Kids came first for Massillon voters on Tuesday.
According to unofficial final results posted Wednesday night by the Stark County Board of Elections, Massillon residents soundly passed the city school district’s renewal levy request by a vote of 6,789 (58.5 percent) to 4,826 (41.5 percent).
The margin by which the vote passed impressed at least one board member.
“These are really tough times and (residents) stood up. They didn’t back down,” board member Marshall Weinberg said. “People should be proud of that.”
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Pencil in your friends
Go ahead and tell your girlfriends you can meet them for dinner and drinks, but don't stray too far from the Massillon Museum. You may still be able to catch a great show.
Kristine Jackson recently notified the Massillon Museum that she would have to cancel her Nov. 29 Rhythms concert. It's unclear if another performer will take over the time slot or if the museum will postpone Jackson's concert.
Stay on top of all the MassMu events by visiting the Museum's Web site.
Kristine Jackson recently notified the Massillon Museum that she would have to cancel her Nov. 29 Rhythms concert. It's unclear if another performer will take over the time slot or if the museum will postpone Jackson's concert.
Stay on top of all the MassMu events by visiting the Museum's Web site.
One of the good guys
Massillon City Schools has one of the finest crime fighters in the area. Just ask Stark County Prosecuting Attorney John D. Ferrero.
Chuck Maier, the Massillon City Schools securities chief, and his wife Ruthanne were recognized by Ferrero for their efforts to prevent crime and promote healthy, safe communities. The biggest representation of that committment has been the family Safety Day they organized this summer at Clay’s Park. The event included fire trucks, police cars, helicopters and emergency squads, along with and information on self defense, bike safety, Internet safety, banking security, identity theft prevention, Neighborhood Crime Watch, auto safety and more.
Chuck Maier, the Massillon City Schools securities chief, and his wife Ruthanne were recognized by Ferrero for their efforts to prevent crime and promote healthy, safe communities. The biggest representation of that committment has been the family Safety Day they organized this summer at Clay’s Park. The event included fire trucks, police cars, helicopters and emergency squads, along with and information on self defense, bike safety, Internet safety, banking security, identity theft prevention, Neighborhood Crime Watch, auto safety and more.
Andrew Jackson: Maverick
Maverick. We've heard a lot about it over the last few months. Maybe it's time to meet one of America's original Mavericks.
Sure Jackson's on your $20 bill, but what do you really know about him?
This week's issue of Newsweek offers an interesting perspective on the social climates of American Culture today and how our ideals, beliefs, strengths and weaknesses are linked directly to Jackson and a history that is nearly 150 years old. As progressive as we like to think we are, we are, in the end, only human. And as humans, we tend to find ourselves reliving history.
Yes, America did make history on Tuesday. We elected this nation's first black President. But that selection didn't come easy. It was 150 years in the making.
For a better perspective on Jackson - first President to define the modern Presidency - and how he influenced one of the greatest Presidents of all time check out The Change Agent on the Newsweek Web site.
Moving in the right direction
The Massillon City School District continues to roll closer to keeping $3.4 million at the heart of its budget.
As results continue to come in, the district’s request for a 7 mill, $3.4 million levy appears to be sitting well with area residents. With nearly 40 percent of the results tabulated, the issue is passing 4,330 votes (60 percent) to 2,911 votes (40 percent.)
School district officials watched the results at the Massillon Club Tuesday. Dr. John McGrath, district Superintendent, noted that the first numbers were encouraging.
“We were delighted to see we were moving in the right direction,” McGrath said. “As we were gathered around waiting for the results, we weren’t sure about what was going to happen.”
As the results continued to slowly roll in, McGrath said he became more and more sure that the issue would pass. It reaffirmed for him, that this community truly values education and is more than willing to invest in its schools.
“Massillon is on the verge to take off and become an excellent school district,” McGrath said. “With the support of the public we will move in that direction very rapidly.”
To ensure that Massillon is on the path to excellence, the district must be sure that it is doing everything it can to provide the best possible education in the classroom, McGrath said. This levy – the renewal of the 1999 emergency levy – is critical for ensuring educational excellence by providing $3.4 million to programs and innitiatives.
“It’s very important,” McGrath said of the levy funds. “If you take $3.4 million out of your budget, that’s a big chunk.”
For Massillon, as with many school districts, 80 to 85 percent of the budget is used to fund programs and support those things that directly affect students and what they learn in the classroom.
When the levy was first passed in 1999, the Massillon City Schools had been operating under fiscal emergency. Pay-to-participate fees had been instated, cuts had been made in regard to busing and Massillon was facing additional cuts – likely with personnel – if the levy had failed.
The picture looked very different Tuesday when voters hit the polls. Having made more than $1.5 million worth of voluntary budget cuts, the Massillon school system was operating in the black with a carry over of $8 million carryover to this fiscal year.
Deficits, though, are still projected. The district is expecting a $750,000 deficit in two years and $14 million deficit by 2011. The reasons for that projection lie in rising costs of operations – specifically with the costs for utility bills and diesel fuel for buses. The Massillon schools, on a monthly basis, spending more than they are taking in. The $3.4 million generated by the emergency levy passed in 1999 will help, McGrath said, to keep the district afloat for a while.
