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TPS leaders vote to put 5.8 mill levy on November ballot

The vote happened Tuesday June 24. It means you'll see a new five year 5.8 mill levy on the November ballot. This levy would generate around $13 million annually. The money would be used for several things including transportation, permanent improvement projects, and maintenance on the school buildings.

TOLEDO, OH (Toledo News Now) - Toledo Public School leaders say they need more money to run the district. In order to get that money, they will be turning to community members. School board leaders just voted to put a new levy on the ballot this November.

The vote happened Tuesday June 24. It means you'll see a new five year 5.8 mill levy on the November ballot. This levy would generate around $13 million annually. The money would be used for several things including transportation, permanent improvement projects, and maintenance on the school buildings.

"We could have all the greatest things, but if kids are having to travel multiple miles in unsafe conditions, a lot of times they're not going to get themselves there," said Dr. Romules Durant, Toledo Public Schools Superintendent.

Board members say having this extra money would also allow the district to offer teachers and administrators a more competitive salary. They say surrounding areas are sometimes able to offer $20,000 or $30,000 more to their employees.

"If you're not competitive then you can't recruit and retain," said Lisa Sobecki, School Board member.

Superintendent Durant says he will be working hard to connect with community members, both those with and without kids, to stress the importance of this levy.

"Superintendents should be campaigning every day of the year. I go to churches every Sunday. I go to multiple events to stay connected in regards to what's going on in the community. When the community feels connected to the school, then they feel there is a vested interest in regards to support in schools," said Durant.

Last November voters supported a renewal levy for the district. That was not new money, just maintaining what the district was getting. The last time voters in Toledo approved new money for TPS was in 2000.

TPS is having a public meeting Wednesday June 25 to discuss the budget and answer any questions. It will be at 5:30 in the Thurgood Marshall Building board room.

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