If you live in Columbus, you have most likely heard of the “Columbus Schools Plan.”
The Columbus Board of Education is asking district voters to make a hard choice. It wants residents to dig deeper into their pockets beginning in January. The promised return on investment? Better academic performance, public funds to some charter schools, more technology, and a reduction of the district’s operating budget.
District voters will get their say in November on the proposed levy that combines operating monies with a smaller bond issue…
The money will fund what’s called the “Columbus plan.” It took a commission sanctioned by city mayor Michael Coleman and action from the legislature. The new monies would expand pre-school offerings, give middle and high school students more access to computers and allow for expenditure of 42 million dollars in public funds to help some already successful charter schools.
The plan garnered bipartisan support in the legislative process—and liberal protests from the state’s more unreasonable minds. Regardless, the money to fund the plan is up to the voters within Columbus City School District, and only them. At the end of the day, those living outside of the district will have no say in the matter.
Unless, of course, you coach the Ohio State Buckeyes:
The interesting thing about Coach Meyer’s endorsement is that he and his family do not live in the Columbus City School District. In fact, they don’t even live in Franklin County. Of course, celebrity politics is nothing new, but normally the celebrity can at least vote on the person or thing they’re supporting.
Now, I’m sure to make no friends criticizing the coach of Ohio’s greatest football program. And as a proud OSU grad, I am more than pleased with Coach Meyer’s development of the Ohio State football Buckeyes. There’s no doubt that he is a great football coach.
I’m just saying perhaps Coach Meyer should stick to football. Especially with that “trap game” coming up this weekend.
Author’s Note: Though I do live in the district, I will not make any comments in support or opposition to Issues 50 and 51. As with any local levy, the vote should be based on individual financial circumstances and the return on investment within the district. I believe that decision should be left to individual voters within the Columbus City School District.