To the editor: A conservative planning to vote for Sylvania schools levy

I'm a conservative Christian father in the Sylvania school district. My wife and I chose this community because of its reputation for strong schools. We made that decision knowing that we, not the schools, are responsible for our children's faith and values. Private school was an option, but like most families, our income has its limits. We believed Sylvania's public schools offered a solid academic foundation while we built faith and character at home. We bought our house intending to stay for life, even choosing a first‑floor bedroom so we'd never have to move again. Read more letters to the editor As Christians, we're called to live in this world but not be of it. Public schools reflect the reality of America: diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and values. About 82 percent of Ohio kids attend public schools, so they're a cross‑section of the country our children will eventually work and live in. I welcome that exposure. I also respect parents who choose private schools; it's their right and their responsibility to make the best decisions for their family. Advertisement It has been challenging to watch the pushback to the Sylvania levies and see how quickly some people assume the district has been irresponsible. As conservatives, we're keen to be skeptical of government spending, and rightly so. But skepticism should lead us to examine the numbers, not reject them outright. And the numbers tell a very different story. Sylvania has one of the lowest administrative expenses per pupil in the region and one of the lowest overall expenses per pupil. They have achieved this through making cuts over the last 10 years since their last levy. They recently cut over $2.6 million through salaries, contracted services, and materials/​supplies. They also saved another $9.7 million through health insurance negotiations. Since 2017, district revenue has increased only 19 percent while inflation and median household income have both risen about 36 percent in the same period. In other words, the district made do with revenue that grew about half the speed of the expensive world around them. That's not waste, that's responsible stewardship. Despite these challenges, Sylvania continues to earn 4-plus star performance ratings. They offer 15 career‑tech programs in fields conservatives consistently champion such as engineering, financial management, construction trades, and fire/​EMT. They provide special education services that most private schools do not. They offer dozens of AP classes that save families thousands on college tuition. And they support a multitude of clubs and organizations beyond just athletics where kids experience real life lessons in discipline, teamwork, resilience, and responsibility. I don't look at these extracurricular programs and see administrative waste. I see a community investing in the next generation of responsible and capable adults. I see teachers who could earn more in the private sector but choose to serve as the village that it takes to raise our kids, even while their pay freezes or slowly limps behind inflation. Advertisement Here's my hot take. When it comes to federal taxes, I say go ahead and pay as little as legally possible. Washington wastes money, grows bureaucracy, and rarely rewards responsibility. But local communities are different and local taxes stay in our backyard. Senior centers, police, libraries, parks, zoos, and schools: these are the things that make a community strong and will get my vote nine times out of ten. These are the things we should get behind because they build stability, safety, and opportunity close to home. Meanwhile, Washington is downsizing the department of education and Columbus is cutting public school funding. Whether you agree or disagree with those moves, the message from the top is clear: local communities must decide for themselves whether they want strong schools, and the ball is in our court. The original property tax levy divided the cost among nearly everyone: homeowners, renters, retirees, workers, and businesses. Many seniors responded by saying they were being taxed out of their homes. The district listened, which is something public servants should do, and proposed an income tax instead. Is an income tax ideal? No. Does it hit working families harder? Yes. Does it allow seniors to stay in their homes? Absolutely. Am I willing to take on that extra burden? 100 percent. I plan to live in this community forever, just like many of you. I want my retired neighbors to stay here too. I want the schools that drew us all here to remain strong. And I want Sylvania to rise to the challenge instead of crumbling because we refused to invest in our own backyard. This isn't about more taxes. It's about local control, fiscal responsibility, and protecting the community we chose. Join me in standing strong for our community by voting yes for Sylvania Schools this November. Mr. Kramer is a resident of Sylvania Township.