beginning of the 2013-14 school year.
This project will be funded through a gift from the estate of Joseph Baker, the proceeds from the sale of the Walbridge building, the cost savings realized from the closing of Walbridge, and possibly Permanent Improvement dollars.

Rumor:  

"I believe the school district has enough money as it is right now. I don't believe in supporting school levies," said Lake parent Chris Anello.

Lake Schools Responds:

Mr. Anello has not spoken nor has he communicated with any member of the board of education or the administration about our financial status.  Unfortunately, the Lake Local School District does NEED to pass an operating levy.  Our five year forecast has been on our website for years and the Ohio Department of Education performed an audit that firmly supports our documentation and forecasting.  We are more than willing to sit down with any citizen and explaining our situation and we wish that Mr. Anello would take advantage of that opportunity.
 

Rumor:

Is any other citizen of Lake schools sick of hearing and reading about how the new school was not funded by taxpayers' money. Well I am. We all know how it was funded. Give yourselves a pat on the back. I would like to give credit to the Lake teachers for taking a pay freeze and paying more of their insurance. Congratulations you have now joined the rest of the working world. I too had a pay freeze recently and I still pay more than you do for my family coverage insurance, but hey what you did is a start.

I question why for only a year? Is this something that once the levy is passed will change or does it depend on the economy? From my experience with some of the Lake teachers and staff they are not all dedicated to their students like was commented on in a former article. The signs that state it's time to help ourselves---what do you think the citizens are doing? They are helping themselves to stay out of the poor house by paying increased taxes.--Tena Pettit, Walbridge

Lake Schools Responds:

We share Mrs. Pettit’s sentiment about the continued message of “no tax payer money used in the new high school.”  Unfortunately, we feel compelled to repeat ourselves because some people refuse to believe that to be true and those people still make the comment in the community that the levy is being used to pay for the new building.  Nobody is looking for a pat on the back.  The repetitious message attempts to have the facts outshine the opinions of some taxpayers.

The contract between the board of education and the teacher’s union is for one year because we only have enough money to certify a contract for one year with the state auditor’s office.  We are simply following the protocol set forth by the policies and procedures that govern the State of Ohio.
 

Rumor:

Lake is going to start charging admission to Senior Citizens in the district for athletic events.

Lake Schools Responds:

False.  We have never discussed this topic.  Our policy will continue as it has for years.

​Rumor: 

​Why did the Board of Education place a resolution for the same levy on the November ballot? Are they asking for money again?

Lake Schools Responds:

Although Lake's levy passed, the Board of Education approved a resolution placing the same levy on the November ballot. The reason that they did this is because the November election filing deadline happens before the results are officially certified by the Wood County Board of Elections which won't occur until sometime during the last week of August.  As of the day after the election, not all absentee and provisional votes had been counted so the results of any election are subject to change until it is officially certified.

When certification does occur, the Board of Education intends to pass another resolution withdrawing the November Levy petition.  In essence, the Board created an insurance policy in the event the election results change through the election certification process.
 

Rumor:

The new building is going to cost a fortune to heat and that is the reason the school is asking for the levy.

Lake Local Schools Responds:

Truth - In reality, we have been told by construction experts that the new building, which is equipped with the latest technology and efficiency measures, will either keep our heating and cooling bills the same or they will be lower than they were in the previous building. Efficiency of use and cost savings measures have been at the heart of our decision making from the very beginning of the project.
 

How do state lottery profits impact our schools?

Date:    July 18, 2012
 

Re:       Clarification on Lottery Profits and Impact on Schools

Recently, the Ohio Lottery Commission released a statement to the media announcing record sales and profits from the Ohio Lottery. Reports in the news about the additional funds transferred into the Lottery Profits Education Fund (LPEF) gave the impression that the increase gave school districts additional funding. Of course you know that even though all lottery profits are used to cover funding for education, there is no automatic increase in funding for school districts when profits increase — the state simply uses it to replace other funds.

Our three organizations are concerned about the implications these news reports might have for your districts. They may cause misunderstanding about your district’s funding, creating a public perception that does not match reality.

