Urban Coalition opposes TPS' $15.7M renewal levy

10/20/2004

The Urban Coalition, a grass-roots organization of community groups dedicated to improving the quality of education by focusing on accountability, funding, and reform in public education, yesterday announced its opposition to Toledo Public Schools' $15.7 million renewal levy on the November ballot.

"I don't believe district officials understand how property taxes work. Any time there is a tax assessment, there are people who pay higher taxes," said Steven Flagg, a coalition spokesman. "This is a tax increase for almost every homeowner in Toledo, and we want to see the best bang for our dollar."

He said his organization would work to oppose the levy because the school system has not kept its promises. Mr. Flagg said the best opportunity for discussing some of the key issues facing the district is when it comes to passing a levy.