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Kristina
Madden, Shanna Good and their children Josie, Callee, Ava,
Braxton and Mary,
were canvassing the Magnolia to Gardenwood areas just
north of the high school
on July 13. They said feedback was positive
from all those they talked with.
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Levy volunteers
excited, blanketing district with door hangers
By Bob Robinson
GREENVILLE – “It was mass organized chaos,” said Greenville Schools
Levy Campaign Tri-director Jan Teaford. “They were coming in all
excited… it was like the year of the locusts.”
Teaford estimated about 100 people were on the street the morning of
July 13 when they kicked off their “Door Hanging” campaign. Kids,
teachers, ex-teachers, high school students and other members of the
community had volunteered to cover the district with the door hangers
urging voters to support the levy.
One excited child said “we’re going to get a new school!”
“This means more to us than anything,” Teaford said, “not just for the
community but for our kids.”
David Madden, son Kryden and family friend Cooper Hunt were in the area
of Honeysuckle Drive and Holly Hill.
“Several people have come out and talked to us,” Madden said. “Comments
were positive. They think it’s time for new schools.”
Nick Good and son Carson said the same thing.
“One of the people we talked with said her kids had gone through school
and graduated. She would like to see Greenville Pride come back.”
Two young parents, Kristina Madden and Shanna Good, were canvassing the
areas of Magnolia, Primrose and Gardenwood around Holly Hill. With them
were their children Josie Madden, Callee Moore and Ava Good, all
Woodland students. Being transported in carriages were Braxton Moore
and Mary Lee.
Josie, Callee and Ava grabbed the door hangers and ran up to the doors.
One resident brought the kids water. Later, as the group stopped to
plan their next step, a motorcyclist drove by and gave them the “thumbs
up.”
Madden and Good said comments were all positive.
The canvassing is expected to continue until all areas are covered. It
was estimated the campaign would take about 10 days. The Greenville
School District was broken into about 25 canvassing sections, including
Gettysburg and Wayne Lakes. When finished, all district residents
should be reached.
Earlier in the week, July 9, volunteers were prepped on how the
campaign would be handled.
“You don’t have to knock on the doors, you don’t have to talk to
anyone… just leave the door hangers,” said Beth Cain, the coordinator.
“If someone wants to talk, that’s okay,” said Teaford. “If you have the
information to talk, okay. If you don’t then get contact information
and we will get back to them.”
Canvassers were also told to walk in pairs or more and politely decline
if offered to go inside.
Volunteers were also advised the levy committee had turned in five
float requests for the 50th Annie Oakley Days Parade.
“It’s going to be big parade, we were told,” they said.
In a recent email, Bill Gunkle, Annie Oakley Festival Committee
president, concurred, noting a large parade was already confirmed with
more entries coming in each day.
Volunteers were told there are spots for six floats, plus the Wave
Wagon. Current plans include a float each for Woodland, East, South,
the junior high and the high school. Since political messages are not
allowed, the committee can’t say to vote for the levy, but will use the
campaign’s slogan, “Strong Schools Strong Community.”
Tri-chair Susan Spille said they will also have a presence at the
Gathering at Garst the same weekend, and there will be a rally at the
Circle on Aug. 3 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“We’re planning to have hot dogs and cold drinks available at the Wave
Wagon,” she added.
Matt Light reportedly expects “tons of people” at his event at
Chenowith Trail at 6 p.m. the night before the election, Aug. 5. Spille
reported the school mascot will be there along with entertainment and a
live auction. Light will take the mike at 8:20. Rain location will be
at the high school.
The committee plans to get a TV to watch the election results, location
not yet determined.
Someone noted one of their supporters voted the first day voting was
possible… she was number 68 to vote.
GSD Superintendent Doug Fries said one of the things he hears on a
regular basis is the voters want to get to know their board members. He
hoped they would consider getting out more into the community.
He also thanked supporters for their hard work.
“Thank you for your work, smiles and dedication,” he said.
See the complete photo gallery by clicking here
Story published
courtesy of The Early Bird; Some photos courtesy of Jan Teaford
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More
than 20 people, plus school board members, were at a levy
committee planning session
on July 9. Events through the remainder of
the campaign period were discussed.
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