Home / Education / Olentangy Schools Secure $235M Bond for New Buildings, Avoid Tax Hike
Olentangy Schools Secure $235M Bond for New Buildings, Avoid Tax Hike
17 Nov
Summary
- Olentangy voters approve $235M bond for new elementary and high school
- Construction to begin in 2026, with schools opening in 2027 and 2028
- District says new buildings won't raise tax rates despite rapid growth
In November 2025, Olentangy Local Schools overwhelmingly passed a $235 million bond levy, with 56% of voters approving the proposal. The district will use this bond to purchase land and build its 18th elementary school and fifth high school, as well as improve some of its current facilities.
The 1.77-mill, 37-year bond issue will cost taxpayers $62 for each $100,000 of a property's appraised value. However, due to expiring debt, increased revenue through growth, and fiscal management, school district officials have stated that it will not raise tax rates.
Construction on the new 83,000-square-foot elementary school and 300,000-square-foot high school is expected to begin in spring or summer 2026, with the elementary school opening in August 2027 and the high school in fall 2028. The high school will feature outdoor athletics facilities and indoor amenities like an 800-seat auditorium, main and auxiliary gyms, weight room, media center, commons, and a café.
The district, which educates more than 24,000 students and is the fourth-largest in Ohio, says the new schools are necessary to manage its rapid growth. Superintendent Todd Meyer noted that it is "always better to redistrict into new buildings" compared to adjusting boundaries for existing schools due to capacity problems.
