10/21/2014 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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ECOT. After money is paid to these two private companies, the owner /operator of ECOT had control of approximately 130 - million taxpayer dollars last year - -- all for providing a sub -par education. We are very proud of the education we provide in North Olmsted. We are consistently one of the top rated districts in the region and some of our schools have been recognized nationally and /or statewide for their academic achievements. But legislators I've spoken with were surprised to learn about some of the hurdles we've had to clear to reach these results, challenges that typically doom other districts: • Nearly 50% of our enrollment qualifies for free and reduced meals • Approximately 15% of our enrollment is classified as special needs • 35 different primary languages are spoken among our student body, representing a high number of "English as second language (ESL)" learners • Outdated and inefficient buildings that are not conducive to 21St- century learning Our success is driven by a commitment to high quality education shared by the Board of Education, Administration, teachers, staff - -- and community. But that commitment must be matched by our federal lawmakers. Education must be more important in this country than 2% of the federal budget. It doesn't take more money either. It requires a reorganization of priorities. Our founding fathers knew the success of this country, and the new form of government it established, hinged on a sound and fair education for all citizens. In the words of George Washington, "Without the proper education of our youth, everything else will fail." Bi- partisan support for traditional public education is essential at the state level too. Legislators in Columbus need to know that suburban school districts, including economically challenged but high - performing ones like North Olmsted, cannot continue to bear the burden of more and more under and unfunded mandates. They need to know it's counterproductive to continually change our learning standards, especially if that discussion is motivated merely by politics. And lawmakers need to know how children and taxpayers are harmed by legislative action, or inaction, that does not hold charter schools to the same level of academic and financial accountability as public school districts. As you are all elected officials representing the interests of North Olmsted residents, the Board of Education hopes you will be a part of this conversation with decision- makers in Columbus and Washington too. I thank you for your time and consideration, and I would be happy to answer any questions you might have.