Because of this concern, we have issued a press release in an attempt to set the record straight. Click here for a copy: OSBA/BASA/OASBO Press Release

Feel free to use the statement or the information included in it for your own use.

The following is a link to one of the many news articles based on the Ohio Lottery Commission’s announcement: AP Article. Click here.

In addition, the Akron Beacon Journal published a good editorial in response to these unfair reports. Click here to see the editorial: ABJ Editorial.

If you have questions, feel free to contact us. We hope that together we can dispel public misperception on this issue.
 

Rumor:

Walbridge Elementary has already been sold for $43,000

Lake Local Schools Responds:

TRUTH—The building has not been sold.  It will be put up for sale at a later date.  With our task of moving into the new high school, moving classrooms from Lake Elementary to Lake Middle School, and moving Walbridge Elementary to Lake Elementary, the sale of the Walbridge site will not take place until next fall at the earliest.  There is a legal process to follow just as there was when we sold the Millbury building several years ago.
 

Question from Barbara Kohn

I just found out from Lake Twp Administration that the new school will
not be opened to residents of Lake Township in the event of (hopefully not) a
tornado warning.  Is that true?  I understand it is because of insurance
liability.  I do believe the voters pay taxes for that building – and we are
not allowed to possibly save our life?  It would be OUR choice to enter that
building in an event such as that.  Can you explain and tell us where
residents without basements should go?  Schools have always been a shelter –
until NOW. 

Lake Schools Responds:

There have been ZERO discussions with township officials regarding the usage
of the new high school as a storm shelter.  Taking this one step further,
there have been ZERO discussions with any insurance companies about
liability as it relates to using the building as a storm shelter.  Our
school district has always reached out to the community in times of need.  A
new high school building will not change that attitude.

Jim Witt, Superintendent
Lake Local Schools
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Mrs. Kohn,

I am not sure which Lake Twp. Administrator you spoke to, but I am not aware of any conversation taking place where the school said the new High School would not be available as a tornado shelter.  As a matter of fact our AD/Maintenance director recently met with the Red Cross to designate our Middle School as a shelter area until the new High School opens.  I think this is a fabrication.

As for the voters paying taxes for the new building, the answer to that is no on two fronts.  First, NO local tax money is being used in the construction of the new building.  It is being paid for ENTIRELY by insurance money, a grant from the Ohio School Facilities Commission and a grant from Kohl’s. 

Secondly, with the failure of our recent levies, I think it would be fair to say that the taxpayers have no interest in supporting that building anyway.  It would appear that if the community needs to support to the building for you to use it as a shelter, you could be out of luck.  As school officials we are inclined to say yes but I am not sure you will receive the same support from the community if it is needed.

If you have further questions, or rumors you have heard that you would like to get the facts on, please feel free to contact me in the future.

Lee Herman
Lake High/Middle School Principal
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We strongly encouraged the Red Cross to use the high school, because it is much better suited for disaster relief with it’s amenities.

Dave Shaffer
Director, Maintenance and Grounds/Athletic Director

To the Editor: Cut all extra-curricular activities at Lake
Written by Ken Smith
Wednesday, 18 April 2012 08:23

I volunteer at Lake Schools and have offered my assistance whenever it was
requested.  That does not mean that I have to agree with the decisions made
by the school board and the administration.
The school board likes to use circular justification.  They decide to add a
PE position and that justifies hiring a teacher. They increase class size
and change kindergarten, so that means that the Walbridge building is not
needed.  Lake has been Excellent the last two years, so cut education
opportunities to our youngest and most needy.
I was asked to offer my solution to the problem.  I think Lake has great
programs and great staffs, any cuts that are made are going to hurt someone
or something.  Eric Hirzel stated "Make no mistake.  These cuts will affect
education in a very negative way."
I would cut all extra-curricular activities, close the buildings at 4,
cancel all unnecessary busing, and look to positions that have not always
existed. Extra-curricular spending makes up 2.3% of the budget.  That is
$322,000 and taxes add about $25,000 to this cost.
Lake went many years without a Curriculum/special ed director, this would
save about $100,000.  Part of the phase one cuts the board made were to not
replace 4 teachers and to share a principal between the high school and the
middle school. I would continue those cuts.
These cuts would have a major effect on the budget, but there are other cuts
that are currently listed that would have to be made to make up the
difference.  All of these cuts are reversible when the budget allows without
major capital expenditures.
My biggest concern is selling the Walbridge building.  If it is necessary to
sell it, you are restricting future board of education members from
returning our class size to what has made us Excellent, and returning to
all-day every-day kindergarten.  What would be the cost to replace these
class rooms, and how would that be paid for?
Ken Smith
Northwood

