Issues

Elect Dave Garee Brecksville-Broadview Heights School Board

Candidate Statement:
I believe board members should understand the communities they represent by being actively involved. They need to do everything possible to keep open lines of communication and have a desire to create stronger relationships with the residents they serve. We need to maintain and strengthen the community’s trust in our school system.

I will approach all decisions with an open mind and always make decisions keeping the well-being of the district in mind. Strong decision making is a must... but most important is the ability to see the long-term implications of actions taken. This is especially true when dealing with our district finances and upcoming contract negotiations.

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Do you think the district should put another levy on the ballot? Why or why not?
Not at this time. "Communication" is the key to success. We need to restore confidence and communication between the community and the board. Residents of the community need to be represented as well as the students. I think there is a communication gap between the board and the community. I'm not pointing fingers; but it does exist. The "good news" is that it can be restored. Future levies must be balanced... benefiting students as well as teachers. It must be a "win win" benefiting all.

How would you propose that the district cut costs?
I'm not convinced that we actually need to drastically cut costs as much as control spending. If we tightly control spending over the next few years, and work together to understand all the aspects of our current economic situation... we can explore and find new options. We can then deal with the reality of the rough economic times we find ourselves in. New ideas are needed. Tough decisions may need to be made. We must always keep the best interest of the students, teachers and community in mind.

What do you view as the most important academic issue in the district?
To maintain our school districts current academic excellence... we must balance the budget. We need to survive this current economic condition we find ourselves in. All parties need to be on the same page working together for the same goal. Negotiations are just that... Both sides come to the table with an open mind. Willing to see all points of views. Working towards the best solutions that benefit our community, teachers and students.

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August Renewal Levy - No New Taxes

A 6.9 mill renewal operating levy is set for the August 2nd ballot. This levy was first approved by voters in 2001 and renewed in 2005. The collected millage has been reduced to 6.3 mills. Approval of this renewal levy will not increase taxes. Rather approval will just allow the district to collect the same dollar amount of revenue it has since 2001.

Without the funds generated by this renewal, the district will be forced to reduce the fundamental core of the educational program. An additional $6.3 million in reductions, in addition to the $6.1 previously made, will be devastating.

The Schools Issues Committee, a group of community volunteers, is working to inform residents about this important issue.
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2010-2011 Staff Retirements

In addition to saying good-bye to the Class of 2011, the Brecksville-Broadview Heights City School District also said farewell to the following staff members who chose to retire this school year. Their service to our students and contributions to the success of the district is greatly appreciated.

Nancy Capotosta, Diane Cavanagh, Peggy Ciolek, Jan Clark, Connie Dechert, Beth Drozdowski, Rhoda Erdman, Margaret Garrison, Michael Glaser, Josie Hartwell, Cynthia Hull, Janet Kinson, Bonnie Laubaugh, Ellene Raleigh Lucas, Dorene Marsh, Thomas D. Mullen, Muriel Sanzo, Maryann Skrypek, John Nauer, Carole Poulson, Janet Rowland, Kathleen Sopka, Jon Spokas and Charles Valley.
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Receive District Updates Through Twitter

The Brecksville-Broadview Heights School District has set up a Twitter account to help keep community members informed about events happening in the schools. This micro-blogging tool is used to send short, timely updates to interested people. If you have a Twitter account, you can add @bbhcsd to the list of people you follow, and you'll receive the updates.

Mobile phone users can sign up for the updates without a Twitter account by texting "follow bbhcsd" to 40404. Remember that standard text messaging rates apply, so if your mobile plan charges you to send and receive text messages, there will be a cost associated with receiving these updates. More information on accessing Twitter from a mobile phone is available on the Twitter web site.

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