November 2008 Election - Issues

TPS Property Tax Levies on the Ballot - Issues 34 & 35

The Urban Coalition recommends a NO vote on both Issues 34 and 35

• From the Lucas County Board of Election Web Site - Official Ballot Language
• We recommend a NO vote on Issues 34 and 35 - written by Steven Flagg
• Toledo Free Press - Look at Issue 35, with interest - In the current economic climate we have no idea at what interest rate or cost the bonds will be issued for - if they can be issued at all. The levy should easily cost twice the amount asked for over 28 years - at least $70 million over 28 years.
• Toledo Blade - FOR TPS Issues 34, 35 - There are a number of "let's lightly skip over the facts" and at least one misleading statement about Scott High School in the Blade editorial. Academic progress is not what it should be and has been up and down from an F to a C- and, yes, TPS is again a C-. For a balanced perspective on TPS' grade cards and academic performance, check this out. As to Scott High School, passage of this levy does not guarantee Scott will be renovated. The steps are levy passage, board approval. At $7 million or more of local dollars to renovate Scott, it is not likely the board will consider this a cost effective use of local funds. Remember, TPS has already included two smaller secondary schools to replace Scott and Libbey in the OSFC building program while only having to pay the 23% matching requirement that can come from the original bond issue. Although it is true that Scott would not be renovated at all if the levy does not pass. You should note that the Blade does not question TPS finances nor do they question the need for more buildings. The Blade is in favor of renovating Scott and this is likely their major reason for asking Toledoans to give money to TPS that will go back to TPS property tax payers as the final costs of the program are determined.
• TPS Talking Points regarding Issues 34 & 35
• TPS Levy History - Property tax issues on the ballot and results

Financial Reports & Analysis

• November 2007 Five Year Financial Forecast - PDF - Excel
• May 2008 Five Year Financial Forecast - PDF - Excel
• Comparison of November 2007 to May 2008 Five Year Financial Forecasts
• Here is an example of how TPS uses your money - Subsidizing the Neighborhood Health Association- did you vote to have your tax dollars go this Association or Toledo Public Schools?

Reports, Documents & Analysis

TPS 2008 Capacity Planning Document

October 2008 Student Enrollment Counts by School

UC Enrollment Analysis - coming soon

Urban Coalition Reports on the Building Program

• June 2006 Report - Review of June 2006 building program and proposed changes - analysis of the current situation of the Building for Success program. Report documentation.
• September 2004 Report - Concerns about the Building Program - contains analysis, narrative and recommendations of SOS and the Urban Coalition.

February 29, 2008 Toledo Free Press - Demand change by voting down the TPS levy renewal - The March 2008 levy - Nothing has changed and the arguments are still valid!