LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

TPS needs support of community

6/28/2012

In response to Blade Editor David Kushma's June 17 op-ed column, "Got that diploma? Now stick around": My wife and I, both 27, are lifelong Toledo residents. We were looking to buy our first home last summer. Our main concern was the state of Toledo Public Schools and the lack of support that recent levies had received.

After looking at homes and prices in Toledo suburbs, we decided to buy a home in West Toledo. Though we have committed to living here, I am still alarmed by the apparent lack of community support of our schools.

I understand that we are in difficult times financially, with not much hope for a reprieve. But I believe that supporting our schools is of paramount importance.

I recently attended a five-year college reunion. Many graduates seem to be gravitating to larger cities such as Washington, Chicago, and Columbus. These places are attracting college-educated individuals for many reasons: cultural opportunities, job opportunities, and the chance to be with other young professionals.

That said, I enjoy living in Toledo. It has more to offer than many people know. We have an excellent art museum, zoo, and library, two great sports venues, and the Metroparks system. We have fairly short commuting times and a low cost of living.

For young adults who are thinking about having a family, however, the recent failure to support what I believe is the bedrock of our community is discouraging. When we fail to support our schools, we fail as a community, and we are all worse off.

Jim Witter

Drummond Road

 

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Task force would help retain youth

Over the years, I have been asked by parents to help attain jobs for their college-educated children. I have helped a few, but most leave and never return.

It would help if we had a local task force to talk to students, employers, and others about how to keep our educated young people in Toledo.

John Moore

Springfield Township

 

Leaving home brought her here

My daughter may be a perfect example of reasons not to stick around, but rather to look for a bright new world.

She was born and raised in Lexington, Ky. She attended the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. She ended up in Sylvania for her apprenticeship when none was available close to home.

Shortly after she became a licensed funeral director and embalmer, she saw an ad in The Blade for a job at the University of Toledo. She got that job and is the UT anatomy lab supervisor. I am so proud of her.

Had she insisted on sticking around her hometown, she wouldn't have the opportunities and awesome friends that she and I now enjoy.

Donna Dalzell

Lexington, Ky.

 

Charter schools encroach on TPS

Toledo Public Schools finished new buildings, yet enrollment is falling and more charter schools are opening ("Toledo area charter schools make plans to expand, grow," June 15). What gives?

If charter schools weren't allowed, maybe all the schools in every public school district would have enough kids to fill them.

Janet Minkowski

Temperance