Board reviews 7‑year facilities plan and flags Sugar Creek Elementary for community input

District staff updated the Bellbrook‑Sugarcreek board on a seven‑year facilities and grounds plan, explaining how priorities were set and what projects would fit within district funds, permanent improvement levies or require outside funding.

The facilities presenter said the district used a committee of parents, staff and community residents to prioritize projects and noted three plan components: routine maintenance projects that can be funded from the general or permanent improvement fund; larger 'dream' projects that will require external funding or donations (for example, tennis courts); and the Sugar Creek Elementary property, which is currently rented to community groups but may require significant investment (roof replacement, other capital costs) in coming years. A commercial appraiser evaluated the Sugar Creek property and the district has begun exploratory conversations with the city and the Lions Club; staff recommended broad community engagement, including a community meeting in 2025.

Staff said they chose not to re‑run an expensive new 10‑year student projection study (one exists from 2018) because the earlier study showed higher forecasts than actual enrollment; instead, the facilities plan will rely on updated prioritization, a proposed student projection study as needed, and careful financial planning.

The board heard questions about funding sources and was told some projects could be paid from permanent improvement funds or approved through community donations, with larger projects requiring additional public input. No formal decisions were made; staff will return with community engagement plans and financing options where needed.

Next steps: staff will organize community outreach around Sugar Creek Elementary, provide more detailed fiscal modeling for large projects and update the board as planning matures.