Newark City Schools Faces Cuts

NEWARK, Ohio—Another failed levy attempt meant the ax likely will fall on Newark City Schools’ programs and maybe even jobs.

NBC 4’s Marcus Thorpe reported with the BOTTOMLINE as the board was scheduled to face the public Thursday night.

The school board will be listening to public input on the district’s future after another failed levy attempt. 

A new year. Another no for Newark, and empty feelings for board members.

“A lot don’t value education. That’s a problem in the community—people that just get the need for it,“ board member Robert Handelman said.

A new possible plan has been drafted that would save $1.4 million.

Those funds would come at a steep price, though. Just about everything would be on the table: jobs, programs and/or an increase in pay-to-play sports and activities. 

“It’s almost a guarantee,“ Handelman said.

While nothing was set in stone, it has to be set and soon. 

Obviously, teachers, students and families will be affected, but one man who put five kids through the district was worried about how the failed levies will affect local business.

Leland Walker also was concerned that current students will miss out on the same experiences his children enjoyed.

“We had good teachers—with my kids all in the marching band,“ Walker said.

Board members were eager to hear from residents. room 4005 at the career and technology education centers of licking county.

Handelman said residents have seen some possible changes but likely haven’t seen anything yet.

After asking for an extension with the state, due to a shakeup on the school board, the district will have until late February before the breakdown of cuts should be set. 

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