Vermilion Local board votes to place $47 million school improvement bond before voters

The Vermilion Local School District Board of Education on Monday approved a resolution to submit a $47,000,000 school improvement bond question to the district's voters, saying the measure is needed to address aging buildings and a sharp projected decline in cash reserves.

The vote to advance the measure passed 5-0. The board's treasurer explained the bond proceeds would be restricted to capital projects and cannot be used for operating expenses such as salaries or health insurance. The treasurer said the district's available cash is projected to fall from about $16,200,000 at the start of the year to roughly $1,700,000 by the end of the five-year forecast, reducing the district’s days of cash from about 190 to about 20.

Board members and the chair said the district has not asked voters for new money in nearly 20 years and that reinvesting in facilities is needed to maintain safe, functional learning environments. “We don’t want to make any decisions our voting public doesn’t agree with,” the chair said, urging transparency and voter education before the question appears on the ballot.

A presenter detailed priority projects that district staff and consultants identified: an estimated $2,200,000 to renovate the high-school science wing, a major flat roof replacement (currently estimated between $4,000,000 and $7,000,000 pending further inspection), roughly $300,000 for paving, about $150,000 to replace five rooftop HVAC units, $225,000 in non-plumbing bathroom upgrades at the high school, and $1,100,000 to replace failing tennis courts. At the Sailor Way facility, the presenter listed an elevator replacement ($125,000), sidewalk work ($120,000), a water-main replacement ($35,000–$40,000), and an estimated $500,000 for bathrooms. The presenter also estimated roughly $2,000,000 for a new bus garage and $220,000 to repave its parking lot.

The treasurer said district leaders worked with Fanning Howie, an architectural firm engaged to assess building needs, and that the proposed capital work was reflected in the most recent five-year forecast. The resolution cites legal authority under Section 133.18 of the Revised Code and requests required consents from the state tax commissioner and the director of education workforce as part of the process to place a bond question before voters.

During public comment, Reed, who identified himself as treasurer of a citizens committee, offered to help raise funds and organize a citizens committee to support and promote the bond issue and provided contact information for those who wish to help.

Next steps identified by the board include seeking the state consents required under state law and educating voters about the scope of the proposed projects. The board adjourned at about 5:17 p.m.