The New Philadelphia School District will go to the ballot again in November asking taxpayers to help build two new school buildings.
The Board of Education has approved a 6.1-mill bond issue to appear on the November 4th ballot. That’s different than the 5.9-mill bond issue and 1-mill tax levy that 59 percent of voters voted against in May. In a press release, the district says the new millage reflects increased construction costs and higher interest rates since the spring.
New Philadelphia school officials want to pass a bond issue while the district is still eligible for $80 million in state funding to cover more than half the cost to build new pre-K-through-6 and 7- 12 buildings. Officials say that offer is only good for the next 16 months, and it’s contingent
upon the district passing a bond issue.
The total estimated cost to build two new schools is $145.5 million dollars. The district would demolish its five elementary schools and the middle and high school facility.
In the release, Superintendent Amy Wentworth says they developed their plan through months of community engagement. She says they could build both new schools at the same time if the bond issue is approved.
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