Superintendent Brian Garverick said today public education’s role as “the foundation of the United States of America” is threatened by a proliferation of for-profit charter schools.
Garverick spoke to the 2016-17 Leadership Unlimited class of the Richland Area Chamber of Commerce during the class’s visit to Sherman Elementary School Thursday morning. As explained on the chamber’s web site, Leadership Unlimited is a 10-month learning program for men and women who have demonstrated leadership ability within the community. The class provides participants with a broader understanding of local issues, assets and resources.
While outlining many positive topics within Mansfield City Schools, Garverick warned against eroding support for public schools among state and national governmental leaders. “Public education is the foundation of the United States of America, but right now education in this country is willy-nilly. Too much is based on who can make the most off the backs of children,” he said. “For-profit charter schools are not held to same standards as public schools in Ohio.”
Garverick said he was discouraged to hear that President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to commit $20 billion to support charter schools and has hired someone to direct that support.
When charter schools fail they often close abruptly, leaving students and families in the lurch, Garverick said. “A few years ago Constellation Schools out of Cleveland operated two for-profit charter schools here in Mansfield,” Garverick said. “One day the principal called and told me they were closing because they weren’t making enough money. They literally – literally – left boxes of student records on our doorstep when they left town. I would urge each of you to question legislators and candidates for the legislature about their stand on public education before you give them your support.”
Acknowledging that Mansfield City Schools faces challenges because it is an urban district with a high poverty rate, Garverick said the district is achieving measurable progress. “By the end of the year or shortly after we will be coming out of three years of fiscal emergency,” he said. “We had to cut $5.9 million out of the budget by laying off more than 100 staff and closing a school. We’re operating in the black now but we certainly aren’t rolling in money.”
Garverick called attention to the two renewal levies Mansfield City Schools will have on the May 2 ballot, emphasizing that neither would increase taxes.
“We are not asking for new money, only to maintain what we have,” he said. “If either renewal fails we will have to make cuts again.”
Garverick listed a number of district achievements, among them:
— The opening of Sprngmill STEM Elementary School this year with two inaugural kindergarten classes.
— Creation of a freshman academy at Mansfield Senior High School.
— $2.7 million in post-secondary scholarships earned by the Senior High Class of 2016.
— College credits that can be earned by Senior High students before graduation.
— The success of the Spanish Immersion School as one of the highest-ranking academic schools in Ohio.
After the Sherman visit the Leadership Unlimited group toured the adjacent Springmill Learning Center and the kindergarten classes there.
