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Local school districts react to passed, failed levies

While some districts are celebrating the passing of their levies, others are planning cuts after theirs failed.

PERRYSBURG, Ohio —

School leaders across northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan are reacting to the unofficial results of their levies and bonds.  

Early polling shows 54% of voters said "yes" to Toledo Public Schools' combined levy and bond.

Superintendent Romules Durant said the passage will create promising futures for students.

"I mean, these are the things and opportunities that parents look for to be able to eliminate all barriers and for the fact that there is a system in place to bring their kids through from an 11-year-old to adulthood who is gainfully employed," he said the day after the election.

In Lenawee County, Tecumseh Public Schools superintendent Matt Hilton released the following statement after 53% of voters passed the district's levy:

"Today, we celebrate our community's dedication to creating a brighter future for Tecumseh Public Schools. This support for our sinking fund allows us to tackle much-needed repairs and upgrades that will benefit our students, staff, and community for years. We are honored and grateful for your trust in us to carry this work forward!"

But that sentiment can't be shared with other districts. 

Fifty-four percent of Perrysburg voters voted against the district's incremental operating levy.

"The results came in last night and certainly not what we had hoped for in the schools," Superintendent Tom Hosler said.

It's the third time voters have shot down saying "yes" to giving money to Perrysburg schools in just the past year. 

Hosler said the current levy expires on Jan. 1. And with the levy not passing on election night, the district will be losing out on $13.5 million.

Hosler said that means possible cuts to sports, field trips, foreign language programs and more.

"One thing that will happen that people will begin to notice is that we don't have the funds to increase our staffing and class sizes are going to increase," Hosler said. "Or at the high school level, classes will be closed because there isn't anyone to teach that section."

Blows will also be felt in Findlay, where 52% of voters went against the district's proposed 1% income tax.

Superintendent Andy Hatton said Findlay City Schools hasn't passed a levy in 20 years.

"It is disappointing because we have not had a cost of living increase since the year 2004 and so that operating bucket of money is where we're looking at. We are already deficit spending," he said.

This is the first time the district tried to pass an income tax after property levies failed in the past.

Hatton said the district shot for an income tax because it would not impact those living on fixed incomes, which he says about 30% of the community does.

The district now has no choice but to find places to cut.

"When you talk operating dollars, anywhere from 70 to 80% of a school's operating budget is in people because we serve children," Hatton said. "So that is the fastest way to make up the first round of $5 million in cuts, potentially a second round of maybe $4 million in cuts."

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