Lake Local Schools Responds:

During his single Lake Board of Education term, Ken Smith took part in
discussions regarding the deteriorating condition of Walbridge Elementary. He
knows how cost prohibitive the upgrades were that loomed to maintain it and
that permanent closure was inevitable. Yet he continues to criticize the board
for making that sound decision to close down and sell it. If he is suggesting
it would be prudent use of tax dollars to maintain an old, empty, and
expensive building, the taxpayers of our district can take comfort that they
made the right choice in 2009 when he was overwhelmingly defeated in his
re-election bid.

Smith is also fully aware what the loss of enrollment cost in dollars when
extra curriculars were cut back in Œ05.  The following year those programs
were studied and those deemed non-cost effective were eliminated and the rest
were restored.  Many studies show athletics, music, arts, clubs, etc. are
vital to the educational experience.  Motivation for academic achievement,
teaching life lessons about commitment and teamwork are among the many things
kids get from those activities.  Admissions directors of universities all tell
us that being active in functions outside the classroom play a critical role
in their consideration of applicants.  Considering the cost, 2-3% of the total
budget, those programs are money well spent.

Smith claimed that the district went ³many years² without a curriculum
director. Way to pay attention Ken.  During your entire term on the BOE, the
district has had curriculum director and special education coordinator (a
position required by law).   Both were provided through purchased services
from Wood County ESC until 2007 when both of those jobs were combined into a
single, highly effective, in-house position at significant cost savings to the
district.  There is little doubt that move played a key role in achieving our
recent high academic ratings.  Smith was on the board at the time and voted
³yes² on that resolution. 

Why would he publicly criticize things he previously approved?  "Rogue Ken"
has always had penchant to be disruptive and it¹s easy to throw darts from
behind a computer keyboard. 

I'm pretty sure we haven't seen the last from Mr. Smith and if history repeats
itself, the attacks will become personal.  To the readers who want the truth,
please contact a board member or visit:

http://www.lakeschools.org/rumor-central
 

Eric Hirzel
Vice President
Lake Local Board of Education

Additional comment from Barbara Kohn:

Thank you for your response.  I realize the new building is being put up with insurance money; however, in the future, operating and such is paid for by the taxpayers.  You can’t blame the taxpayers entirely.  They, too, have run out of money.  They have taken more than their fair share of cuts in their own households.   Good luck in the future.

Lake Local Schools Responds:

I understand that some people cant afford the increase.  I also am aware that some people just don’t want to pay the increase even though they could.  I live in Lake Township as well and my property was recently lowered in value, meaning I will pay less tax.  The majority of people will pay less.

The funding system in Ohio was ruled unconstitutional nearly 20 years ago but the lawmakers at the State level refuse to change the system.  Rather than punish our local children and their futures, I would encourage voters to support the schools but vote out lawmakers who refuse to change the rules.

Lee Herman
Lake High/Middle School Principal

"WHY DO BUS DRIVERS PARK THEIR BUSES AT THEIR HOME INSTEAD OF AT SCHOOL?
WOULDN'T IT BE MORE COST EFFECTIVE IF THEY STARTED FROM SCHOOL EVERY DAY?"
--anonymous phone call
 

Lake Local Schools Responds:

The buses have been parked at the homes of bus drivers for many years.

Over the span of those years, the reasons have ranged from not enough
parking space at school to security concerns.

In almost every case, the driver's home has been on their assigned bus
route, so there hasn't been an additional fuel cost or savings by parking at
their homes.  During the winter months the buses need to be plugged in and
the cost of the additional electricity has been the burden of the driver.

