HILLIARD, Ohio — Hilliard City Schools will have a measure on the Nov. 5 ballot asking voters to decide on a combined bond and levy issue.
The 6.9-mill operating levy would generate funds for the day-to-day management of the district, like staffing, utilities and supplies. If passed, it would cost homeowners $242 per $100,000 of home value per year.
The bond issue would authorize the school district to issue $142 million in bonds to construct, renovate and improve facilities. The district says because of the existing debt that’s expiring, the bond could be authorized without collecting additional mileage.
The Hilliard Board of Education approved the levy in June. This is the first levy the district has asked for in eight years.
The district says the money from the combined ballot issue would support Phase 1 of its Master Facilities Plan, which has an estimated cost of $142 million.
The first phase includes replacing and building three new elementary schools: Brown, Beacon and Ridgewood. There would also be a second preschool added to the new Beacon building.
According to the plan, the district would renovate Brown to become a center for sixth graders, with Tharp remaining a sixth-grade center.
Phase 1 also includes renovating elementary school playgrounds, a weight room at Darby, athletic fields at the middle and high schools and the performing and fine arts spaces. There would also be district-wide safety improvements, including visitor entry security and ADA compliance.
You can learn more about the district’s Master Facilities plan by clicking here.
Westerville City Schools will have a similar measure on the ballot in November. Voters will decide whether to approve a combined bond and levies issue to fund school renovation projects and support the operating budget.
