STRONGSVILLE, Ohio — Strongsville School District parent mentor Teresa Karsnak knows the challenges of raising a child with a disability.
"It's hard to be a parent. It's 10 times harder to be a parent of child with a disability."
Her daughter was born with high-functioning autism and received early intervention support while attending Strongsville schools. It's the experience of raising her that inspired Karsnak to become a parent mentor within the district.
For the past 17 years, she has been a support system for parents with students who have special needs. She guides them through a difficult and often times, uncertain educational journey.
"It's a roller coaster when you have a child with a disability," Karsnak said. "To have a person there that understands the process and I was in there shoes so I understand their needs."
But due to looming budget cuts, Karsnak's role will be eliminated if the proposed levy isn't passed by voters. She fears a large void would be left for parents and students who need it most.
"If that resource isn't in place parents are going to be out there on their own and that's going to make the special education journey that much more difficult."
In the levy, the Strongsville School District is asking voters to approve a new 5-year, 5.9-mill tax. This would add an extra tax of $1.13 per day for residents who live in a $200,000 home. The school says this would provide financial stability through the 2026-2027 school year.
If it is not passed there will be numerous cuts including the elimination of a guidance counselor, reduced work days and the parent mentor position would also be cut. If that happens, Karsnak fears the worst for the district and community.
“I don’t want to see the kids that are in school now not have the opportunities that my kids had. If you want opportunities in our community to continue to grow then you have to support the levy. You have to do it for the kids.”