Perrysburg Schools Announces Staff Cuts Amid Financial Shortfall

PERRYSBURG, Ohio — Perrysburg Schools has made the difficult decision to eliminate 26 positions due to an ongoing financial crisis that has left the district facing a significant budget shortfall. On Monday, the district’s Board of Education voted unanimously to cut 26 positions, resulting in the loss of 15 staff members’ jobs, effective August 1.

The cuts, which include positions such as elementary teachers, music educators, intervention specialists, and social workers, come after voters rejected a crucial levy proposal last fall, leading to a $13.5 million budget shortfall. The district is now implementing $6 million in cuts and using $7.5 million from its reserves to bridge the financial gap.

Board member Eric Benington expressed the heartache felt by the board in making these decisions, acknowledging the quality of the staff members affected. “Perrysburg hires very, very good people and these very, very good people are on this list,” Benington said before casting his vote in favor of the cuts.

Among the 15 staff members whose jobs were eliminated, eight are elementary teachers, three are music teachers, two are intervention specialists, and two are social workers. The remaining 11 eliminated positions are vacant, left unfilled after resignations and retirements.

Superintendent Tom Hosler emphasized the district’s efforts to shield classroom teaching positions from cuts. “We really worked hard to keep those reductions away from the classroom to the best of our ability. And, um, and so, despite that, we’re still here, and it’s heartbreaking,” Hosler stated.

With further cuts expected, the district is aiming to eliminate a total of 62 positions as it continues to grapple with the budget shortfall. The upcoming months will be critical as the district seeks new funding sources.

In May, Perrysburg Schools will return to the ballot, asking voters to renew a permanent improvement levy, which funds projects like building upgrades and bus replacements. Without the renewal, Hosler warned, the district would face even greater challenges in balancing its budget.

Looking ahead, the district also plans to ask voters for a new money levy in November, a proposal that could provide much-needed financial support for student programs and services.

As Perrysburg Schools navigates these financial difficulties, it is clear that local funding decisions will play a pivotal role in determining the district’s ability to maintain its current educational offerings. The district’s leadership remains hopeful that the community will respond with the necessary support to avoid further cuts in the future.