Passage of the levy will allow the district to implement Jackson’s Transformation Plan for Cleveland Schools.
By RHONDA CROWDER
Staff Reporter
Cleveland -- Monday afternoon, on the steps of John Adams High School, Mayor Frank G. Jackson and a group of political and civic leaders announced that the levy scheduled to appear on the Nov. 6th ballot has gained broad community support.
“I am confident we can win this vote with this showing of broad-based support,” said Jackson. “The citizens of Cleveland can be completely assured that this plan is the right one at the right time to educate our children. We are here for the children.”
Jackson went on to say this is one of the most important efforts in the city of Cleveland as education is the key to improving the city. “Our success here will mean the success of Cleveland as a whole.”
Cleveland Councilman Joe Cimperman, after taking the podium, urged those who think the price of the levy is too much to ask of taxpayers, to consider the cost of children having more jails than jobs.
Victor Ruiz, executive director of Esperanza – an organization focused on improving the academic achievements of Hispanics, said he will engage fully to make sure the levy is successful.
State Senator Nina Turner, a sponsor of the Cleveland education reform legislation, said she “affirm and declare support for Cleveland children.”
“We have got to invest in necessary resources to ensure all children receive a quality education,” said Turner, who went on to chant “Right Plan. Right Now. Right Cause. Cleveland’s Children’s,” which seems to be the campaign slogan.
Jackson also announced that Blaine Griffin will serve as the levy’s campaign manager. The campaign office is located at 3235 Prospect Avenue, Cleveland.
Planning to immediately embark upon a grassroots campaign, Griffin said he will touch all wards, all communities in the city.
When questioned by the media, Jackson said they are in the process of doing ad poll to gauge the number of voters likely to approve a levy and raising money to fund the campaign although he refused to provide a specific budget amount. “We will raise what we need to make it happen,” he said.
The mayor and the school district is asking for a 15 mill tax increase, good for 4 years. Once that time has expired, taxpayers can determine it thy wish to renew.
Passage of the levy will allow the district to implement Jackson’s Transformation Plan for Cleveland Schools.
Jackson also said he is not worried about any organized opposition. “Opposition doesn’t matter. We intend to pass this levy. We have to get this done.”
