BY RYAN SCOTT OTTNEY
PDT Staff Writer

The Ohio School Boards Association on Thursday issued a statement to endorse New Boston Local School District's plan to build a new nearly $20 million K-12 facility.

According to its Web site (www.osba-ohio.org), the OSBA is a private, not-for-profit statewide organization of public school boards. Founded in 1955, and now representing 99.7 percent of all Ohio school districts, the OSBA's purpose is to encourage and advance public education through local citizen responsibility.

Executive Director of the OSBA Rick Lewis said he supports the 7.61-mill levy for New Boston property owners on the November ballot. If passed, the funds collected (about $3 million) would be used to pay the local share of funding for a new nearly $20 million K-12 school building. The remaining 83 percent would be paid for entirely by the state of Ohio.

Lewis called this offer "a once in a lifetime opportunity to build a state-of-the-art school," replacing three buildings each more than 90 years old.

"This levy is a great investment in your schools and community. Most Scioto County school districts have already provided for their children. I urge residents of the New Boston Local School District to continue their support of high-quality schools and vote yes on this bond issue. You may not have this opportunity again," Lewis said.

He said the new facility would offer handicap accessibility, larger classrooms, advanced safety and security measures, improved lighting, energy-efficient heating and cooling, improved fresh-air ventilation for a healthier learning environment, and up-to-date technology.

New Boston Superintendent Mike Staggs said he was very pleased to have the support of the OSBA.

"There was a big concern, not only by OSBA but other state organizations, about the lack of success with bond issues and school issues in general. When the OSBA realized the amount of our state funding, they thought it was a no-brainer. There's really very, very few reasons not to support it," Staggs said.

Last week, Staggs helped pass out fliers to homes around New Boston. During his walk, he said he felt good seeing the signs in people's yards, and seeing the community turn out to support the school.