PERRYSBURG, Ohio — Voters in Tuesday's election rejected a 5.95-mill bond issue from Perrysburg Schools seeking to build a new elementary school and add more classrooms to its existing buildings, according to unofficial results from the Wood County Board of Elections.
With 100% of precincts reporting, results show 7,371 voters cast ballots against the issue, while 5,783 voters cast ballots in favor of it.
Perrysburg Superintendent Tom Hosler said some of the district's buildings are already past capacity. So, the district turned to voters for help to alleviate what Hosler called its two pressure points: the high school and elementary schools.
The bond issue sought to raise $140 million over 36 years for construction and improvement of school facilities.
People against the issue said their concern is the increase in Wood County's property taxes, which would increase what they pay to the district. It's estimated the owner of a home valued at $250,000 dollars would be paying more than $500 a year.
Hosler said that's the cost of being a "destination district," meaning people move to Perrysburg for several reasons, including the schools.
Hosler addressed the rejection of the bond issue Wednesday, issuing the following statement:
“Dear Perrysburg Community Members,
"I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated volunteers and community members who worked to support our bond issue for the much-needed construction of a new elementary school, expansion of classrooms in three other elementary schools and the addition of 36 classrooms at the high school. I am also very proud of the community group that spent more than 14 months studying our school district’s challenges related to student population growth to bring forth their recommendation to the Board of Education. Your collective commitment to our students and their educational future is appreciated.
"While we had hoped for a different outcome, the result of the recent election was clear, and we respect that decision. Perrysburg Schools remains steadfast in our commitment to providing the best possible educational opportunity we can for our students. Together, we will continue to make a positive impact on the lives of the young minds in our care.”
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