voteyes4success

THANK YOU CHARLOTTE COUNTY! - School referendum passes test

Wed, 09 Nov 2022 15:42:09 GMT

School referendum passes test

PUNTA GORDA — Charlotte County voters overwhelmingly supported the Charlotte County Public Schools funding referendum by a 77% to 23% margin.

The referendum is a renewal of the one passed in 2018. It adds $1 for every $1,000 of taxable property value.

While some votes were still being processed late Tuesday, School Board members and Charlotte County Public Schools Superintendent Steve Dionisio were jubilant at the Historic Court House in Punta Gorda.

The referendum’s passage means the Charlotte County School Board will retain 71 positions created from the 2018 referendum funding.

Teachers, bus drivers and other salaries that were increased as a result of the referendum will now remain the same, reflecting increases the school district made in order to retain teachers and staff who had been leaving the district to work elsewhere for higher wages.

Dionisio said had the referendum not passed, all those positions would have been eliminated, plus the teachers’ and other staff members’ salaries would be rolled back prior to their increase under the 2018 referendum when it ends in June.

Dionisio called the voters of Charlotte County “awesome” for supporting the district.

He said the new referendum will allow the district to keep those 71 positions which include security monitors, social workers, behavior specialists, psychologists, English as a Second Language positions, reading and math coaches, positions in the Aviation Program, paraprofessionals, and deans of students.

In addition, support for the arts will continue.

Dionisio called himself a “huge proponent” of students’ additional support which includes band instruments, art supplies, children theater productions, and drama program and chorus support.

Fees will continue to be paid for students wanting to participate in athletics. Prior to the 2018 referendum students had to pay their own fees.

“Students will continue to get 30 extra minutes a day of education,” Dionisio said.

Without the referendum, the extra time would have been eliminated, he said.

Support for STEM programs, and additional professional development and workforce development initiatives will also remain.

Dionisio said the referendum means the district will have $27 million to pay for all this, of which $20 million will go toward salaries.

This year’s referendum support by 77% of the voters is larger than in 2018 when 56% approved the referendum.

Although not all the votes had been counted, by 8:30 p.m., the count at that time showed 49,814 voted for the referendum while 14,835 voted against it.

Dionisio attributed the volunteer work of Marcia Cullinan for promoting the referendum in the community.

The new referendum will run from July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2027.

School Board member Kim Amontree said she was “thrilled” by voters who supported the referendum. She said the 77% who backed it “shows me that this community cares and has confidence in our schools.”

“This is all about the students of Charlotte County,” Board member Wendy Atkinson said. “I’m just so thankful the community came out to support our students.”

She said by voters supporting the referendum, they were investing in the future.

Board member Bob Segur was also smiling, and admitted he was “pleasantly pleased but not surprised” over the community’s support.

Ian Vincent is leaving the School Board on Nov. 21 after serving three consecutive terms.

“I got to leave on a happy day,” he said.

I see benefits of referendum first hand

Wed, 26 Oct 2022 02:10:38 GMT

I see benefits of referendum first hand

Editor: As a mom with kids currently attending CCPS, a local business owner, and a school board member, I have been able to see how the referendum has positively impacted the children of our community from a multifaceted view and why it is important to vote yes to continue it.

Our children have 30 additional learning minutes each day with highly qualified educators who have chosen to work in Charlotte County in part because we have one of the highest first year teacher salaries in the state thanks to the referendum. Our children have additional mental health staff who help them work through difficulties and dozens more security personnel whose sole job is to keep our children safe during the school day because of the referendum.

Our children have additional career and technical education program options which benefits our community by having highly trained professionals who are ready to work and care for our population because of the referendum. Our children have access to free music, art, and sports programs that enhance their school experience thanks to the referendum.

It is critical that the 1 mil renews because it has had a positive impact on our community, staff, families, but most importantly children. Please show your support for the children of Charlotte County and vote yes!

Cara Reynolds

Punta Gorda

Don’t allow our schools to go backward

Tue, 25 Oct 2022 12:05:16 GMT

Don’t allow our schools to go backward

Editor: The Charlotte County school referendum is getting ready for renewal this November and we need the community to understand the importance of this continuing. We have seen huge steps forward in our school system over the past four years and we can’t afford to go backwards.

These funds are making for a much stronger education system for the children of Charlotte County, which is an important part of what helps a community thrive. This isn’t a new tax or in any way additional than what we’re already been paying these last four years. Whether you have children or not, this does have a positive impact on you as well. Vote Yes for Success!

