(Letter to the Editor - Graphic Illustration/MetroCreativeConnection)

It is time for change, Belpre. It is time we pass a levy for new schools. As a student who attended school in a district that failed to pass a levy to build new schools for many years (shout out to Alexander Schools, Class of 2000), I am often transported in my memories to days of duct taping textbooks together and watching friends transfer to Athens City Schools for a more diverse education and better facilities.

Fortunately, my parents were supportive of education in our home and available to supplement our learning in the evenings. But public education is needed in a different way than it was 20 years ago — when we vote to take responsibility for the condition of our schools, we vote for a better academic future for EVERY student in our district, not just the ones whose parents are available and able to enrich their education at home. After I graduated from Alexander, a levy was passed to build new facilities.

Before long, the small community of Albany, Ohio, began reaping the benefits of the adage, “If you build it, they will come.” As a 2022 student at Alexander Schools, one can enjoy the luxury of state-of-the-art equipment and an excellent selection of advanced courses.

The Belpre education community has stood by us, and they need our support. In March of 2020, academic communities across the nation were ravaged by the impact of COVID-19. Students suffered, parents suffered, and entire communities suffered from the rippled effect that played out.

Those who had the pleasure of having a student enrolled in Belpre City Schools had a far different experience. Not only did we receive prompt, clear communication, we also had the distinct privilege of having our voices matter. Every step of the way, we were included, valued, and given quality options to suit the educational needs of our children.

Belpre’s teachers, administrators, bus drivers, maintenance staff, and countless others fought for our kids to have a space to learn and grow.

It is time we take control of the narrative of our community, Belpre. It is time we rally behind the students and families who have chosen to call this town home. My name is Jami Paintiff — former educator, proud Belpre parent, and enthusiastic levy advocate. You will find me at the polls on Nov. 8 voting YES.

Jami Paintiff

Belpre