Dublin schools seeking $145 million bond, 7.9 mill levy for November ballot

The Dublin City Schools Board of Education voted unanimously Thursday to begin the process of placing a $145 million bond issue combined with a levy on the November ballot.

Once certified, voters in November will consider a $145 million, 30-year bond issue to build a new elementary school and a 7.9-mill permanent levy for supporting operations, according to the meeting agenda. A 7.9 mill levy equates to $790 for every taxable $100,000 of property value.

In 2018, voters overwhelmingly approved a combination $195 million bond issue, 2-mill permanent-improvements levy and 5.9-mill operating levy on the general election ballot.

Board President Chris Valentine said he knows the issue will be a big ask for taxpayers in the community but said that “Dublin invests in our children” and takes each levy request seriously.

“Levies pay the salaries of the incredible teachers and support staff we have in this district,” Valentine said. “These are the people directly providing and supporting an outstanding educational experience for our kids.”

District says growth stretches schools to capacity

Abraham Depp Elementary in rapidly growing Union County is already at capacity, with projections showing the school’s enrollment doubling within the next five years, according to the district. Twelve modular classrooms were added to the campus earlier this year as a temporary solution to accommodate more students.

Dublin Superintendent John Marschhausen said Dublin is a “destination district” and needs to prepare for continued growth. A study commissioned by the district earlier this year found that Dublin City Schools is projected to grow by an average of 270 students annually through 2032.

“The growth is coming, and it is our responsibility to plan ahead,” Marschhausen said in a prepared statement.

The board plans to take the second step, certifying the necessity of the district’s proposed figures and millage, to place the request on the November ballot at its next meeting, currently scheduled for July 17. Marschhausen said the district plans to be transparent about the process and “what will happen if the issue passes and what will need to be reduced if the issue is rejected by the voters.”

“We’ve waited as long as possible, overcoming a global pandemic in the process, before seeking additional revenue. Now is the time,” Marschhausen said.

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