VOTE411 Voter Guide

Bond Issue, $116,802,000, 3.5 mills, maximum 37 years, constructing, furnishing, equipping, renovating, remodeling, adding to and otherwise improving School District buildings and facilities, acquiring, clearing, equipping and otherwise improving sites therefor, demolishing existing buildings and facilities, commencing in 2026.Plain Local Schools is asking voters to approve a 3.5 mill bond issue to address aging buildings. If passed the issue would raise approximately $116.8 million for constructing, furnishing, equipping, and renovating school district buildings and facilities. The annual cost for property owners is estimated at $122.50 per year for every $100,000 in assessed property value. If approved, the bond issue would begin in 2026 and remain in place for 37 years.The state of Ohio is expected to reimburse the district for approximately 46% of construction costs. A study committee of residents concluded that the cost to renovate existing buildings would have cost the community an additional $250 million. The district plans to replace its six current elementary schools (some over 90 years old) with three new consolidated elementary buildings. The three new elementary schools, planning to house Kindergarten through grade 4, would be opening in 2029 or 2030. Part of the funding is intended to eventually help cover the cost of a new middle school in a later phase of construction.Stakeholders identified school facilities and long-term building needs as a priority area in a two-year strategic planning process, which was followed by a facility assessment conducted through the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission.The 2026 issue would be billed separately from the current GlenOak High School bonds. If approved, taxpayers would pay the full 3.5 mills for the duration of the issue. When the GlenOak High School bonds are paid off, taxpayers would see a reduction of approximately 2.1 mills on their tax bill.For additional information visit Plain Local Schools website.