As the academic landscape in central Ohio continues to evolve, school districts are turning to their communities for support. Across the region, a number of levies and bonds have been placed on the ballot, each with the goal of securing the necessary resources to maintain and enhance educational offerings. From daily operational expenses to major infrastructure projects, these measures aim to ensure that students receive the best possible learning experience.

Investing in the Next Generation: Central Ohio Schools Seek Voter Approval

Bexley City Schools: Maintaining Academic Excellence

The Bexley City School District is seeking voter approval for a multi-year levy that would gradually increase over time. The proposal calls for an initial 5-mill tax, followed by annual increases of 2.5 mills in years two through five, spanning from 2025 to 2029. The district explains that this funding would be used to cover daily, current operational expenses and maintain the district's academic offerings and student services.

Buckeye Valley Local School District: Addressing Capacity Challenges

As the buildings in the Buckeye Valley Local School District near capacity, district leaders have placed a 4.46-mill bond levy on the ballot. If approved, the $100 million bond issue would provide funding for a new high school and other district projects. The projected levy is estimated to cost a Buckeye Valley homeowner $156 annually per $100,000 of assessed property value.

Grandview Heights City School District: Investing in Infrastructure

The Grandview Heights City School District's Board of Education has voted to place a $69.5 million bond issue on the ballot. If approved, these funds would go towards the construction of a new Stevenson Elementary School and improvements to the district's K-12 athletic complex. According to the district, the proposed project would equate to approximately 6.95 mills, or $243 per $100,000 of property valuation annually.

Groveport Madison Local School District: Modernizing Middle Schools and High School

The Groveport Madison Local School District is seeking a $78.3 million bond issue to construct, improve, furnish, and equip three new middle schools and an addition to Groveport Madison High School. If passed, the cost to homeowners whose house has an appraised value of $100,000 would be 23.4 cents per day.

Hilliard City Schools: Addressing Growth and Safety Needs

The Hilliard City School District is proposing a two-pronged approach, with a 6.9-mill operating levy and a bond issue. The operating levy would generate funds for the day-to-day management of the district, covering expenses such as staffing, utilities, and supplies. The bond issue, on the other hand, would authorize the school district to issue $142 million in funding to replace and build three elementary schools, add a preschool center, create a third building for sixth graders, and implement district-wide safety upgrades.

Madison-Plains Local School District: Constructing a New K-8 Building

The Madison-Plains Local School District is aiming to secure funding through a bond issue to construct a new K-8 building. The district has requested 4.3 mills, which equates to $151 per $100,000 of the council auditor's appraised value.

Marysville Exempted Village School District: Sustaining Operations

Voters in the Marysville Exempted Village School District decided on a 5.5-mill emergency levy. Superintendent Diane Allen and the district's treasurer, Todd Johnson, stated that the levy would generate around $6.4 million annually and allow the district to sustain its operations in the next five years.

New Albany Plain Local Schools: Addressing Capacity and Enrollment Needs

The New Albany Plain Local Schools district is seeking a 4.46-mill bond issue to fund projects outlined in its Campus Master Plan. If passed, the levy would bring in $135 million to address current capacity, increasing enrollment, and the needs of students.

Reynoldsburg City School District: Maintaining Essential Programs

Voters in the Reynoldsburg City School District decided on a 6.65-mill emergency levy placed on the ballot by school leaders. District leaders say the district began deficit spending in fiscal year 2023, meaning it was spending more money than it brought in. Superintendent Dr. Tracy Reed explained that the district put the levy on the ballot because ESSER funds are running out for essential programs.

Westerville City Schools: Investing in Facilities and Renovations

The Westerville City Schools district is seeking voter approval for a ballot measure that would authorize the issuance of up to $140 million in bonds. The funds would be used for constructing school facilities and renovating, improving, and constructing additions to existing buildings. The measure also includes two levies, but the specific details on which schools would be improved are not yet specified.