Call to Renewal of Summit County

October 11, 2006

For Immediate Release

Contact: Rev. Ray Kovach, co-chair 330-836-9777
Rev. Gretchen Green, co-chair 330-650-4691

Call to Renewal of Summit County Endorses Issue 6:
Continuing 7.9 mill Levy for Akron Public Schools

Call to Renewal announced today that it will support the new, continuing levy of 7.9 mills for the operation of the Akron Public Schools to appear on the November 7th ballot. “The Akron Public Schools have worked hard to improve their standing in the state, improving two levels and keeping consistent improvement over the last two years. This was done while keeping the contract made with the community to become leaner and more efficient,” said Rev. Ray Kovach, Co-Chair of Call to Renewal. “It is with a moral imperative that we are taking this position. We understand the economic realities of Akron and the need for state reform in financing education, but we cannot let our children suffer as a result. Education is a key to breaking the cycle of poverty. Akron has shown great strides and we cannot break this momentum. The funds from this levy are needed for direct instruction of our children.”

Call to Renewal, in looking at this issue, has seen that there has been great accountability to the community. In cutting administrative costs, making hard decisions about the number of schools and their locations, studying effectiveness of teaching, and exercising leadership for the benefit of the children in the system, the schools have focused on what is best for children. Therefore, graduation rates have increased, proficiency scores are on the rise, but there is a long way to go if the needs of all students are to be met. These are very necessary monies if we are to support developing the dignity and potential of each and every child.

“The schools,” stated Rev. Green, “have reached out to many in the community, opening dialogue on how best to serve the needs of the children of Summit County. Education of children helps all of us develop individuals able to enrich our community. Administrative costs have been reduced yet the cost of public education has increased. The monies from this levy all go directly to the students. People of faith need to be part of a community partnership that works together to support the schools in many ways. We have a moral obligation to build up the health & welfare of our society and the schools are a vital part of a growing and improving community.”

The Akron Public Schools have put the focus on Akron children with great fiscal accountability.
Now it is especially important that citizens of Akron vote “YES” for the levy on November 7th.

Call to Renewal is a gathering of clergy and interested members of several Christian denominations. Originally started by a group of Catholics, Evangelical Lutherans, Episcopalians, and United Methodists, the gathering is continually expanded to all Christian denominations interested in a platform focused on overcoming poverty.

Revs. Gretchen Green and Rev. Ray Kovach Co-Chairs 330-650-4691 or 836-9777
P.O. Box 434, Akron, Ohio 44309
Working to overcome poverty