Jeffrey Ament

Englewood

Vote yes on school district referendum

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 01:24:55 GMT

Vote yes on school district referendum

Editor: First, I am so very sorry that the community has been damaged by another hurricane. I really can’t believe it happened again, and I know you feel the same. Rebuilding is a process. Be patient.

After Charley, the Charlotte County Chamber opened our doors to many groups, including the Supervisor of Elections Office who needed a space to train poll workers. I don’t remember who ran or who won, but we had a successful primary election, just weeks later. Voting was important, especially after the storm.

The same is true today. Your schools, staff and students are on the road to recovery, but they need your assistance by voting Yes! For Success. This initiative has has made a tremendous difference in Charlotte County, not only in the schools, but also in the workforce. Please keep the momentum going and Vote Yes! For Success! Your support is critical now.

Charlotte County, you’re always in my heart.

Julie Mathis

Indian Land, S.C.

We agree to vote yes for success

Sat, 15 Oct 2022 21:35:15 GMT

We agree to vote yes for success

Charlotte County Schools is asking voters to continue their support for the education of our children by extending a 1 mill tax on property for the next four years.

Four years ago, voters easily passed this referendum to help Charlotte County Schools keep up. They had to keep up with neighboring Sarasota County, a district whose higher pay was a magnet for Charlotte teachers. They also had to keep up academically, falling into the middle of the pack in state testing performances.

They attacked the performance issue by extending the school day by 30 minutes and paying teachers accordingly.

The school district and supporters make a strong case for the success the extra money has brought the past four years.

According to information provided by the school district:

• 80% of our schools have increased or maintained their school grade.

• 70% of schools are graded “A” or “B.”

• The total number of “A” and “B” schools have increased each year.

• The total number of “C” schools in the district has been reduced from 40 to 30%.

• Grade 3 students have outperformed the state average in reading.

• The graduation rate has increased to 91%, the highest in district history.

• The percentage of students graduating college and career ready has increased 16%.

• In just one school year, Advanced Placement scores increased 10%.

Those numbers are a good indication the extra money has benefited Charlotte County schools.

The tax is $1 for every $1,000 of value on your property. A home values at $200,000 would require a $200 tax payment.

Some school critics, however, charge that the money spent is not moving the needle enough. They claim that Charlotte County’s standing in the state remains in the middle of the pack while there should have been improvement.

We too would like to see the benefits show up more in how our schools rank statewide. But the process needs even more time to take root we believe. The challenges were great and the pandemic did little to help while creating more headaches for a school district still putting its plan in place.

And, there have been a lot of benefits that won’t show up on a state grade.

For example, some of the referendum money was used to increase security personnel on campus. Other benefits included hiring math and reading coaches and behavioral support staff. And dozens, maybe hundreds, of students who were not able to participate in athletics, band and other extracurricular activities that once required a fee, are now able to do so without cost.

Schools are able, or will be able if this referendum passes, to devote more money to school psychologists and/or counselors who can play a key role in helping students who may have issues such as depression or anxiety that affects their ability to learn.

We don’t agree with critics of this tax. If the referendum is not passed Nov. 8, there will likely be an exodus of instructors to other school districts, or other jobs. There will also be less funding for the arts and music programs. Positions could be eliminated.

We support our Charlotte County School District and recommend a vote in favor of the public schools referendum.

Referendum supports our schools

Sun, 25 Sep 2022 22:10:00 GMT

Referendum supports our schools

Editor: In November 2018 the residents of Charlotte County voted to approve a tax referendum to support our local schools for a period of 4 years.

The funds collected: (1) increased school employees’ pay in an effort to retain and recruit great teachers & support staff, (2) added an extra 30 minutes of instructional time to the school day, (3) added 71 positions including security, math & reading coaches, paraprofessionals and behavioral health services staff, (4) eliminated “pay to participate” in extracurricular activities, (5) purchased & repaired musical instruments, and supplies for theatre & the arts, (6) augmented the aviation mechanic workforce program, and (7) enhanced training and professional development for staff.

Since the 2018 vote, 80% of our schools have increased or maintained their school grade, 70% of schools are graded “A” or “B”, the total number of “A” and “B” schools have increased each year, the total number of “C” schools in the district has reduced by 10%, Grade 3 students have outperformed the state average in reading, the graduation rate has increased to the highest it has been in district history, and the % of students graduating who are college and career ready has increased 16%!

Research shows that strong schools equal a strong community, by preparing a stronger workforce, raising property values and lowering crime.