Beginning with the 2012-13 school year, all buses will be parked on our
campus.  There were several factors that prompted this change, but the two
most significant are that we currently lease a bus maintenance garage within
one mile of campus and we will have ample parking and electricity to
accommodate all our buses, which has not been the case in the past.

Tammy Tapley
Transportation Director, Lake Local Schools

Does Lake have three full-time Athletic Directors with salaries in excess of $100,000?

Lake Local Schools Responds:

The answer is no to both parts of the question. Aaron Tobias and Jamie Schoen are both teachers who will have full class loads next year.  Aaron is paid a stipend of $4,886 for the entire year for his duties as assistant athletic director.  Jamie receives a stipend of $4,256 per year for her duties as the middle school athletic director. 

For the past two years, Aaron has assumed the duties of full time athletic director so Dave Shaffer could be freed up to concentrate on the new building.  During the past two years, one half of Dave’s salary has been paid through insurance and approximately $20,000 of Aaron’s salary has been paid that way as well.  Next year, Dave will go back to being the Athletic Director and the Maintenance Director and Aaron will resume his duties as a full time physical education teacher and assistant athletic director.
 

As posted on Facebook:  by Barb Rice and Thomas Frisby

Barb Rice
To Lake administrators and board members. Instead of laying off teachers because the levy didn't pass, it's time to cut some sports programs first for a change! Classroom courses and teachers should be a priorty over sports. Learning is why we send our kids to school in the first place isn't it? Not to learn how to be the best football, basketball.... player. Why are our teachers always the first to go when schools have financial problems? Where are you priorities? I want my tax dollars to go to the teachers!!!!
LikeUnlike·  · See Friendship · March 21 at 8:02am ·

Thomas Frisby likes this.

Thomas Frisby
i totally agree with you Barb!! I graduated in 2007 and was in high school when we had levey problems in the school years of 2004-05, 05-06. Extracurriculars, educational programs, teachers/staff are always the first to go but the higher sp...orts dont. I love sports dont get me wrong, I was Adrian College's Sports Editor during my senior year at Adrian last yr and loved it but something needs to be done. I remember right before I graduated from Lake they decided to cut sports, tennis, hockey and bowling. I happened to be a part of the last tennis team that Lake had and I found it outrageous that they cut these sports but not others. It's time to get some priorities in orderSee More
March 22 at 1:10pm ·

LikeUnlike

Barb Rice

Everyone should voice on this website how they want their tax dollars spent, for the football and basketball teams and the coaches, or for our teachers? Which is more important for our children?
March 22 at 6:13pm · LikeUnlike

Lake Local Schools Responds:

To Lake administrators and board members. Instead of laying off teachers because the levy didn't pass, it's time to cut some sports programs first for a change!

-Extracurricular activities (including marching band, the fall play, the spring musical and sports) make up approximately 2.3% of the general budget.  These activities absorbed 5% of the total cuts.  The budget from these activities was cut 18% for next year.

Classroom courses and teachers should be a priority over sports. Learning is why we send our kids to school in the first place isn't it?
-We agree and that always has been the position of this district. We also recognize that students need activities to round out their education. These activities include sports, as you mention, but also marching band, the fall play, the spring musical, and our nationally recognized Students In Action.  As noted above, these activities make up 2.3% of our general budget.

Why are our teachers always the first to go when schools have financial problems?
-The elimination of any position is unfortunate, and obviously a very difficult decision.  Teachers were not the first reduction.  Two years ago an administrator was let go and other cost reductions were made so that we could keep all of our teachers.  Unfortunately, with the failure of two levies, we are now at a point where all positions had to be looked at and further reductions had to be made.

Where are you priorities?
-Our priorities are, and always have been with the education of our students. 

I want my tax dollars to go to the teachers!!!!
-In addition to the teachers, we also have custodians, administrators, support staff, bus drivers, and counselors that tax dollars are needed for.

