To the editor:

As an active and involved citizen, parent, and community volunteer with the Salem City School district and proud alumnus of the SHS Class of 1982, I am writing in complete and unequivocal support of the proposed May 2nd bond levy initiative that will provide for the future construction of a new K-8 campus for the students of Salem.

While the district showcases one of the most “proficient and skilled team of building maintenance professionals in the area,” the ever-present mechanical and structural challenges brought forth by far-exceeding individual building life expectancies poses additional obstacles and constraints for the district whose last building construction originated with Southeast Elementary in 1967.

Our community is extremely fortunate to have an educational arena that offers a wide array of academics, sports, extracurricular clubs, instrumental and vocal music, and performing arts offerings, coupled with a dynamic administrative and faculty leadership team that provides a tremendous learning environment to each and every Salem City Schools student throughout the year.

That, coupled with the stellar financial management and oversight demonstrated by the treasurer and his support staff, have collectively enabled our district to successfully operate cost-effectively on a recurring annual continuum for many years.

The May primary election will provide all eligible voters an opportunity to authorize the Salem City School District to secure the necessary 67% funding contribution through the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission for a new K-8 campus complex, with a segmented plan that will provide a set rate of “67 cents on the dollar in perpetuity” should additional construction be necessary over the 37-year bond levy.

This 3.48 mil levy will generate the requisite 33% community contribution towards the building project and future of all students within our district. Realistically, I don’t foresee an opportunity with this level of financial support being made available to the school district in the near future should we forfeit the current opportunity available at polling locations on May 2nd.

Quaker Pride runs deep within the veins of my family: Mother Janet (Class of ’48); brothers Gary (Class of ’73) and Dan (Class of ’75), respectively; and son, Given (Class of ’19); with each of us grateful and proud of the education received through the Salem City Schools. Personally, I can’t think of a better way to invest in the community, as a whole, than through our current and future leaders of tomorrow — our students!

I encourage all eligible voters to help continue with the multitude of successes ongoing within the Salem City Schools by supporting this building initiative on May 2nd. Not only is this a chance to solidify the foundation for our future leaders, it’s your opportunity to invest in the prosperity of the Salem community as a whole for all residents, businesses, and future generations. “Quaker Pride” truly does run City Wide!

Gregg Warner,

Salem

SHS Class of 1982