TPS is moving forward with a plan aimed at changing the district's structure and saving more than $25 million. Tuesday night, the board of education approved phase one, turning all elementary schools into K-through-8 schools.
"I think it's the way to go," said board president Bob Vasquez. "I think all of our research and our experience at Toledo Public Schools shows that it's the way to go."
Board member Larry Sykes said, "I think this will be very positive for the kids. We'll get the older students with the younger students and help them with mentoring. We'll get brothers and sisters who have gone to different schools, parents can take them to one school now."
Retired resident Ralph Trease isn't convinced. "I think it's too quick," he said. "Two weeks is all the time they gave us to even think about it. They passed out the information two weeks ago. Tonight they say let's go."
Also as part of phase one, the board approved closing five schools. Superintendent Jerome Pecko says, "The buildings that we are abandoning are schools that have been around for many years, in the 50 to 60 year old range."
In May, the board is expected to vote on cutting employees. More than 130 jobs are on the line for TPS teachers. If the full transformation plan is put into effect, art, music, and PE teachers will be eliminated.
The district is also anticipating an additional $12 million in savings from union concessions.
