Very sad, this was one of my son's favorite classes this year :(

Most people don't understand that Home Ec programs really do have an important place in teaching children..but good thing people will be saving some tax money...whoever claimed the levy failing won't affect our children is dead wrong...the district is laying off teachers and shutting down programs..it's more then just over paying for tables and maintenance issues...

Reality hits...now unfortunately we will see real people who will lose their positions with these cuts.

I wonder why there is rarely such a passionate response when the thousands of other workers in various fields lose their job during a down economy. I am sorry these teachers lose their jobs. At some point cuts have to be made. Based on our national and state government news there will be more to come.

I know everyone will just love me for this, --if everyone else were to accept a small reduction, staff and administration, could we have changed this outcome, could this program have been saved. Most taxpayers are having to get by with less, I`ll bet we haven`t heard the last of this. May is just around the corner-------

how ironic, they warn about 40 jobs before the levy and in the end they only needed to cut 2 to balance their budget. sounds like a little mis information to me.....

Paul, they were able to save numerous jobs this time around due to various other cuts and savings (textbook and supplies hold, healthcare consortium etc) all mentioned in previous articles here on The Patch. As this article pointed out, the number was also greatly reduced by staff who retired this year and agreed to retire in the next few coming years. Not misinformation in the slightest, but a change due to other circumstances. In the end it was about reducing a set amount in the budget and was able to be accomplished.

I attended the BOE meeting and voiced my opinion about the elimination of the home ec/consumer science programs. Mr. Scott's reply was that the classes could be taken at LCCC or the JVS. The students who are affected by these cuts are those that graduate and start to work/live independently. They don't enroll at the community college and attending the JVS prepares them for a vocation for which they might not have an interest. It's not the same thing as preparing to live independently. Is it true that there are 500 students enrolled in home ec./consumer science classes this school year with two full time teachers? Where will those students go next year-stury hall??

Sorry for the spelling error- I meant study hall. My former students can tell you that correct spelling was always very important to me!!

It`s too bad that all the other "Amazing and Passionate" folks weren`t willing to take a cut of about 5% [$3600.].

Why can't the department get reinstated if we pass the levy in May?

Personal Finance is what the 8th graders are learning, which is an important thing for these kids to learn. Also, home economics teaches important life skills. I cannot understand why these programs were cut over a class such as choir. Makes NO sense!!

George
What are you talking about when you said the unions won't allow it? Allow what? The teacher took not only a pay freeze, but also, a step freeze. What more do you want?

Sad to see the program end. Wishing much future success to those teachers we are losing. And any teachers who may unfortunately find themselves in the same situation.

Myron = Awesome, nice post, would read again A++++

One does not need to look very far to see the challenges facing today’s American families—relationship problems, often resulting in divorce or violence; poor communication skills; financial and consumer problems; health problems related to poor nutrition; challenges in raising children; and a stressed lifestyle. This is exactly why the Family and Consumer Science education is so important for the 21st century student. Family and Consumer Sciences require high-level, critical thinking skills students need in order to solve the personal, family, career and community challenges they will face. I was a Family and Consumer Science teacher for 30 years and one of the reasons I loved it so much is because I knew what I was teaching was going to be used by every student at some point in their life. My students never asked "Why do we have to learn this?" because they understood the relevance of the lessons. The decision to close this department at Avon Lake is a sad and disappointing decision.

Before one can progress, you must first stop running in the wrong direction.
The ancient definition of insanity---is to continue doing the same thing, when it doesn`t work, and expecting different results.

Please check out this post---http://www.americanthinker.com/video/2013/02/how_teachers_unions_hurt_schools.html#.UTA65LczjD4.email

I am very saddened to hear of the elimination of Family & Consumer Sciences. Schools are supposed to prepare students for the "real world". Some of my best life lessons were learned in my home ec and general business classes. And not every student will choose post secondary education or JVS. I fear for the future of Avon Lake students if the levy doesn't pass in May!

Interesting comment. Rather ironic that all of this was a result of this class. And only because of this class. Next time just say you are voting for the levy.
My pre-teen has been cooking for YEARS. Hasn't been to one home economics class yet. Why? Because that's my job. As a parent it would seem ridiculous to completely depend on the schools for "life skills."
Also have clued them in on household finances. You know," living within a budget."
Didn't need a class to teach them that.
Maybe the board should keep the program. and for that matter, maybe attend a semester.
They might learn some of these "life skills." Like budgeting what you have, instead of just always asking for more.
Ironic isn't it?
This was a reply to someone who commented that they were only inspired to cook and so forth because of school. Thought I'd throw it back on as I don't see where the offense was to have it pulled?

