I am, Lois Dennis, a resident of Tate Township and a retired teacher of Bethel-Tate Local School District. Due to a new job Dave Fallis, resigned from his position as chair of the Tiger Pride Community Wide levy campaign chair. I accepted a co-chair position along with my colleague and friend Cindy Shepherd, a secretary at William Bick Primary School, to take leadership in fulfilling Mr. Fallis’ vacancy.

The Bethel-Tate School District is currently being funded by an operating levy that was passed in 1989, our equipment and facilities are long overdue for maintenance and replacement. Many cuts have taken place in recent years with the loss of 20 full time positions and many additional budget reductions in order to make do. But now, the need for additional monies is critical to protecting and preserving what we have in the Bethel-Tate School District.

Therefore, we come before the voters of our school district asking for your “For” vote on Issue 14, when you go to the polls on Nov. 8.

It was nineteen and a half years ago, when the school funding model in the state of Ohio was declared unconstitutional but we are still utilizing this model today. The property millage that nets Indian Hill $15,000 per student only nets Princeton Schools $4,895 and Bethel’s local share generates a mere $ 2,116 per student. These numbers do not point to equal educational opportunities. We need to generate as much enthusiasm and excitement as we can to pass this urgent upcoming levy for our students. The Bethel Lion’s Club, American Legion Post # 406, Bethel Mayor Alan Ausman, The Community Savings Bank and the Tate Township Trustees have already given us either donations or their support. This levy will cost a homeowner of a $100,000 home and additional $19.25 per month; much less than your monthly cable bill.

There are needed building improvements that can’t wait. In the past, all students had constant access to each school’s libraries now due to cuts our libraries sit empty except for limited access. Class size has increased due to the cuts made in staff. We no longer have the title reading teachers that we had in the past to provide additional help for those students with remedial reading problems. A town hall meeting will be held on Friday, September 23rd at 7 o’clock in the multi purpose room at Ebon C. Hill Intermediate School for further information. If you cannot attend this meeting and you have any concerns or questions regarding the levy, please contact Mrs. Kircher or Mrs. Royer our school treasurer at 513.734.2271 Press 5 and then extension 1, they will be glad to answer your concerns. This levy is urgently needed. We are Bethel-Tate: our kids, their future, building a stronger community for all! Please consider giving us your endorsement for our kids and our schools in support of Issue 14!

Sincerely,
Lois Dennis
Co-Chair Tiger Pride Community Wide
Levy Campaign