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Residents overwhelmingly pass schools tax issues



Despite a spirited opposition campaign this fall, the two Worthington school district funding measures on Tuesday’s Election Day ballot passed with relative ease.

Issue 6, a $234 million bond measure and permanent improvements levy, passed with a healthy 56 percent of the vote (15,209-11,897).

The second item on the ballot was a request for schools operating dollars. Designated as Issue 7 on the ballot, the levy also passed, albeit with a smaller margin of victory.

Issue 7 garnered support from 53 percent of voters. Fewer than 1,500 votes separated the two sides, 14,354-12,920, according to unofficial results from the Franklin County Board of Elections with all precincts reporting.

“Residents have entrusted us with the resources we need to ensure our schools remain among the best in Central Ohio,” said Worthington Schools Superintendent Trent Bowers.

“This is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we will continue to be transparent about how those funds are used to the benefit of our students and community.”

The bond issue has been developed to fund Phase II construction projects approved as part of the district’s Master Facilities Plan. The next phase includes replacement of much of Thomas Worthington High School and major renovations at Worthington Kilbourne.

For full details of Phase II, visit the web site worthington.k12.oh.us/Page/4783.

The 1.9-mill permanent improvements levy provides a permanent funding source for technology, buses and ongoing maintenance at all district buildings, including athletic facilities.

To raise the money needed for Phase II, an estimated 4.6 mills will be required according to district officials. They did say that some old debt will be retired during the next few years, which will result in a decrease of some millage.

According to the Franklin County Auditor, a $40 million bond issue passed in 2012 will come off the tax rolls in 2027.

“In early December, we plan to host another community meeting to get feedback on renderings for the facility,” Bowers said.

“That meeting will be followed closely by initial conversations with the city of Worthington’s Architectural Review Board. Feedback from both the community and the ARB will refine the project further. We expect to break ground on construction at TWHS in the late spring of 2023.”

Bowers said the field house by the football field at Thomas Worthington will be demolished immediately, and construction will begin with the goal of completing a new facility by August 2023.

“From the summer of 2023 forward, we will build Thomas Worthington in phases, renovate Worthington Kilbourne in phases, and build the new natatorium,”
he said.

“We expect construction to take three years. Students will see improvements each year throughout the course of the project.”

Bowers said despite the late opposition to the issues, based in part of the high costs to homeowners who face economic uncertainty this year, he is confident residents will move forward in a positive manner.

The State of Ohio has created a system for funding suburban schools that places the burden directly on local property owners. That’s a difficult system, and people may have different views on the best financial path,” he said.

“We respect everyone’s views. In Worthington, our community has always placed a high value on public schools, and the results of these issues show that.

“As always, residents can be confident that their tax dollars are being well spent on great teachers, staff, and student instruction. We’re excited for our shared positive future in Worthington and believe everyone in our community will benefit from the passage of these issues.”

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