In a Dec. 21 news release, the Toledo School District formally announced it is seeking voter approval for a new tax levy that will be used to fund a $3.1 million stadium at Toledo High School.
Voters will have the chance to decide on the levy on Feb. 14.
The high school’s stadium was originally built in the 1970s but no significant improvements have been made since grandstands and lights were added 26 years ago. “School levies are a direct reflection of local priorities,” said Toledo School District Superintendent Chris Rust in the release. “Athletic programs and facilities receive zero basic education dollars from the state. When it comes to sports, we get what our community puts into it.”
The current stadium has a dirt and gravel track. Because of that, the district can’t host home track meets and the Toledo High School track team has to practice at neighboring schools to use the type of track experienced in competition.
“Our track program has more participants than any other athletic program, and our athletes don’t have a venue to practice and compete on,” Don Schaplow, Toledo High School track head coach, said in the release.
According to the release, the district recently saved $1.75 million during the new high school’s construction because of strategic financial planning. That construction was funded by a bond.
“No one will pay a tax on the bond from 2023 until 2028,” said Toledo School Board Chair Monique Norberg in the release.
Due to the continuing rising costs of construction, Rust urged voters to take the opportunity to fund the project before inflation drives prices higher.
If approved, the levy will be in effect from January 2024 through December 2027 and taxpayers would pay $0.90 per $1,000 of accessed property value while in effect.
Improvements to be made include a new rubberized track and field to improve safety for athletes and allow Toledo High School to host track meets, new restrooms, a concession stand and an enclosed grandstand to provide shelter during adverse weather.
The district will hold a community dinner and forum on Jan. 14, 2023 at 6 p.m. at Toledo High School to provide more information.
Additionally, more information can be found online at https://www.toledoschools.us/assets/capital-levy-2023-q-and-a.pdf.
