To the Editor:
On November 4, Wood County voters will be asked to consider the renewal of the 1.6 mill Wood County
ADAMHS Board levy. A renewal levy does not ask for additional tax dollars, but to simply keep the
dollars that have been in place for the past several years.
The Wood County Educational Service Center (WCESC) has enjoyed a productive partnership with the Wood
County ADAMHS Board. Because of ADAMHS financial support from tax dollars, WCESC has been able to
implement many effective programs in the Wood County school districts. At the top of the list is the
award winning prevention program called the School and Community Based Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs
(ATOD). Through this program WCESC has been able to place prevention specialists in the school
districts. The prevention specialists provide programming, activities, counseling and resources that
address the dangers and pitfalls of alcohol, tobacco, and drug abuse and addiction. Through the work of
the prevention specialists, and many others, the latest data shows there has been a decrease in the use
of these substances by Wood County students.
In addition, Wood County ADAMHS has provided funding through WCESC for the implementation and support of
several other programs in the Wood County school districts. Included in this programming is the Expect
Respect program, the OLWEUS Anti-Bullying program and a classroom management program called Good
Behavior Game that assists teachers in using instructional time more efficiently. These programs have
been utilized in assisting Wood County school districts in enhancing learning opportunities, creating a
positive culture, and providing various types of support to students and parents.
As most know, some students come to school today with a host of non-school related issues that can be
barriers to learning. Many of these issues are related to mental health. The Wood County school
districts see this issue as a top priority that needs to be addressed. The Wood County ADAMHS Board has
provided funding to the Children’s Resource Center to place mental health counselors in the school
districts. This is a great example of the ADAMHS Board listening to the needs of the community.
I encourage Wood County voters to support the renewal of the 1.6 mill Wood County ADAMHS levy. It will
not cost you additional dollars, and it will continue to provide opportunities to make a positive
difference in countless lives.
Kyle Kanuckel
Superintendent WCESC