Bond Issue Replaces Current High School Bond Set to Expire, Election on March 19
December 5, 2023
| On November 20, 2023, the Heath City Schools (HCS) Board of Education approved a resolution to “proceed with an issue of bonds and levy” to build a new elementary facility. The new building would be located on the current Stevenson Elementary property on Cynthia Street. An affirmative vote is necessary for passage and the issue will be on the March 19 ballot. |  |
“The objective of the bond and levy is to provide the necessary funding to build a new K-6 facility that is large enough to bring sixth grade back into the elementary school, while also accommodating anticipated community growth,” said Heath Schools Superintendent Trevor Thomas, Ed.D. “Long term, the plan would be for the district to retire the buildings known as Stevenson Elementary and Garfield Elementary, but we may retain one or both for a short time to accommodate students if and when Heath Middle School is renovated or replaced.”
In the board resolution, the specific purpose of the bond is to construct school facilities, including constructing a new elementary school building, and renovating, improving, and expanding existing school facilities; furnishing and equipping the same; improving the sites; and acquiring real estate and other interests associated. The intention is for this bond to replace a bond for the high school construction (in 2000) that is set to expire soon. The bond will be 5.30 mills for each $1 of taxable value over 37 years (which amounts to $186 for each $100,000 of the county auditor’s appraised value).
The purpose of the levy is to provide the remainder of funds necessary for the acquisition, construction, enlargement, renovation, and financing of permanent improvements. This will be an additional tax of 4.75 mills for each $1 of taxable value for a continuing period of time (which amounts to $166 for each $100,000 of the county auditor’s appraised value).
“The Heath Board of Education had anticipated that Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) would provide some funding to help with the construction of this building,” said Dr. Thomas. “Unfortunately, funding that was once anticipated to be available in 2020 is now not anticipated to be available to us until 2030 or later. Community feedback and district needs have resulted in this funding attempt to address building needs now. The Board is also conducting a traffic study, and working with the city to address anticipated traffic concerns that increasing the student population on the Stevenson property could bring.”
For any questions, contact HCS Superintendent Trevor Thomas at [email protected], or Treasurer/CFO Karl Zarins at [email protected]. Both can also be reached at HCS District Offices at 740-238-7110.