A look at the cuts that could be coming to Perrysburg Schools if levy fails in November

PERRYSBURG, Ohio (WTVG) – We are getting a clearer picture of what kinds of cuts could be coming to Perrysburg Schools next year if voters do not approve the levy on the November ballot.

Some of the cuts on the table include reductions to the reading program, bussing and athletics.

“It’s devastating. I don’t think that there’s any other way to put it,” said Carly Salamone, who has two children in the Perrysburg school system.

The Perrysburg school district could soon face a different reality after the Board of Education announced $6 million in cuts at Monday night’s board meeting.

“It’s a money problem. And when there isn’t funding to sustain the programming we have, we have to look at making reductions in areas where we can. And we can’t cut second grade,” said Assistant Superintendent of Perrysburg Schools, Brook Price.

According to the Board of Education’s website, some of the reductions could include: Going to the state minimum of transportation, elimination of reading intervention, K-6 technology and middle school and high school athletics.

13 Action News spoke with several parents who say they moved into the district specifically for the school system.

“When we were looking at different communities, Perrysburg had the best schools in the area, there was really no question about wanting to raise a kid here, wanting to raise our family here,” said Salamone.

“We made our lives in this community. We uprooted ourselves from Pennsylvania, we drove eight hours, we moved to Perrysburg, we bought a house, we attend church in Perrysburg. And it felt like we had made a mistake. Made a bad choice for our family,” said Anna Marley, who has one child in the Perrysburg school system.

However, those who are against the levy request say there’s more to the issue than just dollars and cents.

“Last night was the first time that we heard about the specific cuts and they’ve known that if the levy doesn’t pass, that they would have to make cuts for a long, long time,” said Maria Ermie, spokesperson for Perrysburg Stands Up. “They waited until last night and actually told the board that they had to vote on it a minute after it was presented. How can anybody have faith that the process is working?”

“The things on the cut list, these are tough decisions. None of our administrators and directors want to do these things, but we’re tasked with saying — having a plan. If it doesn’t pass, what do we need to operate and what could we do to maintain safe operations and still provide the education we need to for students?” said Price.

The 5-year, 7.8-mil levy will raise $11 million for the district. It would cost a homeowner of a $200,000 home about $546 a year.

The district is holding several community meetings to inform residents about the upcoming levy. Here is the schedule:

– Tuesday, Sept. 23, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Sidelines Sports Eatery

– Wednesday, Sept. 24, from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. at Maddie & Bella Coffee

– Thursday, Sept. 25, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Way Library

– Friday, Sept. 26, from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. on Facebook Live @PerrysburgSchools

You can learn more about the upcoming levy here.

Latest Local News | First Alert Weather | Crime | National | 13abc Originals