Scott Swartz
Lake School Board Member
 

As posted on Facebook: by Nancy Johnson Potter 

YEA BECAUSE THEY SPENT MORE THAN THEY HAD AND NOW I HEAR THEY ARE GOING BANKRUPT AND THE STATE IS TAKING OVER THE SCHOOL IN SEPT. WAY TO GO....PRIORITIES!!!!!! GRRRRRRR. THEN THEY WANT US TO VOTE ON A LEVY FOR THEIR MISTAKES!!!! PEOPLE ARE TIRED OF IT!!! ITS SAD FOR THE KIDS THO. I HEARD THEY ARE CLOSING DOWN WALB. SCHOOL AS THEY DON'T HAVE THE MONEY TO HEAT IT. GIVE ME A BREAK!!!!! BUT WE HAVE A BEAUTIFUL TRACK AND FOOTBALL FIELD AND A SCHOOL THAT IS ABOVE AND BEYOND!! NOW....WHAT ARE THE LAKE SCHOOL DISTRICT KIDS GOING TO DO WHEN THE STATE TAKES OVER? THEY WILL ONLY TAKE CARE OF IT FOR A WHILE THEN CLOSE IT DOWN, IS WHAT I HEAR!!! SO SAD!!!! GOOD TEACHERS ARE BEING LET GO FOR OTHERS MISTAKES!!!!!! WAKE UP PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!

Lake Local Schools Responds:

1. The Ohio Department of Education is NOT taking over the school district in September.  There is a lengthy and involved process before a district gets “taken” over.  If you go the Ohio Department of Education website, you can navigate to the section on that process and view it, step by step

2. Walbridge Elementary is being closed as a cost saving measure.  It is an old school that has served many generations of students and it has done so well.  However, it is at the point where the maintenance and upkeep is a really high dollar amount and our students will be better served at Lake Elementary.  This discussion to close this building has been taking place amongst the board of education members and administration for YEARS.

3. We do have a beautiful track and football field.  We also have a nice band room and next year our choir room will be outstanding.  Our classrooms are well lit and functional.  All in all, we have facilities that are beneficial to the total educational process and we believe that our children are worth it.  Our new school is not “above and beyond”.  It is a functional building that will produce 21st century learners who will have to be able to compete for jobs in a global economy.  This new building will maximize the insurance monies and donations that were received in the aftermath of the tornado.  In spite of rumors to the contrary, there are NO tax dollars being spent on this building.

4. What are the kids going to do when the State takes over?  Quite honestly, the kids probably won’t even notice if the State takes over.  If you do some research on what happens when the State “takes over”, you will find that it is much less intrusive than most people are lead to believe.  And, the State of Ohio is not going to shut down a school district.  In fact, one of the first items on the agenda of a governing board will be to pass a levy.  And, it will be a levy that will most likely be more significant in terms of millage than the two that were just rejected by the voters. 

5. The financial crisis we face is not due to "mistakes" by the Lake School Board or Administration.  It is because of a well-documented  and ongoing reduction in funding from the Federal Government, State of Ohio, and even local property tax collections.  Just in the last year our funding has been reduced by an additional $1. 6 Million Dollars.  This year alone we have collected $425,000 less in local property taxes.   Because of reevaluation by the Wood County Auditor, most Lake homeowners are now paying less for property taxes in 2012 than before. 

6. Our "priorities" could not be more focused on our primary mission of providing a quality education at a low cost to our taxpayers.  Lake Schools has been rated Excellent With Distinction and Excellent the past two years by the Ohio Department of Education, despite the fact that Lake spends less per student than 80% of the other Ohio schools.
 

Letter to the Editor, as submitted to The Press - by Ken Smith:

To the Editor: Reader questions hiring of new football coach at Lake
Written by Ken Smith
Friday, 02 March 2012 16:51

Lake Local Schools never fail to amaze me. When the levy failed it was announced that layoffs were likely. In February it was stated that: "The cuts we're looking at right now will affect programs and education" while at the same time they decided to hire a football coach at an inflated salary! They have not even decided what position he will be in. So which is more important, football, or programs and education? The last teacher contract that I have a copy of says that when someone who has retired from the State Teachers Retirement System is to be hired they shall be paid at the Bachelor's degree Step 5, which would be less than $40,000 per year, yet they decided to pay some one that will teach in the physical education department $53,764. Most schools only pay at step 5 for any teacher with more than 5 years' experience that is coming into the district, which is one reason teachers do not switch districts very often. I am sure the teachers in the past would have loved to have received that level of pay. What will they pay a teacher who isn't a coach? Who or what will be cut to pay this salary?