First, let me say that I support public schools and will continue to do so. But I find it troubling that the first visible cuts our school leadership chose to make was to the school day, rather than to after school activities and public use of buildings. I don't have children, but a friend has a son in the 7th grade. She tells me that with the cutting of this program, her son could have 3 study halls in one day! Choir meets every other day, so does gym, so there are 2 study halls right there. Why are the buildings open past 4 pm and on the weekends? Why are we taking away from the school day? Maybe the levy will pass, maybe not. Maybe it's time for new leadership.

AMH--Thank you. Susan Carr was my student teacher a number of years ago. I knew the minute she entered my classroom that she would be a special teacher. Susan has a passion for working with young people and teaches them many important skills--skills that not every young person will be taught by their parents.

Cuts in classes, cuts in teachers, but no cuts in sport programs. The first cuts in any school district should be sport programs. Example (Hockey- you must pay ice time to another city) (Swim team- you must pay pool time to another city) I am sure that there are at least 4 other sport programs you could cut. Also how about cutting the Athletic Director Salary ($104,500.000) small cuts would amount to saving one teacher

This debate can go on endlessly, with both sides standing firm in their opinions of what defines a quality education. Unfortunately, the economic conditions, coupled with the recent increase in Federal and other taxes.....with the continued demand we pay more....have only served to hurt local issues like school levies.

Since we, the voters, will ultimately decide on what we will and will not pay for, I suggest the school system have a poll. We can all vote on what we feel is necessary and what can be cut. Very specific items, from curriculum...to sports. In this way, the decisions rest with those who are directly paying their cost. Seems like a democratic way to come to some decisions, with the school board following the recommendations of the electorate and parents on an item by item basis. Majority wins!

We have come to the point where it is not what the schools want, but only what they need. This is what we can afford.

A simple survey,where all taxpayers could provide input through a vote would counted, would clarify what people are willing to spend their tax dollars on and what they will not. We pay for it, we should make the decision.

Obviously the issue with Avon Lake School System and Avon and countless others is funds. Unfortunately funds will always be an issue. We as Ohioans need to look for ways other than passing levy's and cutting programs to fill in gaps. There is only sooo much money to go around and all of you like me can't seem to find anyone who is selling money trees. What do we do then? We help the school systems find ways to cut costs of operating. We as residents of Lorain County and Ohio need to spend time looking at alternate sources of energy for our schools, and I don't mean wind or solar, they are inefficient in Ohio and will cost more. We have a HUGE natural gas resivoir in NW Ohio that legislatures in Ohio and DC,(Sherrod Brown, Marcy Kaptur), who have issues with Ohio/Michigan/Indiana tapping into it. There is enough natural gas there to supply schools across all these states with extremely cheap fuel. We can also study up on Liquide Flouride Thorium Reactors LFTR, developed initially in the late 40's early 50's, it is safe does not require water for cooling so it's "portable" energy. Thorium is readily available in coal, limestone and granite. Yes those granite countertops in your house have Thorium in them. It burns up the "used up" fuel rods from our Cold Water Reactors and creates much needed isotopes for medical imaging. Call your state reps and tell them to get busy on this and dump the windmills and solar panels.

Jeff

Kristen,

Studies have also shown that when there is no more money in someone's personal budget, it doesn't just show up when there is an increase in expenses.

I respect the fact that everyone wants the best schools. I really do. Look, I want them too. What I don't respect is the constant, "saving a few tax dollars" perception. Or the biased headlines that we will see of "amazing and passionate." for the upcoming months til the vote on this. Seems the levy comittee has gotten into contact with the Patch people....

It's very obvious that you, and others here, can afford just about any increase they throw out there. And it appears that you are probably not living paycheck to paycheck. Good for you.

But what about the people who can't? What do you say to them? Should some of us go out and get a third job? I would really like to hear an answer to that.

Maybe the desire of having the Mercedes of school systems should be tempered with the reality that the current state of things dictates you can only afford a reasonably priced domestic automobile.. It may not be fancy. But it gets the job done.

I seriously would like to have an answer for the people who have literally no more to giive....

10:43 am on Saturday, March 2, 2013

Myron, you must be exhausted from posting on so many different anti-levy patch articles. It must be tiring to complain about teachers in different cities all day long! Kristen doesn't owe you a thing, so get over yourself. The people who can and don't want to vote for the school levy simply will vote against it. It's as simple as that.

