Allison BarnetteThe Olentangy Schools Board of Education voted to approve a new bond issue in a special meeting last month, asking voters approval on a $235 million bond to build two new schools in the district. Citing rapid and continued growth in community schools in the Columbus suburb, the board proposed construction of Elementary 18 and High School 5.
District leaders point out that the new bond would not result in a tax increase for citizens. The district anticipates the issuance of new bonds will enable decisionmakers to fund old debts and support an emerging demand from families moving into the region. Residents’ existing tax rates would be used to fund the bond projects, according to district officials.
The district attempted a much broader bond package in March 2024 that included several schools and a tax increase. While that measure did not pass, this time around, the board is pursuing what is considered the district’s most immediate needs to reduce overcrowding, preserve class sizes, and avoid redistricting. The district has added 5,000 students in 10 years, and they project another 2,000 new students will be enrolled in the 2028-2029 school year.
Community outreach efforts will be launched ahead of the vote to inform residents about the bond and its impact. The board anticipates this no-new-millage municipal bond is packaged in such a way that voters will choose yes Nov. 4.
If the measure passes, construction should take place between 2026 and 2028. Project officials anticipate the new elementary school would be completed in 2027 and the new high school would be completed in 2028.
Photo by Naveed Basapur from Pexels
