By Dan Klepal
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Corporations are providing the fuel to run the school bond issue campaign.

Of the $471,125 raised by Cincinnatians Active to Support Education (CASE) for Issue 2, more than $385,000 came from Cincinnati's business elite.

If passed, the issue would raise $480 million over 28 years to fund the largest school construction effort in the history of the Cincinnati Public Schools. The money would be used to build 35 new schools and fund 31 renovations. The tax would cost about $143 per year for owners of a $100,000 home within the school district's limits.

The state would contribute $200 million toward the construction if the bond issue passes.

Corporate contributions reported Thursday to the board of elections include:

Cincinnati Business Committee, $100,000.

Procter & Gamble, $50,000.

American Financial, $35,000.

Federated Corporate Services, $35,000.

US Bank, $35,000.

Western-Southern Life Insurance Company, $25,000.

Cintas Corporation, $25,000.

Cinergy Services, $25,000.

Convergys Corporation, $25,000.

Eric Avner, campaign coordinator for CASE, said corporate support for the schools is a good thing.

"I think it all comes back to having livable neighborhoods and a quality work force," Mr. Avner said. "That's what good schools bring."

Jim Urling, chairman of the Citizens Opposed to Additional Spending and Taxes, said he's not surprised that the corporate cash has been flowing for the issue.

"They see it as a good public relations move to support education," Mr. Urling said. "There's probably not a more feel-good issue out there than the school levy."

Email dklepal@enquirer.com