Perrysburg school board debates May 2025 operating levy; asks staff to draft $13.5 million options

Perrysburg Exempted Village Board of Education members at a special meeting discussed whether to put an operating levy on the May 2025 ballot and what amount to seek, debating $13.5 million and $14 million proposals, a smaller $9–9.5 million continuing ask, and the risks of asking voters multiple times in one year.

Board member Ms. Menke urged the board to place both a permanent-improvement (PI) levy and an operating levy on the May ballot, saying, “I do believe that we need to put an operating levy on for May and not wait until November.” She argued that presenting both levies in May — along with a clear list of planned PI projects and their estimated costs — would signal the board’s fiscal intent and allow time for community dialogue.

The discussion centered on several connected issues: the district’s multi-year forecast; roughly $6 million in cuts already adopted for the coming year; an administration proposal to use about $7.5 million from savings to cover operations through June 30; and…