Please, support our 15,000 school kids AND our community by voting Yes! In November to continue the School Referendum another 4 years. Marcia Cullinan Port Charlotte

Support the school referendum

Sat, 24 Sep 2022 13:22:38 GMT

Support the school referendum

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Charlotte Co. schools need your support

Wed, 21 Sep 2022 13:17:13 GMT

Charlotte Co. schools need your support

Editor: The Charlotte County School referendum is up for renewal this November and we need the community to understand the importance of this continuing. We’ve seen huge steps forward in our school system over the past four years and we can’t afford to go backwards.

These funds are helping create a much stronger education system for the children of Charlotte County, which is vital part of what helps a community thrive. It’s not a new tax or anything additional than what we’ve already been paying for the past 4 years. Whether you have children or not, this does have a positive impact on you as well. Please Vote Yes for Success!

Brian Faro

Port Charlotte

Referendum helped make schools better

Tue, 20 Sep 2022 11:43:16 GMT

Referendum helped make schools better

Editor: In 2018 the residents of Charlotte County approved renewal of a referendum that supported the Charlotte County Public School system. Voters approved adding $1 for every $1,000 assessed property value after the Homestead Exemption to improve the school system for our students and remain competitive with other school systems in our region. The results have had an incredible impact on student success, and the referendum is back on the ballot for renewal this year.

I have been a resident in Charlotte County since 2000, the first 15 years working in healthcare. When working as an employer, it became apparent the immense value of the Charlotte County Public School System to providing well educated students for our hospital’s success and to our patients’ care. It was an honor working closely with the school system to provide support for their teachers and staff members and supporting students as they continued their educational and professional careers.

The referendum is back on the ballot in November of 2022 and we need your support once again. The progress Charlotte County Schools has accomplished over the past four years will be lost if the referendum does not pass again this Fall. A high-quality school system has a direct impact on our community, by improving the quality of life and the services we receive from local employers.

On behalf of the students and employees of Charlotte County Public Schools, we thank you for your support and urge you to vote for the referendum renewal.

Tom Rice

Placida

Vote ‘yes’ Nov. 8 to keep schools strong

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 18:37:54 GMT

Vote ‘yes’ Nov. 8 to keep schools strong

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Referendum pays for students to pursue music

Mon, 19 Sep 2022 10:16:15 GMT

Referendum pays for students to pursue music

Your tax referendum dollars help support all Charlotte County Schools music, art, and theater programs along with professional performances in the schools and at CPAC, our professional theater in Punta Gorda.

Arts teachers are part of the general school budget as teacher allocations, but the referendum is a huge help in supporting students with access to programing and supplies. Because of your “Yes for Success” vote, our children are able to use instruments without sharing, attend a children’s ballet and experience an opera.

This is how the Arts Referendum money will be spent this year: Secondary Music includes band and chorus in middle and high school. Our children rely on their school to have band instruments available for use. This means it is important to have an inventory of instruments that must be maintained and cleaned. New instruments are purchased annually to keep up with need. This year, we are purchasing tubas, saxophones, trombones, trumpets, flutes, and clarinets. Finally, new music is always needed and maintained in a music library.

Elementary music also purchases smaller instruments like ukuleles and Orff instruments (xylophones, glockenspiels, marimbas, and metallophones). Third graders learn music by playing the recorder and performing with the Punta Gorda Symphony in an interactive concert! Supplies for music help children find their voice (literally) as they learn the basic elements of rhythm, melody, harmony, timbre, dynamics, texture, and form.

Visual arts teachers at all levels use supplies to help students understand the language of art through design elements and principles. Each grade level builds its capacity to rethink, design, and recreate unique solutions to problems.

Schools purchase paint, paper, markers, pencils, clay, and wire, as they expose students to a variety of media.Drama classes in middle and high school love to perform! Costumes and scripts are the most purchased items. Referendum dollars help fund performances at the schools.

Professional children’s theater is brought to Charlotte County to increase access to the Arts. Shows are performed at individual schools and at our professional theater. This year’s children’s theater shows include: Nutcracker (SarasotaBallet), Shakespeare (Asolo Repertory Theater), Pete the Cat (Theater works),Magic School Bus (Theater works), the Carnegie Link Up Interactive Concert (Punta Gorda Symphony) and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe (Florida StudioTheater). Arts integrated curriculum links the performances to the new BEST standards for English and math. Costs include transportation, booking fees, tech support and supplies. Your vote makes all this possible.

