LEWIS CENTER, Ohio — Olentangy Schools is placing a new levy on the ballot for the March primary election that would help the district expand to accommodate more students.
The 4.25 mill levy combines a 3.00 mill operating levy and a 1.25 mill permanent improvement levy and authorizes the school board up to $350 million in bonds to address enrollment growth, according to the district. The school board approved to place the levy on the ballot in October 2023. The money from the bond would allow the school district to build five schools to accommodate 5,000 additional students that are anticipated to enroll over the next 10 years.
The following schools would be built at these locations:
- Elementary School 18 on Bean Oller Road, west of Sawmill Parkway
- Elementary School 19 on land adjacent to Berkshire Middle School
- High School Five on Bunty Station Road, west of Sawmill Parkway
- Elementary school 20 and middle school seven sites have not been finalized but would tentatively be located on Curve Road in the central part of the district, north of Berlin High School
Olentangy Schools — where 23,981 students are currently enrolled — has one preschool, 16 elementary schools, six middle schools and four high schools.
The school district said if the levy does not pass, modular classrooms may be needed at up to nine elementary schools by the end of the 2026-27 school year. Additionally, multiple middle and high schools would be redistricted to balance overcrowding.
The estimated annual collections of the combined levy would be $28.9 million, according to school leaders. School treasurer Ryan Jenkins said it would cost homeowners $148.75 annually for each $100,000 of their home’s appraised value.
Some voters said they are willing to shell out the money.
“The school system really does a great job educating our children in the Lewis Center area and we need to continue that,” said Gregg Milner of Lewis Center, whose children have graduated from the district.
“We moved to Olentangy two years ago and we don't even have kids anymore but I have a long history of voting for school levies so I am for every levy unless there is something I really have a consideration about I think it makes it stronger and better,” said Amy Gibson of Liberty Township.
Some residents said the increase in taxes takes a toll but they would still vote yes.
“I think they have to have it and kids are our future,” said William Leroy McMannis of Delaware.
The Ohio primary election is on March 19. The last day for Ohioans to register to vote is Feb. 20, with early in-person voting beginning on Feb. 21.