NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) - New Philadelphia school officials have set the stage for voters to decide whether to support the district’s facilities masterplan. 

The school board voted during a special meeting to officially put the $57-million bond issue and 0.5-mill additional levy up for vote in March that would pay for the construction of two new, district-encompassing buildings at the former Oak Shadows golf course. Superintendent David Brand says if approved, voters can expect no new tax requests until at least 2025.

“This is a guarantee, again, verified by third parties, the bond passes in 2020, the earliest we are on the ballot for operating money, the earliest for new money is 2025 for 5-mills, which equates to $14.58 [monthly] per $100,000 home,” he says. 

The bond issue would cost the owner of a $100,000 home $16.14 per month. Brand says if it doesn’t pass, voters can expect a 3.5-mill request in 2021 to offset the current facilities maintenance costs. 

“It would be $10.21 per $100,000 home. What are we getting? We’re getting the status quo. You’re not getting any changes. Teachers, you’re not seeing classrooms that are any bigger. You still have your closet. You still have your trailer. You still have your old shower,” he says.

Some residents have voiced concerns about building on the Oak Shadows site, but Brand says its suitability has been verified through third-party studies. A summary and additional can be found at online at npschools.org, or residents can learn more by attending one of the upcoming community engagement meetings scheduled for tomorrow at 4 and 7 pm, and December 12th and 17th at 5 and 7 pm. Meetings will be in the Administration Building at 248 Front Ave. SW. 

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