To the editor:

Although we may not agree on everything, we both believe strongly in investing in our children’s future and working to make Salem as great as it can be. This November 7th, we stand in staunch support of the Salem City Schools Levy, urging our fellow citizens to vote YES!

The proposal to build a new K-8 building is more than an infrastructure project–it is physical proof of our Quaker Pride and desire as a community to invest in Salem and our collective future. With an impressive 67% funding from the State of Ohio and a generous $10 million donation from the Salem Community Foundation, this is an opportunity we may never see again and one we simply cannot afford to pass by.

Here’s why a YES on the levy is a YES for Salem:

–Economic Development: New school facilities bring with them job opportunities and attract businesses, bolstering the economic landscape of the area. A thriving school system is a cornerstone of the entire community.

–Retention and Attraction of Families: Our commitment to an outstanding educational environment not only serves to retain our current families but acts as a magnet for new residents, particularly those who prioritize quality education and state-of-the-art facilities for their children.

–Quaker Pride: This investment shows we want to leave things better for the next generation. Students will have a 21st century complex to safely learn and grow.

–Long-term Cost Efficiency: Modern buildings are designed with energy efficiency and sustainability in mind, thereby reducing long-term operational costs of our current outdated buildings. If we do not pass this levy (where residential taxpayers pay less than 15% of the total cost of a new building) we as a community will be responsible for 100% of the repairs of dilapidated buildings, money that could be better spent on education and security.

We believe in you, Salem! Join us in voting YES on November 7th. Together, let’s invest in our children, our community, and our future.

Go Quakers!

Mayor Cyndi Baronzzi Dickey

and Councilman Dennis Plegge,

Salem