Reader Viewpoint: Investing in the future of our kids and community

Dear Editor,

As siblings who grew up in New Philadelphia, we are deeply connected to the history and tradition of this community. We are the children of two proud New Philadelphia graduates, and we all went away to college with plans to possibly build our futures elsewhere. But when it came time to raise our families, there was no question—we came home.

New Philadelphia is a place we love, and we want to see thrive for generations to come. But the future of our children—and all the children of this community—depends on the decisions that we make today. That’s why we are wholeheartedly supporting the upcoming school levy - Issue 19. 

The state of our schools is simply not acceptable. Our children are learning in outdated classrooms, most of which were built before modern technology, air conditioning, ADA and safety standards we now take for granted. In fact, several students are learning in modular buildings that were supposed to be temporary—but are still in use today. 

Despite the efforts of the outstanding maintenance crews, our more than 100 year old buildings must be replaced, our children should not be learning in flooded classrooms with buckets collecting rainwater. But, this isn't just a matter of outdated facilities; it's a matter of safety and access to the resources our kids need to succeed in the world they're growing up in.

We understand that taxes are always a concern, but if we act now, the state will pay for over half the cost, doing nothing will cost the taxpayers more in the long run because we’ll be responsible for all of the cost.

We are fighting for this levy not just to protect our children, the 14 we currently have in the NPCS district, but to protect every child in this community we hold so dear. The community that we returned to, and that we want to see grow stronger. 

We’re advocating so that someday, our children will choose to return and we can see our grandchildren become proud graduates of the NPCS district. New Philadelphia is a community full of heart, full of tradition, and full of potential. We want all of our children to experience the same pride and joy growing up here that we did.

We ask for your support in voting yes on Issue 19. Together, we can build a future for New Philadelphia’s kids that’s as bright as the community we’ve all worked so hard to build.

Sincerely,

Nicole Sears

Ashley Wagner

Lucas Moreland

Mollie Stephenson

Taylor Mamarella

Proud graduates of New Philadelphia