Support Somers levy

I am writing to say thank you to the teachers, staff and public that supported my three years on the Somers School District 29 School Board. 

I like to think I made a difference in my three years on the board. I am most proud of the teachers who came together and worked so hard on restructuring their contract with the school board that allowed us to be able to hire great teachers at a fair wage that is sustainable. It also allows us to keep our teachers through their careers in our district if they so choose and yet stay at the correct wage vs. budget ratio.

It was a true privilege to work with Paul Jenkins our superintendent who has done a fantastic job as well as my other board members.

I hope you will support the Somers School District 29 levy, which I endorse with all my heart. People have asked if the levy is forever. The simple answer is the levy will run until the board either ends it, or reduces it through a mill reduction. We did do that two years ago as I believe in giving back your tax dollars. I have found out on how hard it is to pass a levy. The school cost in maintenance and upgrades is never-ending. As items in the levy are paid for, new items come up which the levy will cover. That way the board will not have to come back and ask for more until the major projects are completed.

Please vote this election either way. Of course, I hope you will vote yes and support our most important natural resource, our children! —Samuel L. Bagley, Somers