CANDIDATE JOHN BANNER ADDRESSES CPS ON RENEWAL LEVY

By John Banner

I am John Banner and I direct these remarks to the CPS Board, Superintendent Ronan, and her administrators:

I urge this Board not to place the planned renewal levy on this November's ballot.

To do so now would guarantee its defeat in the absence of demonstrated cost-cutting measures by the District. Revenues are in a free fall for state and local governments. A reduction in state aid to public schools in Ohio is not out of the realm of possibility. To avoid lay-offs of certificated personnel, reduced programs, and salary cuts, you must act now to demonstrate your responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

Therefore, I am proposing that the following be considered for implementation:

1. An immediate salary freeze for all non-certificated personnel employed by the District.

2. An immediate hiring freeze for all non-certificated personnel.

3. A promise of firm, but fair, contract negotiations with the CFT to reflect current economic realities.

4. A revisiting of retirement incentives for teachers with 25 years of more of service, which would permit the employment of beginning teachers hired at significant savings to the District.

5. Implementation of cost-cutting measures at every service level in the District.

Asking the taxpayers to vote for a renewal levy a year ahead of expiration in December, 2010 is inappropriate and ill-advised in the absence of demonstrated cost-cutting measures by the District. The taxpayers of the District appreciate your consideration of these points and your continued dedication to our students. Thank you.