Andrews: Schools Can 'Continue Excellence' With Levy Approval

“There is no dispute that is doing its job,” David Andrews, a school board member, said Thursday night.

Andrews addressed residents about the upcoming school levy at Meet The Candidates Night in the Twinsburg Community Center, along with Superintendent Kathryn Powers and Assistant Superintendent Mike Lenzo.

Andrews told the crowd that he was there as a business owner and parent, asking people to support upcoming levy.

Twinsburg has seen rating on the state report cards, Andrews said, continues to prepare high-performing students.

“We can continue this excellence, and we can do it with your support,” he said.

On Nov. 6 the district is asking residents to . If approved it will cost the owner of a $100,000 home $150.06 annually, according to the district's data.

This will create $3.8 million each year for the district, in addition to the recent . Combined they will fill the $7 million hole in operating expenses, Andrews said.

He said the new money wouldn't reinstate any of the recent cuts made by the district, but Powers said the new money will be focused on implementing more advanced education, especially in technology, helping students in online assessments.

Some residents questioned salary and benefit options for district employees.

While the earlier this, they are still getting step increases, which is an increase in salary for an additional year of experience.

Teachers get step increases for certain years, while there are no increases for other years. The steps remained the same after the most recent union agreement.

People also questioned administrative "pickups," where the district pays a portion of pension payments for administrative employees.

Andrews said these benefits are in place in order to keep the most talented staff in the district, remaining competitive with other schools.