Last year during the levy request, they stated that they were not replacing three teachers that had retired in order to save money, but I guess if someone can coach football, then the priorities can change.  Bob Abbey, the previous coach a Lake graduate and a current staff member, was selected after the School Board was not happy with the record of the varsity football team. Now they are not happy again so they hire someone at an inflated salary for a position they do not need. I have nothing against Bob Olwin, but I really have to wonder where the Lake Board of Education and the Lake Schools administration place their priorities. When your budget gets tight, you need to reduce unnecessary spending and concentrate on the things that are most important. I guess we know where their priorities are.

Ken Smith
Northwood

Lake Local Schools Responds:

1.  Lake's "priorities" are well-established.  The Ohio Department of Education has awarded Lake Schools the academic ratings of "Excellent With Distinction" and "Excellent" the last two years.  These are the two highest ratings for academic achievement possible.  These high academic ratings were achieved by Lake while spending less per student than 80% of the other Ohio schools. 

2.  Lake needed a teacher to fill a Physical Education/Health Education position and Lake needed a new head football coach.  Bob Olwin has a proven record of being both an outstanding Health/Phys Ed teacher and one of the best football coaches in Ohio. Moreover, Lake will pay him          less than other area teachers who are head football coaches.

3.  Mr. Smith has not attended a Lake School Board meeting or workshop in over two years now.  He was voted off the School Board by the Lake voters in November, 2009. He did not attempt to discuss his concerns with or get his facts straight from any Administrators or current Board Members before writing his recent letter.

4.  Mr. Smith concluded his letter by stating: " I guess we know where their priorities are."  That is true. Lake's priorities could not be more clear: achieving academic excellence at one of the lowest cots per student in Ohio. That is exceptional educational value for both our students and taxpayers.
 

Letter to the Editor, as submitted to The Press, March 2012 - by Ken Smith

What’s the real cost?
To the editor: Studies have found that the size of classes in the first years of school have a substantial impact on students’ math and reading, and the results continue through their entire school career. The reduction in the elementary staff and the elimination of all-day, every-day kindergarten and to close the Walbridge building is going to have an immediate as well as a long-term effect on the quality of education that our children will receive for many years.

I have volunteered for the Ohio Reads program, both before and after the change to all-day, every-day kindergarten and my experiences have been that the kindergarten students are doing much better and are learning much more and faster than in the past, making them better prepared for the next years of their education. It would be interesting to have the principal prepare a report on the improvements that have been seen since the implementation of all-day every-day kindergarten.

Tim Krugh (board of education president) commented that all-day, every-day kindergarten is not required, but what other programs that are not required did the board decide were more important than the education of our elementary students? There are plenty of programs and activities that are not required of the school that the board has decided to fund. While I support these activities, I do not value them more than the education of our youngest students. While removing eight elementary teachers, a guidance counselor and the only school nurse, they hire a football coach as a physical education teacher for almost $54,000 a year.

How much is it going to cost the district to return to the quality of education that our children must have? With the closing and proposed sale of the Walbridge building, it means that the district is going to have to build either an addition to the existing elementary school, or another building to return our class size to where it should be. Otherwise, it means that we will never be able to get our education standards back to where they should be due to a lack of space. How many millions are they going to ask for? How many mills will that levy be for? Is it wise to make cuts that are going to require additional taxes in the future?

How can the school board and administration expect the public to support them when they put the education of our students second? How can you keep spending money on non-academic and even academic extras while increasing class size to the most vulnerable students? Some of these cuts are appropriate, but most of these cuts should be last place cuts and not second place.

Kenneth Smith
Northwood

Editor’s note: Smith is a former Lake School Board Member.

