Perrysburg voters approved an $11 million levy, preserving school programs and staff. However, not everyone is thrilled with the results.
PERRYSBURG, Ohio —
Student clubs, languages, band, theater, sports, and much more are staying in Perrysburg.
66% percent of voters said “yes” to Perrysburg Schools’ $11 million levy.
“I know times are tough and a lot of people are really having a hard time just trying to meet ends meet, but I think the most important thing is funding education and programs,” said Perrysburg resident Noah Tye. “The next generation definitely needs the opportunities to grow and learn and express themselves through the arts, through sports, you know, the sciences.”
In September, the board of education approved several cuts for the next school year in the event that the levy failed.
Those cuts included more than a dozen sports and arts programs, plus staff positions.
The “yes” vote comes a year after the community rejected a $13.5 million levy.
“I knew this community would wrap their arms around our staff and our kids. I think we were feeling a little beat up here in Perrysburg after the last election, but I think this is exactly what this community stands for, which is excellent schools,” said interim superintendent Dr. Kadee Anstadt.
Anstadt said the district is filled with gratitude following the passage.
Recent levies have faced backlash, especially from the group, Perrysburg Stands Up.
In a statement to WTOL 11, the group’s leader, Maria Ermie, said, “The district’s strategy of threatening sports and extracurriculars over the reduction of unnecessary staff positions, coupled with using students as leverage, proved effective. However, that victory comes with a reminder: the district’s financial mismanagement remains unresolved. It will be only a matter of time until the district asks for more funding. Perrysburg Stands Up is relieved that students will keep their cherished extracurriculars, but we will not look the other way while administrative bloat continues to drain resources. We will continue to hold the district accountable and push the new board to deliver the accountability and fiscal responsibility this community deserves.”
Supporters stated the levy was needed, especially for students.
“If we keep funding programs like that, I think we’ll have you know, more leaders in our community and more students making an impact,” Tye said.
“We know that this is what keeps our district and our community strong. This wasn’t just about the school district. This was about the community of Perrysburg,” Anstadt added.
This article was published by Sophia Perricone on 2025-11-05 17:26:00
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