Buckeye Valley Board endorses ODOT recommendation to improve US‑23, votes to send resolution

The Buckeye Valley Board of Education voted to approve a resolution endorsing the Ohio Department of Transportation—s 2024 recommendation to improve U.S. Highway 23 rather than build a new bypass.

Board members said the change mirrors an ODOT preliminary feasibility study that recommended reducing intersections, adding service roads and constructing flyovers to improve traffic flow and safety. An unidentified board member said the resolution is intended to inform ODOT, state lawmakers and the governor of the district—s support for the study—s findings.

Why it matters: board members and residents raised several local impacts tied to a bypass alternative, including longer emergency‑vehicle response times, potential hazardous‑materials routing, and loss of property‑taxable land if parcels convert to limited‑access highway. One speaker also said prior community engagement was conducted by ODOT in 2022–24 but that the legislature—s directive prompted a renewed review.

What the board approved: the motion (moved and seconded during the meeting) directed staff to send the attached resolution and supporting materials to ODOT, the state House and Senate and the governor—s office. The motion passed by roll call with all members voting in favor.

Board process and next steps: members asked to sign the physical resolution after the meeting. Board members encouraged residents to review ODOT materials online and to contact township officials or state representatives to express views.

Provenance: the board—s discussion and vote on this resolution were recorded in the meeting transcript beginning with the 6.1 agenda discussion and concluding with the motion and roll call that passed the resolution.

Ending: The board passed the resolution and planned to affix signatures after the meeting; no further board action on the corridor was recorded that evening.