COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Olentangy Local School District Board of Education on Oct. 16 approved official 10‑year enrollment projections and reviewed a facilities master plan that lays out multi‑decade building needs, including a plan to finance two new schools through a “no new millage” bond on the Nov. 4 ballot.

Board President Brandon Lester told attendees the bond proposal would let the district sell debt to build a new high school and an elementary school without increasing the overall tax rate. “That’s what we mean when we say no new millage. We are able to keep the tax rate steady and still finance the construction of these new schools so that the tax rate doesn't go up. That's the idea behind this,” Lester said.

The board’s vote made the district’s enrollment forecast an official planning document. Superintendent Todd Meyer and facilities presenters said steady growth will continue to strain capacity across grade levels and that the district will rely on a mix of new construction, renovations and temporary trailers while long‑term solutions are developed.

The master plan presentation by facilities committee members and district staff emphasized long‑term needs across buildings and support facilities. “This plan just not only encompasses the school buildings, it really now is taking a look at all those other support facilities and then maintenance of the buildings that we currently have,” said a facilities presenter. The plan includes infrastructure such as bus and administrative facilities, technology and routine capital replacements.

Enrollment and capacity highlights
- The district’s consultant, Wolpert, produced a 10‑year forecast the board adopted that shows an increase of 3,928 students over the next decade (rounded to “4,000 students”), a rate the district described as slower than prior estimates but still substantial.
- Elementary enrollment is projected to grow by roughly 1,937 students in 10 years; the Facilities Committee has set a target elementary capacity at 625 students per school and concluded the district will need at least three more elementary schools to meet demand.
- The district projects the need for a seventh middle school to meet long‑term demand extending 40 years or more.
- High school enrollment is forecast to rise by about 1,302 students in 10 years; adding a fifth high school would reduce average high school size toward the district target of about 1,800 students. Without a fifth high school, the four existing high schools could average more than 2,190 students, creating recurring redistricting pressure.

Funding and bond plan
Board members explained the Nov. 4 ballot will include a bond described by district leaders as “no new millage.” Lester said the district estimates the two new buildings and related projects at about $235,000,000. He described the approach as relying on existing debt‑service capacity rather than raising the tax rate: the district reduced its debt service millage from about 7.5 mills two years ago to 6 mills and argues existing capacity, combined with projected property value growth, can cover new debt without an added millage rate.

The facilities presentation also noted a separate long‑term capital (PI) forecast: the district expects about $161,000,000 in PI collections based on current levies over 20 years, while projected capital needs (including inflation) total about $402,000,000, leaving a long‑term PI shortfall the district estimates at roughly $241,000,000.

Board and staff cautioned that the bond would not erase all future capital needs. “This is a partial approach. It's not going to solve all of the growth related issues that we're experiencing if it passes,” Lester said.

State funds and program notes
The board noted Olentangy has not received OFCC (Ohio Facilities Construction Commission) construction funding despite statewide payments into the program. The OFCC previously evaluated Shanahan Middle School and advised the district on renovation versus replacement costs; the district determined replacement would be more cost‑effective for long‑term needs.

Financial and operating items
Treasurer Mr. Jenkins briefed the board on items included in the consent agenda, including monthly financial reports and health‑and‑dental insurance rates for the 2026 plan year. Jenkins said the district awarded two premium holidays in recent years that together saved roughly $6,000,000 for employees and the district. He described a 6.75% increase in rates for 2026 but noted cumulative increases between 2024 and 2026 were about 2.5% after a prior decline.

Votes at a glance:
- Adoption of the 10‑year enrollment projections — Motion moved/seconded; vote: unanimous approval (Board President Brandon Lester, Board Members Dr. Dabrico, Dr. Wallach, Mr. O'Brien, Ms. Schreiber recorded “Yes”).
- Appointment of Andrea Vasilis to the Well‑Being and Mental Health Committee (teacher at Orange High School) — approved unanimously.
- Consent slate: acceptance of the September 2025 monthly financial report and approval of 2026 health and dental insurance rates — approved unanimously.
- Approval of board meeting minutes from Sept. 25, 2025 — approved (Mister O'Brien recorded “Abstain”; other members “Yes”).
- Superintendent consent items (personnel, early graduation, student clubs, business/facilities items including a Delco easement related to Azar Village) — approved unanimously.

What comes next
District leaders said the board and staff will continue community outreach before the Nov. 4 vote and will bring specific capital and timing proposals back to the board for formal approval if voters approve the bond. Facilities committee members and staff emphasized ongoing, open meetings to present data and invite public review of capital options.

The board scheduled its next regular meeting for Oct. 29 at 6:30 p.m. at the Home Kinsey Administrative Offices.