PERRYSBURG – Perrysburg residents should expect to see more portable trailers at its schools after a second request for funding to alleviate overcrowding failed at the polls.

According to the unofficial results from the Wood County Board of Elections, the district’s request for a 2.65-mill bond issue failed 3,645 in favor (42.50%) and 4,931 opposed (57.50%).

The request would have raised $88 million to construct a new elementary to help alleviate growing pains and add on and renovate the district’s three aging elementaries.

“Obviously we are disappointed in the results; nevertheless, the community has weighed in,” said Perrysburg Schools Superintendent Tom Hosler.

If passed, taxes wouldn’t have been collected until 2025, which is when payments for the high school expire. In 2026, the total net increase to taxpayers would have been 1.65 mills or $14.46 per month for a home valued at $300,000, according to figures shared by the district.

Since 2013, the school district has grown by 17% or 862 students and growth is projected to be 2% per year through 2040, according to numbers shared by Hosler.

The district, which already has 12 trailers being used for elementary classrooms, will need to purchase another 40 between now and 2040. The ballot issue would have added 69 classrooms.

Administrators had hoped voters would find a smaller bond issue request more palatable. This request was 41% lower than the $140 million request that failed in November.

The district has presented a solution in November that would have addressed the high school and elementary needs, Hosler said.

When that failed, a committee developed “a thoughtful plan” to address elementary growth, he said.

The plan was to build a new 800-student elementary between Hull Prairie Intermediate School and the high school, add classrooms and cafeteria space at Fort Meigs, Toth and Woodland elementaries plus infrastructure improvements at those three schools.

Frank Elementary School would continue to serve as an elementary school until the three existing elementary facilities were expanded and the new elementary opened. At that time, Perrysburg Preschool, which is currently located in leased space in Maumee and serves more than 200 students, would be relocated to Frank.

‘”The community said no,” Hosler said.

He said he expects the school board to evaluate space needs for next year while making sure every student had a desk.

He spoke at Monday’s school board meeting on conversations he has had with local government officials about the continued approval of multi-family housing developments in the school district, which is leading to the overcrowding.

“People aren’t doubting (our) need and growth will continue to happen, but are frustrated with the kind of growth and the pace,” Hosler said.

The message is not being received by local government leaders, he said.

“If they are trying to send a message to them, it is not being delivered,” he said.

The kids that will be in portable classrooms Wednesday, “they’re the ones that are getting the message,” Hosler said.