By Cindy Kranz
The Cincinnati Enquirer

ANDERSON TWP. - Cincinnati Public Schools got a boost Wednesday when Gov. Bob Taft endorsed the district's $480 million bond issue to build and renovate schools.

"We're encouraging Cincinnati Public School voters to support the bond issue so that the children can have safe, modern school buildings that will help them increase their academic achievement," Mr. Taft said.

The governor made his remarks following a campaign stop at the New England Club, a senior retirement center in Anderson Township, where he shook hands with about 200 seniors.

The bond issue is part of a $1 billion plan to build 35 new schools and renovate 31 others over the next decade. The state's share of the project totals about $210 million, almost a quarter of the cost, Mr. Taft said.

The CPS project is part of the governor's School Facilities Plan, in which the state will spend $10 billion over 12 years to improve school buildings. Local districts are expected to generate funds to contribute to those projects.

If the bond issue passes, the owner of a $100,000 home would pay an additional $143 annually for the 28-year bond. While some voters might be reluctant to vote for the bond issue because of the shaky economy, Mr. Taft sees it as an investment in the economy that will bring money and jobs to Cincinnati.

He has also endorsed bond issues for building projects in other urban districts, including Dayton, Columbus, Toledo and Akron.

Earlier Wednesday, Cincinnati bond issue campaign organizers brought together about two dozen Charterites, Republicans and Democrats who pledged support at the campaign headquarters on Reading Road, downtown.

"This issue accomplishes so many things," said Cincinnati Mayor Charlie Luken.

"It is better schools for our kids. It is better neighborhoods for all our citizens from the oldest to the youngest. And importantly, it lifts our community up at every level and brings us together around something that will accomplish the goals that we have all identified for the city of Cincinnati."

Jennifer Mrozowski contributed.

E-mail ckranz@enquirer.com