New Albany-Plain Schools seeking $135 million bond for new elementary school, upgrades

New Albany-Plain Local Schools is seeking a $135 million bond package in November to build a new elementary school and expand the high school's campus in a plan proponents say wouldn't raise taxes for a majority of taxpayers.

In the ballot language submitted to the board of elections, the $135 million, 4.46 mill bond levy would cost property owners in the district $156 for each $100,000 of appraised property value over 37 years. However, the district says it will be structuring the debt in two phases, which means the actual cost will be lower for taxpayers.

More: New Albany, Worthington schools adopt technology used to alert 911 in Georgia shooting

New Albany-Plain Schools is pursuing improvements in a two-phase project approach, with $75 million in the first phase and $60 million in the second phase. The bond issue will also coincide with the end of 1.95 mills of special assessment for a "community design charge" enacted via the New Albany Community Authority, which expires at the end of 2024.

If the issue is approved, residents who live within the New Albany Community Authority area, which includes a majority of district taxpayers, will experience either no property tax increase, a decrease or a slight increase once the community design charge expires, according to district administrators . If the issue fails, those residents would see a sizeable tax decrease.

Any parcels not included within the New Albany Community Authority district will experience a 1.45 mill tax increase of $50.75 per $100,000 of home valuation, according to district officials.

Taxpayers can calculate their estimated tax burden on the proposed levy using a calculator available on the district's website .

District aiming for new elementary school, high school improvements

The first phase of the plan (2025-2028) calls for the district to construct a new elementary school to serve approximately 1,200 students enrolled in all-day kindergarten and grades one and two. The district continues to grow and expects over 1,000 new students in the next 10 years.

The first phase also calls for renovating the high school building to create a "high school hub for technology for enhanced learning spaces," as well as additional classroom space for future student growth. Additionally, the district would renovate the existing middle school stadium to benefit sports for grades 7-12 and expand the existing transportation facility.

Everett Gallagher, who is volunteering with the levy committee, said the proposed expansions of the high school will model "what's being done at Ohio State in terms of their labs."

"They'll have current technology, current design, and would make for a more robust education," Gallagher said.

Phase two of the plan (2028-2031) would create a "high school hub for updated science labs to accommodate increased science course offerings," a fine arts hub for students in grades 6-12 and an expansion of middle/high school cafeteria and multipurpose common area.

Gallagher said he is confident that voters and community members will be supportive of the district's plan.

"I think our community is very supportive of our students," he said. "It's the right thing to do for our community and the right thing to do for our neighbors. So, I think people are excited by that."

Cbehrens@dispatch.com

@Colebehr_report

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: New Albany-Plain Schools seeking $135 million bond for new elementary school, upgrades