Olentangy board adopts 10-year enrollment projections as district readies no-new-millage bond

The Olentangy Local School District Board on Oct. 16 approved a 10-year enrollment projection and reviewed a facilities master plan that district leaders say underpins a Nov. 4 bond proposal they describe as "no new millage." Board President Brandon Lester said the measure would allow the district to finance construction without increasing the tax rate as presented.

The projections the board approved forecast roughly 3,928 additional students over the next decade, slower than earlier estimates but still producing sustained overcrowding at elementary and middle levels. "This 10 year growth projection shows an additional 3,928 students," said Dr. Fetti, the district's enrollment presenter. District consultants and staff told the board that, even if the bond succeeds, elementary capacity would remain above target and additional schools would still be needed in future years.

Why it matters: Olentangy has experienced rapid enrollment increases—presenters said the district averaged about 500 new students annually in recent years—which drives classroom shortages, added trailers, and pressure on specialty programs. The facilities master plan presented by Mr. Gordon frames capital needs across the next 20 years and weighs additions versus building new schools for cost-effectiveness.

Key details: Board President Brandon Lester said the projects under discussion — including a new high school and an elementary school — have a preliminary estimate of about $235 million. "When voters approve that, it gives the district the ability, but it does not require the district to collect additional millage to be able to pay that over time," Lester said, describing the ballot language that would authorize up to 1.77 mills but noting the board reduced its debt-service millage from 7.5 to 6 mills in recent years to keep rates steady.

Mr. Gordon told the board the district's permanent-improvement (PI) funding picture creates long-term needs: projected PI collections of roughly $161 million versus forecasted capital needs near $402 million over 20 years, creating what he described as a PI shortfall the district will need to address through a combination of bonds and levies. The facilities committee advised that, because many existing buildings are already large or have difficult footprints for additions, constructing replacement schools can be more cost effective than piecemeal renovations.

State funding and easements: During questions a board member noted the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) has distributed large sums statewide; Mr. Gordon said that Olentangy "has not received or utilized any funds from the OFCC." He also called attention to a business-and-facilities item to grant a temporary construction easement to Delco (the local water provider) to build a water line serving a nearby development, Azar Village.

Board action and next steps: Following discussion, the board voted to approve the 10-year enrollment projections as a formal planning document. District officials said the projections will be used in financial forecasting and to shape the ballot measure materials and capital timelines ahead of the Nov. 4 election. The board did not change tax rates at the meeting; any tax impact depends on later debt issuance choices and voter approval of the bond.

The board is expected to continue public information efforts about the bond and to follow up with more detailed cost and phasing information if the vote authorizes the district to issue debt.