TOLEDO, Ohio — The theme for Toledo Public Schools as students return from winter break is "restart, refocus, respect."
Those were the words from Superintendent Romules Durant Tuesday as he outlined the district's approach to keeping kids safe before, during and after the school day. Toledo saw a record year of violence in 2021 and many victims were TPS students.
"We are tired of forums and tired of talking about it," Durant said. "Today is about action."
Durant was joined by dozens of people at Waite High School committed to providing various forms of programming, intervention and other support to district students.
Those organizations include:
- Toledo Community Coalition
- NAACP Toledo
- Boys & Girls Club
- YMCA of Greater Toledo
- Junction Coalition
- Frederick Douglass Community Center
- The Movement
- Buffalo Soldiers
- City Park League
- Homeboys Motorcycle Club
The Young Men of Excellence program will also work with youth. Mentors will be graduates of TPS high schools who are now forging their own paths in the real world in a variety of career fields.
"Oftentimes we see the conversation starts, we get the momentum up, and then it dies down. This conversation will mean nothing if we don't actually start to put a plan in action and follow through with that plan," Waite High School graduate Jeremy Pratt said.
Pratt, who is also a member of Young Men of Excellence, says this is something the district needs and what he's been pushing for.
"Kids want to see those who walked the same streets and talk the same talk," Durant said. "The kids love to hear your stories and how you came out of it because they can relate."
The people and organizations partnering with TPS will provide students with volunteer opportunities, intervention, social and emotional learning opportunities, among other forms of assistance and guidance.
Durant also announced that Toledo City Councilman John Hobbs III will work in the district as a substitute teacher.
There have been multiple incidents this school year involving guns found inside TPS buildings. Durant said the district will continue daily weapons checks and will periodically use metal detectors.
However, he asked parents and guardians to do their part.
"When they say it takes a village, that village starts at home," he said. "I ask you to do your part. You should know what's in that bag or that jacket."
Toledo experienced 70 homicides in 2021 - a record high. Recently, a 14-year-old Arlington Elementary student was shot and killed.