HILLIARD, Ohio — Hilliard City Schools said it would have to cut up to $10 million from its budget if voters don't pass a levy and bond issue this November.
Hilliard schools is one of several school districts in central Ohio that placed a levy on the ballot for the Nov. 5 election. The levy was approved by the school board in June.
RELATED: Hilliard schools place bond, levy issue on November ballot to fund district renovation project
The 6.9-mill operating levy would generate funds for the day-to-day management of the district, like staffing, utilities and supplies.
The bond issue would authorize the school district to issue $142 million in funding to replace and build three elementary schools, an additional preschool center, adding a third building for sixth graders and district-wide safety upgrades.
The school district said if the levy and bond issue doesn’t pass, it plans to cut $7 million to $10 million before the start of the 2025-2026 school year.
A contingency plan was also outlined by the district, which includes staffing cuts, increasing pay-to-play fees, reducing programming and delaying certain building projects.
“Nothing on the list of reductions is something that I believe is best for our students and their families,” said Superintendent David Stewart in an email to Hilliard parents.
“Our goal remains to provide a safe, enriching learning environment for all students. However, if Issue 39 is not successful, it will mean that difficult decisions will need to be made by the Board of Education. We believe that voters deserve to know what those realities likely will be.”
This is the first levy the school district has asked for in eight years. Officials say the money from the combined ballot issue would support Phase 1 of its Master Facilities Plan, which has an estimated cost of $142 million.
More information about the levy and bond can be read here.