Lake Local Schools Responds:

Facts Are Stubborn Things
Lake Schools' "priorities" are well-established.  The Ohio Department of Education has awarded Lake the academic ratings of "Execellent With Distinction" and "Excellent" the last two years.  These are the highest academic achievement ratings possible.  And these academic ratings were achieved by Lake while spending less per student than 80% of the other Ohio school districts.

Lake needed a teacher to fill a Health Education/Physical Education position and Lake also needed a head football coach.  Bob Olwin was hired because he has a proven record of being an outstanding Health/Phys Ed teacher and mentor and is also one of the best football coaches in Ohio.  Moreover, Lake will pay Mr. Olwin substantially less than other area teachers who are also head football coaches.

The financial crisis at Lake Schools is because of a well-documented and ongoing reduction of funding from the Federal, State, and Local governments.  Just in the last two years alone Lake's funding has been reduced by an additional $1.6 Million Dollars, including $425,000 less in local property taxes collected this year.

The net cost-cutting measures of $1.125 Million Dollars taken by the Board on March 21, 2012 were indeed severe and harsh, but were necessary to avoid a deficit of almost $1.2 Million Dollars by the end of next January.  Those 43 layoffs and other cuts, including closure of the Walbridge school building and elimination of all day kindergarten, would have been unnecessary if the levy had passed last year.  If an operating levy does not pass this year it will become necessary to make yet another (third) round of even more devastating cuts.

Mr. Ken Smith, a recent public critic of Lake Schools, has not attended a Lake School Board meeting for two years now.  He was voted off the School Board by the Lake Township voters in November, 2009.  Mr. Smith did not attempt to discuss his concerns with or get his facts straight from any of the Administrators or current Board Members before writing his recent derrogatory and misinformed letters to the Editor.  Mr. Smith's frustration, if not anger, over the recent cuts is misdirected toward the School Board members and Administrators.  We all voted in favor of the levy and worked diligently to get the levy passed so that these drastic cuts would not have become the harsh reality that they now are.

Mr. Smith concluded one of his recent letters by stating: "I guess we know where their priorities are."  That much is true.  Lake's priorities could not be more clear:  achieving academic and co-curricular excellence at one of the lowest costs per student in Ohio.  That is exceptional value for both our students and taxpayers.  But don't take my word for it.  Check out the recent analysis of Lake's finances and staffing levels by the Ohio Department of Education posted on the Lake website at http://www.lakeschools.org

Tim Krugh
President
Lake School Board

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Recently Ken Smith commented that the Lake school board and administration put the education of our students second.  For the past two years this district has been rated excellent.  To be fair, this rating, in addition to a board of education, requires a collaboration between our great faculty and the parents in our district who emphasize the importance of education to their children.  This is all made possible by our community who have paid their tax dollars providing needed financial support to our school.

Smith notes the loss of all day kindergarten, the elimination of 8 teaching positions, a guidance counselor and the school nurse.  These positions were eliminated as a result of two levy failures.  As Smith should know, simple economics dictate that if you have a deficit you need to increase revenue or reduce expenses.  We were unable to raise revenue, so expenses had to be cut. These cuts were necessary and were made with the best interest of our students in mind.  Mr. Olwin was hired to fill a need for a teacher certified to teach Physical Education.  We had only one to teach three grades.

Smith notes the closing of the Walbridge building.  Would this district be better off maintaining this building for potential future use?  All of our students will be at the main campus, will taxpayers want to spend money maintaining a building that is not needed?  This building is an expense that this district simply can not afford.

Smith notes the expense of the “extras” which I assume he is referring to extracurricular activities.    These activities (including marching band, the fall play, the spring musical and sports) make up approximately 2.3% of the general budget.  These activities absorbed 5% of the total cuts.  The budget from these activities was cut 18% for next year.

Mr. Smith voiced his displeasure with the cuts that were approved, but he did not offer his solution.  I am interested to hear how he proposes to come up with the needed $1.2 million. 

In closing, I would like to thank Ken Smith for his past service on the school board and for his efforts to pass the levy in 2006.  I commend him for his volunteer work with the Ohio Reads program.  With that being said, I take issue with his statements and insinuations that the Board of Education has placed the education of our students second.

​Scott Swartz
Lake School Board Member