By Taiwo AKINLAMI

The event titled “A Conversation with Superintendent David Stewart on Why Issue 39 is on the Ballot this November”, hosted by some New American Leaders, was held at the 3221 Hilliard Rome Road, Hilliard, United States on October 19, 2024. The event brought together key figures, including Prof. Jibril Mohamed, CEO of SomaliCAN; Taiwo Akinlami, CEO of The Power Parenting Company; Kawther Musa, former Ohio House candidate; Hassiba Makour, CEO of Advanced Technology Education; Hassan Shide, President/CEO, Global HumanitarianAid and Social Development, Ohio, (GHASD), just to mention a few. The discussion centered around the critical Issue 39, which is both an operating levy and a bond issue concerning the Hilliard City Schools.

Issue 39

Superintendent David Stewart outlined the key details of Issue 39, emphasizing that it comprises two components: an operating levy and a bond issue. The operating levy would cover ongoing costs such as salaries, utilities, and bus services, while the bond issue would fund new construction and permanent improvements. Stewart explained that the operating levy, set at 6.9 million dollars, would directly impact the district’s financial stability by addressing a projected $36 million deficit over the next three years. The bond issue would generate $142 million for much-needed construction, including replacing three elementary schools and expanding preschool capacity.

Levy Breakdown and Its Impact on Homeowners

Stewart gave a detailed explanation of how the levy would impact local homeowners. By using the Franklin County Auditor website, residents can calculate how much the levy would cost them based on their home’s appraised value. For every $100,000 of appraised value, homeowners would pay $242 annually. Stewart reassured attendees that while the bond issue raises a significant amount of money, it would not increase taxes because it coincides with the payoff of another bond.

Challenges and Financial Realities

One of the most important points Stewart raised was the fact that, due to Ohio legislation from the 1970s, schools do not automatically receive more revenue when property values rise. This has forced the district to return to voters for additional funds even though property values have gone up. Stewart highlighted that this is the first time in eight years the district has asked voters for additional funding, which is longer than the typical 3-4 year cycle for most school districts.

He explained that without additional revenue, the district would be forced into deeper deficit spending. Current projections show that by 2025, the district’s cash reserves will be depleted if no action is taken, leading to potential job cuts, larger class sizes, and reductions in programming and services.

Specifics

Stewart elaborated on the specific plans for the bond issue, detailing the replacement of Brown, Ridgewood, and Norwich Elementary Schools, and the construction of new sixth-grade buildings. Additionally, there will be enhancements to athletic facilities and improvements to safety measures in many of the older buildings. The district also plans to address the growing demand for preschool services by adding eight more classrooms to its facilities.

Questions

Attendees, many representing diverse communities within the district, posed several questions about how Issue 39 would benefit specific populations, particularly new Americans and students who speak English as a second language (ESL). Stewart responded by noting the district’s efforts in hiring ESL teachers and tutors to meet the needs of over 2,000 students who do not speak English as their first language. He reassured the audience that while no immediate reductions in ESL services would occur if the levy does not pass, the district would be unable to continue hiring at the same rate, thereby affecting the student-to-teacher ratio.

Outreach

A significant portion of the discussion focused on reaching out to diverse communities. Attendees asked about the district’s efforts to engage with new Americans and other underrepresented groups. Stewart shared that he regularly speaks at community events and has visited various groups throughout the district, including Somali and Middle Eastern communities. He emphasized the importance of grassroots outreach and encouraged attendees to help spread the word about Issue 39 to ensure broader community support.

Stewart also acknowledged the challenges of language barriers and announced that the district is working on translating informational materials into multiple languages, including Arabic and French, to better serve Hilliard’s diverse population.

Call to Action

In his closing remarks, Stewart highlighted the importance of passing Issue 39, warning that failure to do so could result in up to $10 million in budget cuts and significant reductions in staffing, class sizes, and student services. He called on the community to support the issue and stressed the direct connection between the quality of schools and property values, noting that strong schools benefit the entire community.

Prof. Jibril Mohamed, Kawther Musa and Taiwo Akinlami also voiced their support for Issue 39, emphasizing its importance for the future of Hilliard’s children, particularly those from immigrant families. Mohamed highlighted the critical need for continued investment in ESL services, while Kawther and Akinlami stressed the role of education in empowering families and strengthening communities.

Conclusion

The conversation around Issue 39 touched on financial challenges, community engagement, and the future of the Hilliard City Schools. Superintendent David Stewart’s detailed presentation provided a comprehensive understanding of the levy and bond issue, while the contributions from Prof. Mohamed, Taiwo Akinlami, and Kawther Musa reinforced the importance of community support. As the November election approaches, the outcome of Issue 39 will have significant implications for the future of education in Hilliard, Ohio.

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