Olentangy schools levy pushes for more buildings
LEWIS CENTER, Ohio (WCMH) – Central Ohio is growing and so are the sizes of school districts in the area.
Olentangy Local School District is already the fourth-largest district, but leaders said they need to build five additional schools to keep up with enrollment.
That’s why there will be a 4.25-mill operating levy on the ballot on the March 19 primary election ballot.
“Olentangy has seen a big influx of students over the past several years and based on our projections, we’re expecting about 500 new students in the district every year for the next 10 years at least,” said Olentangy Schools Board of Education president Brandon Lester.
If passed, it’ll cost property owners $148.75 more in taxes for each $100,000 of a home’s value.
If the levy doesn’t pass, Lester said students will have to be put in modular classes, or trailers, outside their school.
“When you have that many new students there has to be somewhere for them to have that experience that Olentangy is known for so that’s why we decided to put the construction of additional schools on the ballot,” said Lester.
People who live in the Olentangy district said they like seeing the growth in the area, even though they don’t have kids in the schools.
“Olentangy schools has prioritized its students and I think is trying to bring the best education. Certainly the growth in the area has created the demand,” said resident Donna Hull.
“At this point I’m thinking yes, I support the schools, they’re great and I want to keep them working,” said Olentangy district resident Sherry Geiger.
But some recognize not everyone will vote for higher property taxes.
“It’s a good area to live, and so I think if we keep having good leaders I’ll be happy to live here and happy to pay my taxes. But the older I become, the more I realize many of us are on fixed incomes and it might be difficult,” Geiger said.
Lester said the district will have information sessions at each Olentangy school leading up to election day.
Residents will vote on the levy on March 19, the same day registered Ohio Republicans will choose a candidate for the U.S. Senate. Keep in mind that those who aren’t a registered Republican can request an “issues only” ballot and vote on the levy without declaring a political party.