As a local Pediatrician and Internist (adult specialist), I am honored to care for our local youth and their parents. A main focus of the child and adolescent visits is school performance because development in the classroom in these early years is so important to future success.
I can confidently say that many of these children benefit from smaller class sizes. Many times, learning or developmental issues can be improved with more directed, one-on-one teacher time. Current class sizes of 25-30+ will worsen if the referendum fails—41 would lose their jobs over 2 years.
Many families I talk with moved to Avon schools specifically due to their children’s special needs. Avon has a great reputation for providing outstanding outcomes for these special students. These programs too will suffer, as fewer special-education teachers will be available to provide learning and life skills.
I also get to see amazing youth that is thriving at school and at home. Many are involved in extracurricular activities like the arts, music, clubs, and sports. These activities provide a student important developmental advantages such as teaching time management skills and collaboration with peers. Just as importantly, studies show that kids who are involved in extra-curricular activities are more likely to graduate and less likely to become involved with drugs and alcohol. These wonderful developmental benefits will also diminish with a failed referendum.
Please vote YES to help Avon schools continue to support the growth and development of our youth.
John Unison, M.D., FAAP