The supporters of the levy are simply trying to get the correct information out there. You must think very highly of yourself when you wrote to Kristen," I seriously would like to have an answer for the people who have literally no more to giive..." You can't make grown adults give you anything. In the same sense, as much as I support the levy, I can only get the right info out there as opposed to trying to change someone's mind.

Well... Jack. I would like for you to point out as to any point in time where I complained about a teacher? I believe I said "I applaud them for their efforts." Also complaints in different cities??? Really?
Oh wait. I can't get those questions answered from a "grown adults" What is a grown adult?

Oh, and Jack. The next "anti-levy" article, especially on Patch, would actually be the first. I have yet to see one artcle actually documenting the numerous mistakes made in recent years by the current administration.
So how can I continually comment on every "anti-levy" article? Every article has been from the school boards perspective. The "we are doing all we can," perspective. When in truth, they are not. There are MANY more things that can get cut to make them meet the budget that they have.
The levy committee has now asked its supporters to get out in force on this site to get their word out. It's documented in comments on their Facebook page. While they have every right to it, but the bullying, and attacks from their supporters only goes to strength the disconnect between the people of this city.

Lost in all this are the lessons which can be learned by the students. Guess what, you can't always have everything in life. This is a Economics 101 in real time. We all have to participate in the "shared sacrifice" our beloved leader never misses a chance to remind us of at every stop on his "tax the rich tour."

This includes especially our young, as their generation will be paying back this insurmountable federal deficit. Now, add to this increased property taxes for schools, the chances of them ever owning a home in their own city are getting bleaker by the day.

It is time we really look at what is important to the students, and my vote is there are many things more critical to a students success than learning how to frost a cake. I am sure the schools will gladly accept additional monies from those willing to pay, even if the levy is not approved by the majority. If you truly support the schools, then get out your checkbook and do the "right thing."

Before anyone writes back, stating I am not for the kids, I will tell you I have given more time to the schools system and the youth in this community than 99% of all residents. This was all volunteer. I was also one of the largest donors to the new stadium, as the funds were being raised privately, the way it should have been built.

Using the terms "emergency" and "10 years" on the same proposal for a levy is an oxymoron. No emergency lasts 10 years. These cuts should have been made years ago.

Final thought and a note to the Avon Lake Patch....anytime you you a quote in a headline, in this case "Two 'Amazing and Passionate' Teachers Lose Jobs as Family Consumer Program Cut", it is standard practice to attribute the quote to who said it in the article.
When there is no mention of where it originated, one becomes suspicion it may have simply been your opinion.

Oh well, not I feel better knowing only 2 teachers will be eliminated, instead of the original 20 we were told. Sounds like the sequestration which began today...at first it was going to be the end of life as we know it, only to learn it was a false alarm. Were there ever going to be 20 teaching jobs eliminated? My guess is NO!

My apologies to Myron if I am mixing you up with someone else. Just one more thing... there was no poor or lack of planning done by the administration or BOE in Avon Lake. I can assure you of that. If you've read the literature that's been sent home (and will continue to be sent home by Mr. Scott) or checked out the levy website, the major decrease in state funding (to say the least) can be explained. This loss of millions and millions each and every year couldn't have been predicted by anyone unfortunately, and every school district is in the same boat. You can bank on that one.

While you folks are fighting over the crumbs----please take a look at this---

> http://freedomoutpost.com/2013/02/how-progressive-education-and-bad-philosophy-corrupted-the-people-undermined-the-constitution-of-the-united-states/#.UTFX_QT50FM.email

Kristen,
Seeing as we are not childhood education experts, as you have said. If the general public cannot say or have an idea what is cut, then the general public cannot have an idea of what is a good program. Simply put your comments on the need for the program cannot be valid. You can't have it one way to fit your argument and the other to dispute another's.

State funding was on the decreas for years. if they had kept their eye on school operation alone just a few short years ago. They would not be in this position. The power plant's devalue was years ago as well, and the eventual closing was not a surprise. Cuts should have been made years ago instead of what appears to be "hoping for the best."

Oh and that ONE other thing the board had to deal with.. Losses in revenue from property taxes due to decreases in property values in Avon Lake.

Not to dispute anything but, an excellent school rating, a brand new stadium, and every program imaginable and the property values went DOWN.

Haven't we heard so emphatically for practically every levy that good schools raise home values??? Hmmmm...

