Toledo Residents Raise Concerns Over Proposed Cuts to Education Programs

Cuts to intern program, intervention teachers, and other support services could negatively impact students

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Residents in Toledo, Ohio have expressed deep concerns over proposed cuts to education programs within the Toledo Public Schools (TPS) district. The cuts include eliminating the intern program, which provides support for new teachers, as well as reductions to intervention assistance teachers, classroom sizes, and nursing and counseling services. Educators and community members argue these cuts will have devastating effects on students' academic performance, social-emotional well-being, and overall health.

Why it matters

The proposed cuts to TPS education programs come at a time when the district should be investing more in supporting teachers and students, not making reductions. These programs play a critical role in helping new teachers succeed, providing essential academic and social-emotional support for students, and maintaining the health and safety of the school community. Eliminating or reducing these services could lead to higher teacher turnover, widening achievement gaps, and declining student outcomes.

The details

The cuts include eliminating the intern program, which provides new teachers with support around discipline issues, professional development, and effective teaching strategies. Additionally, the district plans to combine classrooms and reduce the number of intervention assistance teachers, nurses, and counselors. Educators argue these changes will negatively impact students' academic performance, social-emotional well-being, and physical and mental health.

  • The proposed cuts are part of the Toledo Public Schools' budget planning for the upcoming school year.

The players

Toledo Public Schools (TPS)

The public school district serving the city of Toledo, Ohio.

Toledo Federation of Teachers

The labor union representing teachers and other educators in the Toledo Public Schools district.

Andrea Bennett

A teacher and Instructional Coach at Toledo Public Schools with 34 years of experience in the district.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“The cuts to the intern program remove support for teachers in regard to discipline issues, professional development, and effective teaching strategies. This support is most needed for new teachers who are placed in challenging schools. Without it they may leave the district, or even end their teaching career altogether.”

— Andrea Bennett, Teacher and Instructional Coach, Toledo Public Schools (toledoblade.com)

“Cuts to Intervention Assistance Teachers, combining classrooms, and cuts to nursing and counselors all impact our students. This can have devastating effects on students' academic performance, social emotional well-being, and their physical and mental health.”

— Andrea Bennett, Teacher and Instructional Coach, Toledo Public Schools (toledoblade.com)

What’s next

The Toledo Public Schools district is currently in the process of finalizing its budget for the upcoming school year. Educators and community members are urging the district to reconsider the proposed cuts and instead work collaboratively with the Toledo Federation of Teachers to find solutions that prioritize supporting students and teachers.

The takeaway

The proposed cuts to education programs in Toledo Public Schools threaten to undermine the district's ability to provide students with the academic, social-emotional, and health support they need to succeed. Eliminating these critical services could lead to higher teacher turnover, widening achievement gaps, and declining student outcomes, underscoring the importance of investing in public education rather than making shortsighted budget reductions.