Serving Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wood Counties
To the editor: I read Mr. Gavioli’s recent editorial regarding Oregon City Schools (OCS) spending with interest. If you look at the recent financial report provided by the system, his figures are correct. What is even more interesting, however, is the report’s breakdown. Of the $54 million of projected expenses for 2026, 85 percent of the expenditures go toward “salaries and benefits.” This includes a forecasted 14 percent benefit increase due to a 123 percent increase in premiums. In this day, where you can’t listen to news in any format, all you hear about is the rising cost of living and how people have a time making ends meet. Is it realistic to expect OCS can continue to provide such support when most of us are struggling? How many other jobs have such benefits? If you read the agenda for the January 8 Board of Education meeting, it is being recommended that the current benefits be extended for another year. How many residents — especially those on social security — realize an increase in benefits? It seems the standard thought is to increase taxes, not cut spending and benefits. I applaud Mr. Gavioli’s comments, and I hope the citizens take note of this and remember this and the members of the Board at election time.
Sue LaPointe
Oregon
