When it comes to the school voucher system, the Lucas County commissioners stand with Toledo Public Schools in expressing their opposition to the program.
At the April 11 meeting, the county commissioners approved a resolution stating their belief that the legislation currently before the Ohio 135th General Assembly “would defund public education, diminish local autonomy from boards of education, harmfully target members of our community and/or interfere with Lucas County students’ rights to receive a quality education.”
The commissioners said they “fervently oppose” House Bills 11 and 13 and Senate Bill 11. “Each of these bills works in conjunction to expand the current EdChoice Scholarship voucher and would seek to establish a universal voucher program.”
They further noted that “metrics show that voucher systems do not improve educational outcomes and instead, can lead to racial, religious and socioeconomic segregation, which negatively impacts educational and social outcomes.”
In addition, the commissioners object to the diversion of tax dollars from public schools to private and charter schools “which are not accountable to taxpayers.”
“If these bills were to be passed into law, it would cost the state over $1 billion per year and would decrease state aid to public schools by $68.5 million in 2024 and $66.5 million in 2025,” said Pete Gerken, board president.
He added, “The board is committed to supporting our public school district’s ability to provide an equitable, quality education. We believe in a child’s fundamental right to receive high-quality education and our public duty is to ensure such.”
Personnel
Following an executive session, the commissioners approved a number of personnel appointments.
They are: Cailin Werner, canine care and control technician; Robert Dixon and Shaun Warren, custodial workers in the facilities department; Raquel Copeland, clerical specialist, facilities department; Alysha Klotz, eligibility specialist, job and family services; Hussein Awada and Laura Harvey, trainer 2, job and family services; Kevin Warren, lateral transfer to business systems specialist, job and family services, and Teri Coolman, deputy director of benefits and human resources, human resources.
The board also appointed Administrator Jessica Ford to the county’s workforce development board.
Other Business
In other business, the commissioners: •Approved a joint agreement with the City of Waterville and the townships of Monclova, Sylvania and Waterville for the 2023 long line striping of roads.
County Engineer Mike Pniewski plans to paint center and edge lines on county roads in these jurisdictions, necessitating an agreement.
The jurisdictions will be invoiced 80 percent of their roads’ portion of the project. The estimated cost is Waterville, $10,420; Monclova Township, $27,480; Sylvania Township, $6,710, and Waterville Township, $12,155.
•Authorized a change order with Gerken Paving Inc., for the roundabout project at State Route 295 and Waterville-Neapolis Road, increasing the contract amount by $47,759. The total project cost is now $992,597.
•Approved the updating and creation of policies related to harassment, discrimination, ethics, retaliation and equal employment opportunities.
•Authorized the county engineer to reject all bids and rebid the drainage improvement project on Old Airport Highway.
Two bids were received, and both exceeded by more than 10 percent the engineer’s estimate of $245,943.
•Amended an agreement with Kokosing Industrial, Inc., for site and facility improvements at the water resource recovery facility in Monclova Township for an additional $98,973, bringing the total cost to $3.2 million.
•Accepted a grant award of $45,000 from the Supreme Court of Ohio for a program to link systems of care for opioidexposed infants and children. A $10,000 match is required.
•Agreed to participate in the Ohio Department of Transportation winter contract for road salt.
•Accepted a MacArthur Foundation’s Safety + Justice Challenge Capstone funding of $480,000. The grant will be used to sustain reforms that safely reduce the county’s jail population and address racial and ethnic disparities in the justice system.
•Declared April as Child Abuse Prevention Month and noted that in Lucas County last year, there were more than 1,400 cases of child abuse or neglect reported.
“The best defense against child abuse is a well-informed, strong, healthy family and to bring awareness in the community that programs and services are available to parents and children who need assistance.” said Commissioner Tina Skeldon Wozniak.
•Extended a private agreement for sanitary sewer and water supply lines to Stoney Creek plat four in Monclova Township.
•Approved a 12-year, 0 percent loan with Betty Newman, owner on North Centennial Road. The loan is for repayment of costs associated with connection to the sanitary sewer system.
