TOLEDO, Ohio – The Toledo Public Schools district is seeking voter approval for Issue 9, a new property tax levy that would bring in roughly $22 million each year. The money is intended to cover rising operational costs, recent state funding cuts and inflation, and to fund the transformation of Bowsher High School into the Bowsher Arts and Science Academy.
Why the levy is needed
Superintendent Romules Durant explained that the district lost $24 million in the last biennial budget cycle. “What this does is help replace dollars that we lost in the last biennial budget,” Durant said. He added that the levy would allow the district to keep its “Transformation 2.0” plan on track, which emphasizes hands‑on classroom experiences and protects existing student programs.
Goals for students
Durant said the district’s ultimate aim is for 100 % of its high‑school students to graduate with industry credentials, college credit, or both. “The goal is to have 100 % of our kids not only graduate but more importantly have industry credentials and college credit and that starts with support and tax dollars,” he said.
To reach that goal, the district plans to expand career‑tech programs across its community schools, including Scott High School, Waite High School and the newly rebranded Bowsher Arts and Science Academy. Durant projected that within three to five years, every high‑school student could be aligned with a career pathway or a college preparatory track.
What happens if voters reject the levy?
If Issue 9 does not pass, Durant warned that the district would face “much more challenging” circumstances and would have to make additional cuts. He noted that the district already made “tough decisions” in 2025 to balance the budget, trying to protect students as much as possible while trimming other expenses.
“We tried to make decisions that are further away from children,” Durant said. “In 2025 we had to make some challenging decisions responding to that biennial budget, and so we are finding ourselves in that same scenario but at the same time we feel very good and positive about the momentum we have going for this campaign.”
How voters can weigh in
Issue 9 will appear on the ballot in the upcoming municipal election. Residents who support the district’s vision for expanded arts, science and career‑tech opportunities are encouraged to vote in favor of the levy. Those who are concerned about tax increases can review the district’s financial statements, which are publicly available on the Toledo Public Schools website.
Community leaders, parents and local businesses have been invited to attend informational forums hosted by the district throughout October. The forums aim to answer questions about how the levy funds will be allocated and to demonstrate the long‑term economic benefits of a well‑trained local workforce.
Looking ahead
Durant expressed confidence that the levy, if approved, will sustain the district’s momentum toward a modernized education system that prepares students for both college and the skilled trades. “We are moving forward with a clear vision for our students’ futures,” he said. “With the community’s support, we can ensure every child has the resources they need to succeed.”
Original reporting: 13abc WTVG Toledo (news) — read the source article.
