West Clermont board approves 'statement of facts' backing facilities plan, highlights enrollment and equity challenges

The West Clermont School Board voted 5-0 on March 3 to approve a statement of facts describing a proposed facilities program that district leaders said is needed to address aging buildings, rising enrollment and inequalities between schools.

The statement of facts, presenters said, summarizes a plan that would include a new grades-5–8 middle school, a new pre-K–4 elementary, targeted additions and renovations at existing elementary buildings and districtwide safety and technology upgrades. The plan as presented assumes a 20% state match through the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission and an 80% local share; presenters said the district has roughly 18 months to secure the local match to preserve the OFCC share.

Superintendent Natasha Adams framed the presentation as a progress report on the district’s strategic plan and on investments made since 2020. Adams said West Clermont is emphasizing “modernize our educator workforce, learning environments, and family and community partnerships” so students graduate ready for employment, enrollment, enlistment or entrepreneurship. “We’ve stayed committed to that,” Adams said during the presentation.

Board President Ryan (identified in the meeting as board president) opened the State of the Schools section and praised…