Community group backs Tiffin Schools levy

TIFFIN — A new campaign is working to build support for a 0.75% earned income tax levy on the Nov. 4 ballot, aiming to fund day-to-day operations at Tiffin City Schools and prevent significant cuts. Campaign leadership The campaign, TCYES: Strong Schools, Stronger Tiffin, is led by various community members including 2010 Tiffin Columbian graduate Jimmy Flint, who lives in Tiffin with his wife, Trisha, a school counselor, and their infant son Everett. "I didn't expect to be leading this effort," Flint said. "But something changed when I walked the halls of Noble Elementary holding my son. That's the same school I attended as a kid, and now my wife is there helping the next generation. I want Everett to grow up with the same kind of support I had. That means showing up when it matters." Levy details If approved, the levy would cost about $34 per month for households earning the median income — roughly 75 cents per $100 earned. The levy applies only to earned income and excludes retirement income, pensions and investment earnings. All funds would stay within the district, Flint said. Flint said the campaign's 12-person committee, made up of parents, school staff and local leaders, has already spent weeks listening to residents and business owners. "There's a shared understanding that this matters," he said. "People want stability. They want transparency and accessibility from district leadership. And I believe the district is working to meet those expectations." District focus Superintendent Jerry Nadeau, who recently finished his first year with the district, said TCS has made financial sustainability a key focus. "Our goal is currently to not only gain financial stability, but to work to build those relationships with the community by being transparent," Nadeau said. "We've been talking openly at public meetings about how to become fiscally sustainable, fiscally responsible and to be upfront with the community." He said the earned income tax levy would fund day-to-day operations and support both students and staff, while a separate permanent improvement levy (set for renewal in 2027) would continue to fund maintenance and capital needs. "We have some things we know we need to address," Nadeau said. Flint referenced the school board's recent decision to auction off unused land purchased in 2019 as a sign that leadership is responding to community concerns. "To me, it shows a real effort to listen, learn and respond to the community," he said. Financial challenges Tiffin City Schools has not passed new operating funds in more than 13 years. The district is spending about 15% less per student than the state average, and teachers' salaries trail the state average by nearly $6,000. In the past year, $600,000 was cut from the budget by not replacing staff who left. District officials warn the situation is nearing a breaking point. Without new revenue, up to $3.5 million in cuts could follow — affecting staffing, class sizes and programs in music, art, special education and mental health. "I'm not trying to alarm anyone, but people deserve the truth," Flint said. "If this levy doesn't pass, the situation is dire." Community impact Tiffin Columbian High School Principal Michelle Tuite said staff members have gone above and beyond to keep things afloat, often with limited resources. "Ultimately, it's our students who bear the brunt of these decisions," Tuite said. "Fewer resources mean fewer opportunities for them." While Tuite acknowledged past decisions have faced rightful public scrutiny, she emphasized that the current request is about students, not adults. "This levy isn't about a vote for adults. It's a vote for our kids," she said. Flint, who has spoken directly with each board member and Nadeau, said he's been encouraged by efforts to improve transparency and communication. "You are even likely to see one or two board members showing up on your doorstep in the coming months," he said. "They've made it clear they want to be accessible." He said the district is expanding outreach through its social media presence and public meetings. All budgets and financial records are publicly available, and the campaign is committed to ensuring oversight remains strong if the levy passes. "Transparency and accessibility are a focus, completely independent of the work we're doing on the levy committee," he said. Support for the levy also extends to the business community. "Tiffin and Seneca County have real momentum, but strong schools are a critical part of that equation," said Bryce Riggs, president and CEO of the Seneca County Collaborative. "If we let our schools stall, we risk more than test scores. We risk losing our identity and the momentum we've worked so hard to build." He pointed to a University of Toledo study showing that every dollar invested in public education returns more than $5.60 to the local economy. Moving forward Campaign outreach will continue throughout the fall, including neighborhood visits, local events and online engagement. Flint encouraged residents to ask questions, attend school board meetings and reach out directly. "This isn't about blame. It's about moving forward together, for our students and for our community," he said. "I was raised here. I chose to stay here. And now I'm raising my son here because I believe in this place."