School District approves 4.5 percent fee on new high school construction costs

Olentangy Schools is taking proactive steps towards the potential construction of a fifth high school, as discussed in the recent Board of Education meeting. The district is currently navigating rising construction costs, which have nearly doubled since the last high school was built.

During the meeting, officials highlighted a strategic agreement with construction partners to apply a 4.5% fee to a reduced construction cost, resulting in a significant savings of $583,000. This decision reflects the district's commitment to managing expenses effectively, especially in light of insufficient state funding.

Additionally, the board passed a resolution of necessity, which positions the district to potentially place a bond issue on the ballot in the future. While no official decision has been made regarding the bond, this measure ensures that the district is prepared to move forward if the need arises.

The district plans to proceed with design work for the new high school, allowing them to be ready for construction when the time is right. This approach aims to mitigate future costs and ensure that the community benefits from efficient planning and resource management. The board emphasized that while they are not locked into any decisions yet, they are laying the groundwork for future developments.