We as a community believe that children must be exposed to the Arts. It is critical to our future to teach students to be a part of a generation of audience members, performers, art consumers, and donors. The Arts create excitement, enthusiasm, and motivate learning. The Arts help children find unique ways to understand and make sense of the world. Thank you for making the Arts important to the growth and education of our children. Your support for the referendum is a commitment to the success of our children. Ellen Harvey is a curriculum specialist with Charlotte County School District.

League supports school tax referendum

Wed, 14 Sep 2022 18:05:15 GMT

League supports school tax referendum

Letter to the Editor

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Schools to rally for referendum

Mon, 12 Sep 2022 21:26:57 GMT

Schools to rally for referendum

By NANCY J. SEMON

CHARLOTTE SUN STAFF WRITER

PORT CHARLOTTE — Charlotte County Public Schools Superintendent Steve Dionisio told School Board members Thursday that several sign-waving events in support of the district’s referendum will begin Oct. 26.

The referendum, which taxpayers approved nearly four years ago, expires on June 30, 2023, and the district is asking voters to approve another one when they go to the polls on Nov. 8.

The referendum, if passed, would add $1 for every $1,000 of taxable value to every Charlotte County property owner’s tax bill.

The referendum has allowed the district to hire teachers, paraprofessionals, support staff, academic coaches and security aides, as well as pay for supplies and repairs.

“We started out the referendum with 46 positions but are now up to 71 through the referendum,” School Board member Kim Amontree said at the Thursday general meeting.

Of those positions, 20 are held by security aides, she said.

The current referendum was approved by 56% of voters in 2018; if voters approve the referendum on Nov. 8, it would run from July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2027.

District spokesperson Mike Riley in February told The Daily Sun the referendum has helped raise salaries for teachers, among other things. A complete listing of how the revenue has been used can be found online at yourcharlotteschools.net.

New Paragraph

Referendum money making our schools safer

Sun, 11 Sep 2022 16:43:29 GMT

Referendum money making our schools safer

The summer has flown by and the 16,000 Charlotte County Public School students had a successful start to the 2022-23 school year. Most importantly, our students and staff had a safe start to the new school year.

Throughout the summer, school staff and law enforcement planned, worked, and trained on safety protocols that have become embedded in the culture of the school system. With the support of the community, referendum dollars were available to allow the funding for such a high level of school security.

In the middle of May, I wrote my last article to The Daily Sun detailing many of the safety initiatives that have been undertaken since the tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. As I was writing the article, the Buffalo Supermarket Shooting had just happened on May 14th. Only 10 days later, unspeakable events unfolded at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas.

It goes without saying that the passage of the 2018 referendum has unequivocally provided funding that has allowed the school district to have flexibility in security decision making that enhances student safety. In particular, the school district recently added school security monitors to all elementary schools for the start of the 2022/23 school year. These individuals are the “eyes” of school security as they are constantly monitoring the school perimeter and work in conjunction with the School Resource Officer to respond immediately to internal and external threats.

It is important to note that referendum tax dollars have also provided much needed funding that has allowed for:

an increase in mental health staffing (school psychologists, school counselors, and social workers);
outside contracting for direct mental health services;
additional dean of student positions;
student identification cards at the secondary level;
additional school security monitors at every school; and
an increase in the number of school resource officers.

My The Daily Sun article back in May stated, “the blend of additional security personnel and mental health staff is allowing for proactive measures in keeping our students, staff, and community members safe.” These two groups work hand in hand to ensure that information is being appropriately shared to keep every student and staff member safe. Without the support of the community, staffing levels for these groups would be inadequate to undertake this important safety initiative.

As a former graduate of Charlotte County Public Schools, employee of the school system, and parent of two children who graduated from CCPS, I am truly proud of the support the community continues to provide to keep kids safe.

On behalf of the students and employees of the Charlotte County Public Schools, thank you for your continued support. Michael Desjardins is assistant superintendent of School Support for Charlotte County.

Students the reason to vote for referendum

Tue, 06 Sep 2022 12:37:04 GMT

Letter to the Editor, Sun Newspaper

Students are the reason to vote for the referendum

Editor: In a few short months Charlotte County residents will be asked to vote Yes! for Success again. This referendum provides much needed money to our schools.

While there may be some naysayers and skeptics about the benefits, I just have one point to make: this referendum provides resources for kids. Bottom line. I could quote many studies that show students who are involved in extra-curricular activities are less likely to drop out and how extra-curricular activities boost test scores, but in the end shouldn’t we as a community just want to provide our students with all the opportunities we can, to make them well-rounded humans?

