Gwen Rummell Reporting –
Voters may decide on a $72 million bond issue regarding constructing two New Philadelphia school buildings.
The bond issue is anticipated at 5.9 mills, which is around a $17.25 increase in taxes per month, per $100,000 of home value.
For seven months, the committee has been discussing the master plan, which includes a new Pre-K-6 building on the South School property and a new 7-12 building.
Combining schools was among the topics discussed.
“The consolidation of the elementary schools is considered to be a good move and I think we’ll go into a little bit more why in the future, but it allows the closure of seven old buildings with the replacement of a new and updated facility. Consolidation results in savings both in administrative costs, transportation, and maintenance.”
The first building would not have immediate state aid, but would be reimbursed for 56 percent of eligible costs. The offer would also include the second building.
To appear on the November ballot, the formation of the Bond Levy Committee and board approval of OFCC ELPP project agreement must happen in May, a resolution passed in June, a second resolution passed in July, and the filing of the project 90 days before the election.
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