What to know about central Ohio school levies, bond issues on the Nov. 4 ballot
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- Election Day is a week away, and central Ohio school districts are hoping voters will help them address increasing enrollment.
Many levies and bonds express cost in millage, the rate property is taxed in Ohio, rather than a dollar value. That rate is used to calculate property taxes, a hot topic in the Buckeye State. See previous coverage of upcoming ballot issues in the video player above.
As legislators attempt tax reform and educators say Ohio continues to underfund public schools, school levies may look different in the coming years. For now, here are the levy and bond issues you can expect to see on your Nov. 4 ballot.
Olentangy Schools
Olentangy Schools hope to raise $235 million through a new bond issue the district said will not raise the tax rate. After Olentangy's last voter request failed two years ago, district leadership slowly reduced tax rates to ensure this request would keep the tax rate consistent.
Olentangy leaders said its elementary and high schools will exceed capacity next school year. The district also expects to enroll 2,000 more students by 2028. Olentangy said building new facilities now address the most pressing crowding concerns.
If approved, Olentangy said there will likely be redistricting, but new school buildings will simplify the process. The district offered more information on the bond issue at community information sessions. The final sessions will take place Wednesday.
If the issue passes, construction could begin next year. The district hopes the elementary school would be built by 2027, and the high school would be completed by 2028.
Westerville City Schools
Westerville's income tax levy is facing community push back, but the district said it may have to cut $20 million if the measure fails.
This is the second year in a row Westerville is asking for taxpayer support, and the district has already cut costs and eliminated 33 staff positions. The district said it needs the funding to maintain its current services, staffing and academics.
Some residents are opposed to the levy, saying there are too many questions about Westerville's budget. The district has clashed with residents who presented their own fiscal data, which Westerville said does not match district reports.
As an income levy, it would not raise property taxes. Instead, it would cost district residents 75 cents per every $100 they make. The levy would not apply to retirement income or social security.
Southwest Licking Schools
Southwest Licking hopes its 3.48-mills bond issue will fund a new fifth- and sixth-grade building, and add a new wing and parking at Watkins Memorial High School. If approved, the bond issue would generate $95.3 million for the district.
Southwest Licking said the bond issue is needed to address growing enrollment. District buildings have a capacity of 5,200, which enrollment projections will pass by the 2032-2033 school year. Some voters asked why the district needs new buildings after construction in 2017, but Southwest Licking said that project was limited because it was done in partnership with the state, which had its own requirements.
Unlike the bond issue that failed in May, November's attempt does not include funding for an athletic center. If approved, the November issue would cost taxpayers $121.92 per $100,000 of their home value annually.
Delaware City Schools
Delaware is hoping to pass a 2.85-mill permanent improvement levy that will generate about $4.5 million annually. The district said if it does not pass, the district will fall behind on building maintenance and necessary updates.
Delaware said the district is currently operating on the same permanent improvement funds as it was in 1989, and costs have risen. If approved, the district said it would use funds to maintain district facilities, repair and replace school buses, and update curriculum materials. The funds would also help repair and replace aging computer systems. Permanent improvement levies cannot be used for day-to-day operations or salaries.
If approved by voters, the permanent improvement levy would cost taxpayers about $100 per $100,000 of their home's value annually.
Jonathan Alder Local Schools
Jonathan Alder is trying again for the 5.12-mills bond issue that failed by just 0.5% in May. If approved, the bond issue would generate $70.6 million for the district to create a new 6-12 grade campus.
The district said it expects student enrollment to increase by more than 20% over the next 10 years, and all of its school buildings are at or near capacity. Jonathan Alder hopes the bond issue will pay for a new junior high school, attached to the high school, to serve as a 6-12 hub. The high school and Canaan Middle School would both get classroom additions to serve more students, and the district would reorganize grade levels and facilities to maximize use.
If approved, the bond issue would cost taxpayers $179 per $100,000 of a taxpayers’ county appraised property value. However, residents on land that qualifies for current agricultural use valuation (CAUV) pay differently, and will owe $5.22 per acre.