Libbey High School (Toledo, Ohio) - Fate of Libbey

Fate of Libbey

Libbey High School had been rumored to be on the chopping block since the 1980s, but was always recommended to stay open by the school district each time the issue was brought up. In 1991, TPS decided to close two high schools that were to be chosen from a list of Libbey, DeVilbiss and Macomber-Whitney high schools. Libbey was spared while DeVilbiss and Macomber-Whitney were regretfully shuttered.

In April 2009, Libbey High School’s Student Council President had strong words for administrators and school board members with regard to saving their school. The proposal to eventually send some Libbey neighborhood students to Scott, Bowsher, and Waite high schools is "segregation of different populations and is racist", they claimed. Libbey always had been the "unwanted stepchild" of Toledo Public Schools and 'their positive news is always overshadowed by the negative", students added. Libbey was left open for the 2009-10 school year, but the issue of closing the school was brought up again in March 2010. After a failed levy early in May, Toledo Public Schools ultimately voted 3-2 in favor of closing the beloved building at the end of the 2009-10 school year. The final class of 2010 graduated on June 3 in the fieldhouse.

On July 15, 2011 Libbey High School was vetted by the Ohio Historic Site Preservation Board for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places,.

On August 15, 2011 two large dumpsters were placed (one at the south entrance and one at the east entrance) of the Career Center. These were to be used in the asbestos abatement of Libbey High School. On August 24, 2011 large poles were driven into the ground and concrete surrounding the buildings and parking lots. On August 25, 2011 chain-link fence was strung from these posts to keep the public away from the areas were asbestos would be removed. This link shows the beginning of the process of the demolition of Libbey High School, Toledo, Ohio. The Demolition of Libbey High School; The Shame The demolition of the building began on January 9, 2012.