As results continue to come in, the district’s request for a 7 mill, $3.4 million levy appears to be sitting well with area residents. With nearly 40 percent of the results tabulated, the issue is passing 4,330 votes (60 percent) to 2,911 votes (40 percent.)
School district officials watched the results at the Massillon Club Tuesday. Dr. John McGrath, district Superintendent, noted that the first numbers were encouraging.
“We were delighted to see we were moving in the right direction,” McGrath said. “As we were gathered around waiting for the results, we weren’t sure about what was going to happen.”
As the results continued to slowly roll in, McGrath said he became more and more sure that the issue would pass. It reaffirmed for him, that this community truly values education and is more than willing to invest in its schools.
“Massillon is on the verge to take off and become an excellent school district,” McGrath said. “With the support of the public we will move in that direction very rapidly.”
To ensure that Massillon is on the path to excellence, the district must be sure that it is doing everything it can to provide the best possible education in the classroom, McGrath said. This levy – the renewal of the 1999 emergency levy – is critical for ensuring educational excellence by providing $3.4 million to programs and innitiatives.
“It’s very important,” McGrath said of the levy funds. “If you take $3.4 million out of your budget, that’s a big chunk.”
For Massillon, as with many school districts, 80 to 85 percent of the budget is used to fund programs and support those things that directly affect students and what they learn in the classroom.
When the levy was first passed in 1999, the Massillon City Schools had been operating under fiscal emergency. Pay-to-participate fees had been instated, cuts had been made in regard to busing and Massillon was facing additional cuts – likely with personnel – if the levy had failed.
The picture looked very different Tuesday when voters hit the polls. Having made more than $1.5 million worth of voluntary budget cuts, the Massillon school system was operating in the black with a carry over of $8 million carryover to this fiscal year.
Deficits, though, are still projected. The district is expecting a $750,000 deficit in two years and $14 million deficit by 2011. The reasons for that projection lie in rising costs of operations – specifically with the costs for utility bills and diesel fuel for buses. The Massillon schools, on a monthly basis, spending more than they are taking in. The $3.4 million generated by the emergency levy passed in 1999 will help, McGrath said, to keep the district afloat for a while.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Stark County's finest
Nobody compares with Washington High School English teacher Dave Harding.
Nobody.
Last week, Harding, who serves as Activities Coordinator and English Department Head at WHS, was selected as the 2008 Education Celebration Teacher of the Year.
In a recommendation letter sent this summer, WHS principal Mike Babics noted that Harding is certainly deserving of the recognition.
"Mr. Harding is a true professional in every sense of the word," Babics wrote. "He is an outstanding classroom teacher. He challenges his students to reach their potential and beyond.
Harding's passion for teaching extends well beyond the school day. From before-school Academic Challenge practices to after school extra curriculars including Teen Institute, National Honor Society and Academic Challenge matches Harding is spending much of time making sure that Washington High School students receive a well-rounded education through involvement in clubs and organizations.
College seems a more like a dream to be realized for many WHS students, not only because of their involvement in extra curricular programs that Harding helps to run, but also because he preparing them for the college classroom. Last year, in addition to his regular work load, Harding taught a dual credit English class that earned students college credit through Walsh University.
Harding, Babics said, is a rare kind of teacher with all of the best qualities.
"He is very enthusiastic, motivated, and dedicated to the teaching profession and towards his students," according to Babics.
Nobody.
Last week, Harding, who serves as Activities Coordinator and English Department Head at WHS, was selected as the 2008 Education Celebration Teacher of the Year.
In a recommendation letter sent this summer, WHS principal Mike Babics noted that Harding is certainly deserving of the recognition.
"Mr. Harding is a true professional in every sense of the word," Babics wrote. "He is an outstanding classroom teacher. He challenges his students to reach their potential and beyond.
Harding's passion for teaching extends well beyond the school day. From before-school Academic Challenge practices to after school extra curriculars including Teen Institute, National Honor Society and Academic Challenge matches Harding is spending much of time making sure that Washington High School students receive a well-rounded education through involvement in clubs and organizations.
College seems a more like a dream to be realized for many WHS students, not only because of their involvement in extra curricular programs that Harding helps to run, but also because he preparing them for the college classroom. Last year, in addition to his regular work load, Harding taught a dual credit English class that earned students college credit through Walsh University.
Harding, Babics said, is a rare kind of teacher with all of the best qualities.
"He is very enthusiastic, motivated, and dedicated to the teaching profession and towards his students," according to Babics.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Change in Cleveland
Just to be fair, I thought everyone should be aware.
Sarah Palin is taking over the Canton Memorial Field House on Sunday, but Barack Obama is taking over the Cleveland Brown Stadium. Following the Browns game on Sunday, Sen. Obama, his wife Michelle and The Boss, Mr. Bruce Springsteen will rocking downtown Cleveland.
Information about the event is available at http://www.barackobama.com/.
Sarah Palin is taking over the Canton Memorial Field House on Sunday, but Barack Obama is taking over the Cleveland Brown Stadium. Following the Browns game on Sunday, Sen. Obama, his wife Michelle and The Boss, Mr. Bruce Springsteen will rocking downtown Cleveland.
Information about the event is available at http://www.barackobama.com/.
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