We Need Your Support!
Kelly’s Working Well Farm and Chagrin Valley School have been engaged in what has turned into a significant conflict with the Bainbridge Township zoning and fire departments. Rather than work with us to come up with a solution, they have chosen to close down all farm buildings and stated that we will not be able to satisfy the requirements to remove the order until we achieve a conditional use permit, thus losing our agricultural designation. Here is a complete sequence of all events (Article Link).
How You Can Help
In addition, it would be very helpful if public support of the farm and school was made known to all. Letters to the editor of local newspapers, and calls and letters to Bainbridge Township officials, could help to enable a positive resolution.
Our Press Releases
See our official statements on this matter here in the following press releases.
- “Conflict with Bainbridge Zoning & Fire Departments: Our Response to the Recent Actions Taken by Bainbridge Township” – 11/12/19 (Press Release Link)
- “Our Experience with Bainbridge Zoning, Fire & Health: A Clarification of Recent Events with Local Authorities”- 11/22/19 (Press Release Link)
- Here is a complete sequence of all events (Article Link)
In The News
- “Bainbridge Township Shut Down School at Working Well Farm” by Chagrin Valley Times, 11/14/19 (Article Link)
- “Appeal of an Ohio Township’s Zoning Decision Has Major Implications” by Fair Shake Environmental Legal Services, 11/14/19 (Article Link)
- “Parents Voice Support for School Despite Safety Issues” by Chagrin Valley Times, 11/21/19 (Article Link)
Letters of Support
Most of these letters have been published in the Chagrin Valley Times, thank you all so much for your support! We are happy to receive these letters from any community member, please feel free to send us a statement of support, letter to the editor, or a letter to Bainbridge officials and we will post it here! Send to chagrinvalleyschool@gmail.com
Annie Demko, School Parent
As a parent of two children who attend Chagrin Valley School at Kelly’s Working Well Farm, I feel compelled to respond to Fire Chief Lovell’s statement in the 11/14 article…
Nate Bergman, School Parent
My wife and I have been sending one of our children to the Chagrin Valley School for the past two and a half years. Our oldest son is a bright, quirky independent learner…
John Clegg, Community Member
Would you call Patterson’s Fruit Farm or even the Burton Century Village museum a “school?” Even with field trips and educational demonstrations…
Marti Stuedle, School Parent
I would first like to say how much my family has enjoyed coming to know the beautiful Chagrin Valley because of our choice to spend time at Kelly’s Working Well Farm…
Chris & Tanja Courtiol, School Parents
As a parent, I find the amazing responsibility to raise two young children to be the mostwonderful challenge I could ever ask for. This challenge includes entrusting your…
Leah Berkowitz, School Student
Our school is a real sanctuary for me. It is a welcome escape from the stress of the outside world and has greatly enriched my love of learning in the past few months…
Steph Mora, School Parent
Have you ever thought that traditional school doesn’t work for every child? This was the dilemma I was facing a couple years ago with my son. A bright, seven year old boy, who just…
Ian Mungall, Staff Member
I have been a head staff member of Chagrin Valley School at Kelly’s Working Well Farm for 3 of the school’s 4 years of operation. I would first like to say thank you to the local businesses…
Jennifer Berry-Chan, School Parent
My family recently joined the community of Kelly’s Working Well Farm and the school community.
We are considering settling here after finding such a unique….
Suzanne Galvez, School Parent
I am writing to express my family’s concern around the actions the City of Bainbridge has taken to effectively close the Chagrin Valley School resource center located at Kelly’s…
Malena Galvez, School Student
I have been a student of Kelly’s homeschool resource for 2 years. Even though I’ve come to school for 2 I have gone to the farm for 8. I have missed the event…
Chris Courtiol, School Parent
This past Saturday Chagrin Valley School hosted a craft fair and fundraiser in Chagrin Falls. It was a wonderful affair attended by creative, caring, and compassionate…