Toledo Public Schools is moving toward major changes, including the proposed closing of six elementary schools, as the district works to close a multi-million dollar budget gap. The board’s proposal, announced Wednesday, also would shift 7th and 8th graders from three schools and change how athletics are handled if the plan is approved.
The six elementary schools targeted for closure are Pickett, Walbridge, Spring, Harvard, Westfield and Navarre. TPS also wants to move 7th and 8th graders from Marshal, Old Orchard and Beverly to Start and Bowsher High Schools, with Bowsher becoming an Arts and Science Academy under the plan.
The district said the move is designed to help address a deficit that fell to just under $27 million after cuts made in January. Jim Gault said those January reductions brought the number down and that the district is now proposing how to deal with the remaining gap. Chris Varwig said the board understands the toll of the idea, saying it breaks his heart to think about closing schools, but that the deficit still has to be handled.
TPS has said it is responding to fewer students and higher expenses, and the proposal is part of a broader effort to right-size the district. Dr. Romules Durant said the system has to fit its spending within the budget, regardless of what happens with state or federal funding, and said districts are required by law to balance their forecasts within a reasonable amount of time. He said the district will keep looking for ways to be more creative, innovative and efficient while still giving students more opportunities.
The plan also calls for a one-mile walk zone and bell time adjustments. Athletics would continue based on viable participation if the proposal is adopted. The full school board is set to consider the proposal at its April 28 meeting, when members will decide whether Toledo schools begin one of the biggest rounds of changes the district has proposed in years.
