District seeks tax hike to build new schools

Officials tout state’s contribution, buildings’ safety advantages.

WEST CARROLLTON — Passage of a bond issue for new schools in West Carrollton will increase student safety and take advantage of state funding that will pay for most of the costs, according to the district.

Voters in the district — which includes parts of Miami Twp. and Moraine — will be asked in November to approve a 5.6-mill, 37-year property tax hike for new schools.

The board of education Wednesday night voted in favor of a measure to place a bond issue on the ballot to generate $44 million as officials look to replace school buildings that have an average age of 67 years.

“It’s very important to the district,” West Carrollton board of education President Leslie Miller said. “Safety of course is the utmost concern in the state and nation when it comes to schools and children. And these new buildings are of the (highest) safety.”

If approved by voters, the bond issue will cost the owner of a home valued at $100,000 about $196 more a year, Miller said.

Most of the cost – projected to be between $125 million and $140 million – will be paid for by the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission, which earlier this year accepted West Carrollton into its building program. The OFCC would provide an 81% state share for cofunded projects, West Carrollton school district officials have said.

“You can’t find a better deal,” Miller said.

The state’s share “is unheard of to have all new buildings for a few dollars per week,” Superintendent Andrea Townsend said.

“New school buildings provide energy efficiency and safety features,” she added. “They are more attractive to young families, provide space for community groups, activities and events.”

The district has seven school

buildings with the last one constructed in 1969.

Earlier this year the school board voted 5-0 to close Frank Nicholas Elementary School after 62 years. Nicho- las had 167 students this past school year, fewer than half of each of the other three buildings housing grades 1-5, according to the district.

The new building proposal calls for a pre-kindergarten to first grade building and another housing students in grades two through four on the current sites of the Early Childhood Center and West Carrollton Middle School.

A third building – to include fifth- and sixth-graders – would be constructed at the current site of Holliday Elementary. The last site – where Schnell Elementary and West Carrollton High School are now located – would include a campus housing seventh-graders through seniors, according to the district.

If voters approve the bond issue, Nicholas will be used as a transitional building while new schools are being built, district officials have said.

Contact this reporter at 937-225-2166 or email Nick. Blizzard@coxinc.com.