After four failed attempts, Toledo voters passed a bond approving millions in funding for a new high school. Some people believe the current school should be condemned.
“Did this really happen? Are we really going to get a new high school?" said Superintendent Chris Rust.
Rust couldn't be happier.
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“It was like winning state basketball. Everybody was just over the moon, and we still are,” he said.
After four failed attempts, 73 percent of Toledo voters agreed Tuesday that it's time for students to get a new high school.
“Everyone just talked about how we will be one of the first classes to be in the new school, so I'm super excited,” said freshman Greenlee Clark.
Toledo High School was built 44 years ago. Many of the ceiling tiles are stained black.
"The leaking roof is obviously a huge distraction for the students as they're trying to learn. There's a bucket that water is dripping into for their whole class period,” said Mike Christensen, who is a teacher and parent in the Toledo School District.
Parts of the wall are crumbling and classroom dividers don't keep the sound out or in.
“It's really hard to listen and go on with your education when you can hear the other classes going on right next door to you because we don't have real walls,” said junior Katie Bowen.
The new school will cost $25 million. Of that, $10 million will come from a state grant, $8 million is state construction assistance and the remaining $7 million is taxpayer dollars.
“I'm definitely looking forward to having good ceilings again, computers, outlets and new walls,” said freshman Wyatt Nef.
“Just knowing that my kids will have that equal opportunity to be successful that all the other kids in the state have, I think is, it's relieving to me as a parent,” said Christensen.
Now that voters approved the bond, planning for the high school will begin.
The new building will go on the same property as the existing high school. The goal is to start construction as soon as next year. Rust said, in a perfect world, the school would be completed by fall 2020.
Cox Media Group
