After Zionsville Community Schools told 16 teachers Wednesday, April 27, that they were going to be let go after this school year, one Zionsville resident is stepping up with plans to do something about it.
Steve Freeland, an 11-year Zionsville resident and parent of children in ZCS, began the 90-16 campaign: a program that will try to raise enough money in 90 days to save 16 teaching positions.
“I felt like it needed it to be done,” Freeland said. “ I don’t see any other way of making it happen. I feel if nobody does anything, the 16 positions will go away and I don’t see anyone doing anything about it.”
Freeland said the campaign is strictly a personal, citizen-based initiative. Throughout the next 90 days, by July 31, Freeland and a committee that is being formed, plans to go door to door and host fundraisers in order to save the teacher positions.
“I hope that people give the amount of money they would have if the referendum had passed,” he said. “I am also asking that businesses step up as well. I am so convinced we can do it. We can make things happen if we want it to happen. It’s not impossible.”
Freeland said if the referendum had passed in the November 2010 election, all residents would be paying the bill by May 10.
“All the voters that said yes, you have already committed to pay,” he said. “I believe those that voted yes should be the first to step up and the people that voted no should take a serious look at this and step up as well.”
Scott Robison, Zionsville Community School superintendent, said Freeland was the first person to contact him to donate money after the referendum failed.
Robison said when donations greater than $100 are presented to the school board, in order for those monies to be useable for the school, the board would have to accept the donation — and Robison said he doesn’t see why the board wouldn’t.
“I have known Steve for a long time,” Robison said. “He is a guy who gets stuff done. He is bright, interested, committed and supportive. If there is anyone who can do such a thing, it would be Steve Freeland.”
Freeland plans to set up a 501c3 account with the Community Foundation of Boone County. He would like to get as many people to pledge how much they would like to donate by May 31. He also plans to set up a website to access pledge sheets.