College Now Supports Issue 107

Dear Friend of College Now:

We hope you will join us in supporting Cleveland Mayor Frank G. Jackson and the Cleveland Metropolitan School District by voting “YES” for Issue 107, the Cleveland Schools levy, on November 6.  Issue 107 is critical to the ability to implement bold reforms for the schools and usher in a new era of quality, modern education for Cleveland’s children.

Cleveland schools are getting better, but not fast enough.  The graduation rate increased by 23.5% since the last levy 16 years ago, and the district recently opened 14 quality schools while closing 23 failing schools.  In the last two years, Cleveland schools lost about $140 million in state and federal funding and cut more than $114 million in costs, including 565 teachers at the end of 2011-12.  More cuts will further damage educational opportunities in Cleveland.

Issue 107 is supported by a remarkably broad, bipartisan coalition of public officials, employers, unions (most notably, the Cleveland teachers), parents and community organizations like College Now. These Cleveland stakeholders all came together for one simple reason:

This is the Right Plan.  Right Now.

Supporters of Issue 107 do not take for granted the extra burden you’re being asked to assume.  Times are tough, but that is EXACTLY why Issue 107 must pass.  Cleveland’s only hope of returning to prosperity is through a quality school system that produces graduates capable of joining the 21st Century workforce.  In our modern world, education is the only pathway to a middle-class life.

Among other things, Issue 107 calls for:

  • High-quality, safe schools in every neighborhood, with excellent teachers and updated textbooks, computers and technology.
  • Increased graduation rates, making sure all students are prepared for college or a career.
  • Teacher and principal pay based more on performance.
  • Funding quality charter schools and holding them accountable.

We also want to make sure you know that Issue 107 is a four-year levy, so there is built-in accountability.  If in four years, you do not see improvement in the public schools, you can reconsider your support.  Issue 107 is structured to be a four-year levy, half-paid for by businesses and half-paid for by homeowners, and the cost to the owner of a $50,000 home is 63 cents a day, less than the cost of The Plain Dealer or a cup of coffee.  If issue 107 fails, children lose at least 500 teachers, key programs and face a $50 million deficit.  For more information on how Issue 107 proceeds will be used, please visit www.rightplanrightnow.org.

We hope you will join College Now in making the future brighter for the City of Cleveland and, most importantly, its children, by supporting Mayor Jackson and the Cleveland Metropolitan School District and voting “YES” on Issue 107 on November 6.

It’s the Right Plan.  Right Now.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

College Now Greater Cleveland