Voting Yes! for Success says to our students that we care about their education. Voting Yes! for Success says to students that we want them to impact our community in a positive way. Voting Yes! for Success is without a question, the best path for the students of Charlotte County.

I encourage you to get out there throughout the year and see the benefits of the referendum money. See a show at one of our performing art centers. Tap your feet to one of our county’s jazz bands. Marvel at the artistic talent of our students. Cheer on the athletes from the stands. Enjoy what the students of Charlotte County have to offer, because if the referendum doesn’t pass, it is going to be a very different world out there for our students.

Vote Yes! for Success, for no other reason than our students.

Emily Klossner

Extracurricular activities help our students thrive

Mon, 29 Aug 2022 17:52:17 GMT

Extracurricular activities help our students thrive

As the graduating seniors from our local high schools gave their commencement speeches this past May, the overriding theme of the speeches dealt with their positive experiences in high school. The vast majority of those experiences revolved around their participation in extracurricular activities.

Whether that activity was on the football field, in the weight room, or in the theatre, these senior speakers consistently spoke about how those experiences helped shape them into the adults that were now prepared to walk across the stage. The access provided to these graduates was due in large part to the generosity of our Charlotte County residents for passing the referendum in 2018.

Before the passage of the referendum in 2018, the graduating seniors were freshman students at our local high schools. Due to budgetary constraints, these students were required to pay $100 to participate in one high school sport and $125 if they wished to participate in multiple sports.

Middle school students were also required to pay for the opportunity to participate.

Needless to say, athletic participation was much lower due to the budgetary constraints which families had to navigate. Participation for those freshman students in 2018 was approximately 8-10% lower than when they graduated in 2022.

The passage of the referendum provided much needed revenue which allowed the school district to eliminate the pay to participate requirement. Secondary students and their families no longer had to worry about finances impacting the ability to participate. As indicated above, participation percentages have increased by nearly 10% which translates into students getting connected with all of the benefits provided by their participation in extracurricular activities. It is important to note that our students who participate in extracurricular activities also maintained higher grade point averages when compared to the overall student body.

Student involvement is not exclusive to our student athletes. Referendum funding has provided much needed revenue for other extracurricular activities such as band, theatre, and the arts. Every student has an undiscovered talent and referendum funding has opened doors to help discover these gifts. To put it simply, getting involved in extracurricular activities is vitally important to the growth of young men and women.

Extracurricular funding allows schools to provide a variety of experiences for every student to have an equal opportunity to participate in a diverse, safe, and secure environment.

Student Success is the bedrock principle for the Charlotte County Public School District.

Breaking down barriers so students are provided the opportunity to grow is paramount. Every student needs a chance to thrive educationally but also have a well-rounded experience as they progress through the journey of their formative years. Passage of the referendum this November will allow student access to extracurricular choices without economic barriers toward participation.

Your vote matters!

Michael Desjardins is Assistant Superintendent of School Support, Charlotte County Public Schools.

Assistant Superintendent of School Support, Charlotte County

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voteyes4success

THANK YOU CHARLOTTE COUNTY! - School referendum passes test

School referendum passes test

I see benefits of referendum first hand

I see benefits of referendum first hand

Don’t allow our schools to go backward

Don’t allow our schools to go backward ﻿

Vote yes on school district referendum

Vote yes on school district referendum

We agree to vote yes for success

We agree to vote yes for success ﻿

Referendum supports our schools

Referendum supports our schools ﻿

Support the school referendum

Support the school referendum

﻿

Charlotte Co. schools need your support

Charlotte Co. schools need your support

Referendum helped make schools better

Referendum helped make schools better ﻿

Vote ‘yes’ Nov. 8 to keep schools strong

Vote ‘yes’ Nov. 8 to keep schools strong ﻿

Referendum pays for students to pursue music

Referendum pays for students to pursue music

League supports school tax referendum

League supports school tax referendum

Letter to the Editor

Schools to rally for referendum

Schools to rally for referendum

﻿

Referendum money making our schools safer

Referendum money making our schools safer ﻿

Students the reason to vote for referendum

Letter to the Editor, Sun Newspaper

Students are the reason to vote for the referendum

Extracurricular activities help our students thrive

Extracurricular activities help our students thrive ﻿

Don’t allow our schools to go backward

We agree to vote yes for success

Referendum supports our schools

Referendum helped make schools better

Vote ‘yes’ Nov. 8 to keep schools strong

Referendum money making our schools safer

Extracurricular activities help our students thrive