PERRYSBURG, Ohio — The Perrysburg Athletic Boosters organization is proposing a solution to save some sports teams from budget cuts the school district is considering after a levy failed on the November ballot.
Travis Lattimore, executive board member of the boosters, proposed the plan to fill the financial gap on Monday at a meeting with the school board as the district faces the possibility of cutting freshman teams, junior varsity-B teams and other sports programs.
“We are willing and able to bridge the gap,” Lattimore said. “The executive board has met with the athletic director, we’ve met with the superintendent. We believe that currently we have enough cash on hand, plus through fundraising efforts, we can support the sports teams for years to come.”
Eric Benington, president of the Perrysburg School Board, said the board is considering the boosters’ proposal along with recommendations from other groups.
“We’re getting a lot of feedback from a lot of different organizations and we’ll be considering a lot of different thoughts that we’re hearing from the community,” Benington said.
While the boosters’ plan may save some athletic programs, the district is still preparing to cut approximately 61 positions, including teaching, support and administrative roles.
Officials are already discussing placing another school funding measure on the ballot next year.
“I certainly think there will be a permanent improvement levy and it's likely we’ll continue to discuss what a November operational levy will look like,” Benington said.
No decision was made on the boosters’ proposal during Monday night's meeting.