GRAHAM FACING SERIOUS FISCAL, EDUCATIONAL CRISIS

The failure of Graham Local Schools’ November ballot issue dealt a blow to our schools. In the
wake of that failure, the school board spent time listening to the community and to discussing
options for going forward. Our options are limited, serious and involve the attention of the entire
community.

Much like one’s home finances, our schools cannot provide when we do not have the money. It
has been 24 years since our last operating levy passed. We made it stretch by making significant
cuts and reductions in our schools. Those cuts came at a big educational cost: We lost programs
and services for students and laid off many teachers and staff.

Our schools have not been the same since. The last time we made deep cuts student test scores
dropped significantly on state tests. Our schools continue to fall behind simply because we do not
have what we need in order to keep up.

Now, however, we are to the point of simply maintaining what we have. That’s why the Graham
School Board unanimously voted to place the modest 1% earned income tax on the May 8 ballot
before voters.

If the May 8 levy passes, we will be able to maintain what we have right now. No frills. If it fails,
then there are cuts that will follow. We simply cannot continue providing what we are now and we
are letting the community know that now. Being open and transparent with the community about
that is the right thing to do.

So that you are aware, if the Tuesday, May 8 levy does not pass, the school board has directed
the superintendent and administration to make the following board-approved cuts:
 List

Talking about cuts is never easy and making them is painful. We are hopeful that we will not get
to that point and we have much to be proud of and to protect in our Graham Schools.

Please inform yourself as we get closer to May 8. We have an opportunity to determine what the
future looks like for our students and what kind of chance they have to compete with knowledge
and skills, going forward.