I am writing to support Issue 4, the school levy on the May 4 ballot. We have a choice: to maintain excellence in our school districtor not. It's up to us.

Hudson earns an "Excellent"With Distinction" ranking from the state of Ohio because of programs which exceed state-required minimums, including Advanced Placement curriculum, elementary instrumental music programs, small class sizes and easy access to computers and other technology. These programs will be reduced or cut, starting with the 2010/2011 school year, unless we pass the levy.

Cost-cutting measures implemented by the district have saved $5.8 million and doubled the life of the 2006 levy. However, expenses continue to mount as the state mandates unfunded programs such as all-day Kindergarten, and requires additional teachers and aides for children with special needs (who represent over 16% of current enrollment). At the same time, state funding, which provides $12 million of Hudson's $61.5 million annual budget, continues to dwindle: Hudson will lose nearly $3 million in state funding over the next four years and receives less state and national funding in general because it is classified as a "wealthy" district.

According to figures provided by the Board of Education, average teacher pay (without benefits) is $72,000. Average teacher total compensation (pay plus benefits) represents 83.7% of our operating budget, which is mid-range relative to the 18 other high-performing districts in the state. In my opinion, Hudson pays its teachers competitively, as it should. Even if teacher pay and benefits are cut, expenses will eventually outpace shrinking revenues and significant teacher layoffs and program reductions will be required.

The "new economic reality" in Hudson is that it's up to us to take a long-term view and pass this levy so our schools can maintain their current level of excellence. Please join me in voting YES on Issue 4.

Sincerely,
Erika Federmann