New Philadelphia school board members are sharing opinions about the district’s latest ballot measure for new buildings.
Board members this week did agree to buy 77 acres off state route 39 just east of the city where two new schools would be built – but only if voters approve may’s 1.5 percent income tax issue to fund the project.
After voters repeatedly said no to property tax increases to construct new buildings at existing school sites in the past, school board member Andrew Zimmerman said this new approach is the way to go.
Board member Kelly Ricklic though voted no. Ricklic says he’s for new schools, but he feels the district is paying too much for the new property without the mineral rights attached. but he’s concerned because a survey of the soil has it rated at “a very limited soil.”
But board member Jane Bachman believes the site is “doable,” and the district would find somewhere on the property suitable for the buildings to be constructed.
The final board vote to move forward with the purchase was 4 to 1 in favor. The letter of intent they approved lists the price at $2.75 million, with the seller listed as Ridge Valley LLC.
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