Myron- the pro levy Facebook page has never, not ever, asked supporters to " get out in force on this site" as in on the patch. It has absolutely asked supporters to get the word out by asking supporters to spread the facts regarding the levy. The facts being documented losses, current cuts the district is making and how fellow supporters can help.

Fact: STATE FUNDING FOR SCHOOLS HAS NOT BEEN CUT----this is a totally disengenous argument, and is NOT TRUE!--Please show facts!!!

While you are listening to the twisted facts--you folks who don`t have a completely closed mind, might take a look at this---

http://www.americanthinker.com/video/2013/02/how_teachers_unions_hurt_schools.html#.UTA65LczjD4.email

Really Victor?

http://www.cleveland.com/open/index.ssf/2011/03/schools_local_governments_take.html

Or, hey, Mr. Mooney, how 'bout this:

http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2011/04/08/school-budget-cuts-cut-in-half.html

Or maybe this:

http://m.springfieldnewssun.com/news/news/local/ohio-budget-keeps-taxes-cuts-school-and-local-go-1/nMsWG/

3 different sources from 3 different parts of the state.

There's more to be found, in case those sources aren't good enough for you: just type "ohio school funding cuts" into Google.

Kristen, please tell me your comment from above..."you say it's time to look at what's really important for kids but who are we as taxpayers to determine that?" is a joke. What right do the parents and the one's paying the bill have to determine what is important to the kids? We have every right, which is why it goes to a vote!
Putting childhood education experts in charge of determining how much and where to spend OUR money is like asking the fox to guard the hen house. How about putting an economist, or a business owner who has to live within financial constraints in charge for a change. Leaving up top educators may have produced a great product in Avon Lake, but who couldn't be successful given the nearly unlimited funding they have enjoyed.

Let's just all roll over and continue to give them everything they need. Sorry I even questioned their fiscal character.

By the way, one the reason people move to Avon Lake, versus Westlake and Bay Village is the value of the education versus the property taxes! Once the taxes reach the level of these other communities, Avon Lake has lost any advantage and our property values will go down, as Avon Lake looks less appealing. Why not look at Avon instead? A growing community which also has a great school system, with much lower taxes.
It is about the value for your tax dollars, and we have reached that break-even point. Another levy will put us over the top!

Levy committee members. Why do you say our property value will go down if we do not vote for this?

Value has been down for years, thus the revenue shortfall for the board..... Your literature states this.

You keep telling us good schools help retain property value. Why is it just not true?

Saying you are a "AL" supporter doesn`t mean anything---I haven`t said I agree or disagree with any argument---I have only asked that you inform yourself.

You can find support for any argument, I am asking that you find out for yourself---
State funding for schools has not been cut---Federal dollars are no longer available, that is not the state, are they having to cut back, sure, will there be more cuts, you bet, will they come begging for more levies, I guarantee it. The whole system, Unions, Teachers, Administrators, is based on extracting more money from the citizenry , but the citizens are broke. It`s like an old Chow, we used to have---everyyear she would have 13-14 puppies, there wasn`t enough teats, nor milk for all. They all squealed, and fought, but always 7 or 8 ended up dead. There are not enough teats nor enough milk-------------------------You don`t really want to know how my father solved the problem.

Still have not seen an explanation for this one (I posted this last November at levy time)
"The City of Avon Schools are rated Excellent with Distinction vs. Avon Lake as Excellent but City of Avon Schools spend only $7,181 per student for 2011 vs. Avon Lake City Schools $10,904 (reference Ohio Department of Education Finance group). That is a big difference without a good explanation as to why. "

One reason it is much cheaper to educate children in Avon is because they don't have neighborhood schools like we do in Avon Lake. In addition, Avon has hired teachers at base pay for many years. Just two examples off the top of my head, but the first one is a biggie. Saves them about a million every year or two.

A topic that seems to get brought up frequently revolves around the cost per student for Avon and Avon Lake. Here are some facts regarding this:

*Avon Lake has a higher cost per student than Avon
Approximately $10,800 to $7,100
*One of the factors in Avon having a low cost per student is their rapid growth.
*75% of the Avon Teaching Staff have less than 10 years of experience
*75% of the Avon Lake Teaching Staff have more than 10 years of experience
*Avon Lake has reduced its teaching staff by 10% in the last 3 years
*Avon Lake has 24 teachers retiring in the next 2 years
Avon Lake’s cost per student is dropping and will continue to drop with a smaller staff and a younger staff