Jefferson Local Schools reports hail damage, roof and gym repairs; levy set for November ballot

Jessica Memias, superintendent of Jefferson Local Schools, gave the West Jefferson Village Council a facilities and enrollment update during the council’s regular meeting.

“Both of our buildings sustained substantial hail damage back in March,” Memias said, and she reported that Norwood’s roof has been replaced and membrane work on the middle/high school is nearly complete. She said the high‑school gym floor was removed in July due to water damage and is on track for substantial completion by Sept. 1.

Memias told the council the board of education has approved placing a permanent improvement levy on the Nov. 3 ballot that will replace the current emergency levy (which expires Dec. 31, 2026) at the same millage rate. She said the county auditor certified the rate will be based on current valuations and reiterated that permanent improvement funds are restricted to capital items such as HVAC, buses, buildings and pavements.

On enrollment, Memias reported 980 students registered for the 2026–27 school year, with 72 attending via open enrollment and a kindergarten class of about 70 students—approximately 11 more than last year. She summarized a recent strategic‑planning process led with an outside facilitator and said over 900 people responded to a district survey used to refine mission and strategic‑priority statements.

Memias closed by offering to answer questions and said the district expects the facility repairs to be completed before the start of the 2026–27 school year.