Did You Know?

Perrysburg Schools’ incremental levy on ballot this fall will cost Perrysburg taxpayers $164 million over the eight years.

Year 1: $13.5 million
Year 2: $13.5 million + $2 million = 15.5 million
Year 3: $15.5 million + $2 million = 17.5 million
Year 4: $17.5 million + $2 million = 19.5 million
Year 5: $19.5 million + $2 million = 21.5 million
Year 6: $21.5 million + $2 million = 23.5 million
Year 7: $23.5 million + $2 million = 25.5 million
Year 8: $25.5 million + $2 million = 27.5 million
TOTAL: $164 million over 8 years*

*Confirmed by Wood County’s Auditor’s Office

This is far more of an increase than the cost of one or two lattes per month as described by a school board member. Out of the four options presented, the school board chose the most financially burdensome. One board member dissented, highlighting a lack of fiscal responsibility and the need for operational cuts.

Citizens are also upset about the lack of transparency in spending, especially programs and staff funded by non-recurring COVID funds. Many question the necessity of these expenditures over other educational priorities.

Mr. Hosler’s contingency plan cuts programs, staff, sports and clubs, which has created division and chaos. Cuts might be necessary, but the approach seems designed more for emotional leverage than genuine necessity. At the end of the last school year, the district’s general fund had $25+ million in operating cash and $45+ million in total cash. 

The five-year forecast shows student growth at 2%. Yet in the Ohio Local Capacity Report they reported an increase of 39 students, less than 1% growth! Why? 

The district has been averaging a 5% increase in expenses/year yet they are forecasting an 8% increase in expenses/year in their five-year forecast. In 2025, (current fiscal year) expenses are forecasted to be 13% higher than the actual for fiscal year 2024. Why?  

This situation has led to a broader critique of district leadership, calling for better financial management, transparency and planning before passing a $164 million levy.

As is stands. Perrysburg Schools currently collect more tax money per pupil than neighboring districts. Not all school districts collect a school district income tax.  Perrysburg already gets more tax dollars per pupil than similar, neighboring districts. 

Interesting Facts:

  • At the end of the last school year Perrysburg Schools General Fund had over $25 million in operating cash and over $45 million in total cash.
  • Per the 2023 Cupp Patterson Report Perrysburg School Administrators salary is over $20,000 per Administrator higher than the State average.
  • Per the 2023 Cupp Patterson Report Perrysburg district is operating at $1,001 per student less than the State average. This amount does not factor in that Perrysburg has 9% economically disadvantaged students compared to the State’s 44%. Adjusting for this brings Perrysburg’s cost per student much closer to the State average. Perrysburg is spending money on a per student basis as if it has 44% disadvantaged students.
  • The Perrysburg district has been averaging a 5% increase in expenses per year. They are forecasting in their five-year forecast an 8% increase in expenses per year. In fiscal year 2025 (current school year) expenses are forecasted to be 13% higher than the actual for fiscal year 2024.
  • In the Perrysburg school district’s five year forecast they built an enrollment growth of 2%. The State pays Perrysburg on the average daily membership (adm) for the district as reported on the Ohio’s Local Capacity Report. In school year 2023 the number reported was 5,098. In school year 2024 the number was 5137. That is an increase from year to year of 39 adms (average daily membership). The increase from 2023 to 2024 is less than 1% growth.