School District Supporters Attend Rally For Levy Campaign
BY NANCY GAGNET — MIRROR REPORTER
A rendition of the national anthem followed by “America the Beautiful” sung a cappella by the Maumee High School Select Singers kicked off the Maumee City Schools’ levy campaign.
The Maumee district is seeking voter approval of a 4.9-mill operating levy on the November 8 ballot.
Administrators, teachers, school board members, parents and members of Maumee City Council attended the kickoff event, which took place at Gateway Middle School on September 19.
“This is a team effort – we’re all in this together. A strong school will make a strong community. Clearly this kids are worth the investment,” superintendent Dr. Greg Smith said.
According to district treasurer Paul Brotzki, the 4.9-mill operating levy would generate $2.27 million in revenue.
If passed, the levy would cost the owner of a home valued at $100,000 an additional $150.06 annually, Brotzki said. The amount would be less for senior citizens with a homestead exemption.
According to Brotzki, declining property values, cuts in state funding and the phase-out of the tangible personal property tax will account for more than $1.1 million in lost revenue next year.
“The real reason we need this levy is for the students,” Brotzki said.
Since 2004 the district has implemented cuts including the closing of Union Elementary and the reduction of 54 staff, which included 42 teachers.
“Most of the staff positions were eliminated through attrition,” Smith said.
Failure to pass the levy could result in the loss of up to 30 additional staff members, Smith said.
Other cuts could also include the elimination of bussing, which could begin for high school students in January 2012. Bus service could also be eliminated next year for kindergarten through eighth-grade students who live within a two-mile radius of their school.
“You are all aware of how important it is to pass this levy. We can’t afford not to pass it,” school board president Sylvia Washburn said.
Students involved in sports and activities could also pay more in fees, and all school buildings would be closed at the end of each school day, she said.
In addition, all-day kindergarten could also be eliminated.
A committee of volunteers will distribute yard signs and participate in a door-to-door campaign to garner support.
In addition, several forums have been scheduled, and Smith plans to meet with multiple civic groups to discuss the issue.
Maumee City Council president Richard Carr admitted that it is difficult to ask residents to pay more in taxes.
“People come to Maumee because of the affordable housing and strong school system,” he said.
Failure to pass a levy could result in a declining school system, which could further decrease property values and lead to a decline in the number of businesses moving to the city, Carr said.
“Everybody knows this won’t be easy, but the impact it will have if it doesn’t pass is worse,” he said.

Team Maumee Students Available For Community Projects
BY NANCY GAGNET — MIRROR REPORTER
In an effort to give back to the community, students from Maumee High School were digging in the dirt earlier this month.
Team Maumee, a group of students organized by physical education teacher and boys basketball coach Derek Sheridan, was busy pulling weeds and picking up branches on September 6 as part of a fall cleanup effort at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Maumee.
“It’s helping us a lot. This is a very large facility and having them here is fantastic,” said Bruce Maxwell, church custodian.
Sheridan brought fellow coach Casey Frederick and students Jason Wanamaker, Zack Cliff, Jason Matcham and Brendan Callahan.
“We’re trying to do something good as a way to give back to the community,” Sheridan said.
In addition to helping at the church, students also volunteered at the Maumee Summer Fair by setting up tables, selling pop and working at the Bow Wow Bash.
“Our whole idea behind this is to show how we live in a nice community, and the earlier that students can learn to give back is a good habit for young men and women to learn,” Sheridan said.
Team Maumee is looking for work, he said, and any student interested in volunteering is welcome.
“This isn’t just for athletes,” Sheridan said.
Those looking for volunteer help may contact Sheridan at Maumee High School at (419) 893-8778.