Support Lakewood Levy 14

I love Lakewood. I left for college and law school, but I always knew I would come back. I remember my time in the Lakewood City Schools fondly. I was fortunate to attend school with a great mix of people; some hailing from wealthy families on the lake, and others, like myself, from working-class neighborhoods. Regardless of what part of town we were from, we all had the same excellent academic and extracurricular opportunities. The schools played a major part in the person I am today.

In that vein, I am asking you to support the Lakewood City Schools Levy, Issue 14, on May 7. The schools offer an excellent education and countless activities for students from kindergarten through high school. Students have access to a wide array of AP, honors, and elective classes as well as work-ready training. This diversity ensures a path to success for all our students…from those entering the workforce to those going onto college or technical school.

The district has made difficult choices to maintain its exceptional, broad-based curriculum after $6 million in state funding cuts. The district faces another $8 million reduction for the next two years. The union has made sacrifices as well, through the elimination of 84 positions, base pay freezes, and increased employee contributions to health care. 

We must do our part and support Issue 14. The 3.9 mill levy amounts to a mere $10 per month $100,000 in home valuation. I feel this is a small price to pay to keep class sizes reasonable, update old instructional materials, and provide modern classroom technology. I want to preserve the schools that I attended so that my children can have the same experiences and opportunities. Please join me in supporting the Lakewood City Schools Levy, Issue 14.

Sincerely,

Kyle G. Baker

Associate, Thompson Hine LLP
President, Lakewood Alumni Foundation Board of Trustees