FREMONT, OH (Toledo News Now) - Leaders say the School of Hope in Fremont, which provides specialized care for children with a variety of disabilities, would be forced to close if a levy on the November ballot fails.
The school is asking voters in Fremont to approve a 2 mill levy on November 6. It would cost the owner of a $100,000 home about $5.10 per month. Leaders say the $2.2 million generated each year would make up for the more than $1 million cut the school saw to its state funding.
"It's very, very tough. But that's the only way we have now to seek new monies. Tax payers are who we are looking to," said Deb Yenrick, Superintendent of the Sandusky County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
The school has a therapy pool, customized playground and staff with specialized training and experience.
"We can provide a high level of staffing that they need. We can provide the nursing that they need. We have a lot of expertise that it would take awhile for someone else to catch up on," said Becky Holtgreven, Director of Children Services.
If the levy fails, students at the school will have to return to their home district or become home schooled.
"It would be very, very hard for them and their families. They feel safe. They know when their kids are here the people are trained, and they know what their students' need," said Holtgreven.
