I am voting YES for Issue 9, the operating levy for Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Schools (BSS). The district has demonstrated fiscal responsibility, making $2.3 million in cuts since 2018. Additional, more severe cuts to teachers and the curriculum will take effect if the March 17 levy doesn’t pass. These cuts, reported on by the Xenia Gazette (which can be found at this link: https://bit.ly/2VXIlNX), would include no Art for grades K-6, no STEM for grades K-5, fewer librarians, further reduction in quality teachers, and elimination of many extra-curriculars. My daughter’s social studies class did a hands-on unit on entrepreneurship. They had to design a product and make a prototype, do market research, and learned about human and physical capital. I argue that human capital is at the heart of what makes BSS great. My daughter’s 4th grade math teacher pushes her to excel, and more importantly, to enjoy math and feel confident in it. This teacher is determined to not let girls fall behind, something that commonly happens at this age. I have seen my daughter’s scores and confidence soar in tandem. My child stands to directly benefit from passage of this levy. But I believe we all benefit, from educating future citizens who will vote and create solutions for the Bellbrook-Sugarcreek community, our country, and the world. I can’t imagine a better use of $41.50/month.

Meredith Glick Brinegar, PhD

Bellbrook, OH