Welcome to Stryker

Driving into town (we were coming back from the Wms. County Fair, that place where the County gathers to celebrate the accomplishments of children and to visit with friends and neighbors. Then of course there is the food, the rides and the merchants. The point is, there is something for everyone and it can be a good place to be!), I was struck by the town sign: "Welcome to Stryker Where you make the difference!" What kind of difference are we making in Styrker? The school has a levy on the ballot. That fact is not well received by some in our community.

But here is what I know: The staff at Stryker Schools goes above and beyond their job descriptions. They arrive early. They stay late. They spend their own money to purchase things to use in the classroom. They work with students who are struggling and develop a relationship with parents to work together to make sure that each child gets the education that they deserve. That isn't to say that it is a perfect system and problems don't come up periodically. But, if we are going to talk about the school, then we need to talk about the students. They are the important part of the school. We exist for them!

The school provides opportunities for students to learn in a safe environment. They are able to participate on athletic teams, be part of the 21st Century grant programs and join the academic Quiz Bowl teams. Our children are challenged to grow as individuals, to make wise choices. They learn to work as a team for a common goal and to try new things within a supportive community. They are encouraged to learn from their mistakes and to become the best they can be.

The bottom line is this: Schools spend a majority of their budgets on staff salaries. Stryker staff has agreed to a wage freeze and steps on the pay scale have been deleted. Cuts have been made and some positions have not been filled. This affects classes that can be offered in the High School and this also affects class size, which in turn affects the amount of time teachers can spend with each child. The money that is spent at the school is for the children. They are our future and deserve this fight to preserve what we have.

What if we don't win this fight? If the levy is defeated, where will that leave this community that makes a difference? What will the town do if the school would need to close? Do we want to find out? The Village of Stryker benefits from having a school in our town. The values of our houses depend on the school. (Who wants to move to a town that has no school?)

Our town is great place to raise a family. The school is a vital part of this great place. I want to believe that there are others who agree. Let's look past our disagreements and agree that our children deserve this chance. Let's prove the sign right. Vote for the school levy and let's MAKE A DIFFERENCE!