In unofficial results, voters have approved the $142 million bond issue and 6.9-mill operating levy proposed by the Hilliard City Schools Board of Education. The successful passage of the levy and bond will allow the district to address immediate and future operational and educational needs. “We are incredibly grateful to our community for their support,” said Superintendent David Stewart. “This outcome ensures we can move forward with critical investments in our schools, staff, and programs, all of which are essential to ensuring that every student has a learning environment that supports 21st-century instruction.” The approved funding will allow the district to preserve current programming, avoid staffing cuts, and move ahead with Phase 1 of the Master Facilities Plan. This includes a new sixth-grade school, three new elementary buildings, and additional preschool classrooms, as well as improvements to athletic and performing arts spaces, increased safety and security, and playground renovations. Superintendent Stewart added, “We’re excited to continue our mission of ensuring every student is Ready for Tomorrow, and we thank the entire community for their investment in the future of our schools. Because of this investment, the next several years will be an exciting time for our Hilliard City Schools community.”… read more →
The Hilliard City Schools Board of Education has outlined a contingency plan should Issue 39 not pass in November. While the district remains committed to delivering high-quality education, the plan addresses potential financial shortfalls and directs the Superintendent and Treasurer to make reductions of $7 million – $10 million prior to the 2025-26 school year if Issue 39 is not successful. The contingency plan, as outlined in the chart below, includes reduction guidelines to maintain cash reserves as mandated in Board policy while continuing to prioritize the safety and educational needs of students. These reductions include staffing cuts, increases in Pay to Participate fees, reductions in programming, and the delay of certain building projects. “Nothing on the list of reductions is something that I believe is best for our students and their families,” said Superintendent David Stewart. “Our goal remains to provide a safe, enriching learning environment for all students. However, if Issue 39 is not successful, it will mean that difficult decisions will need to be made by the Board of Education. We believe that voters deserve to know what those realities likely will be.” While the district cannot ask residents to vote a certain way, we remain transparent… read more →
The Hilliard City Schools Board of Education has outlined a contingency plan should Issue 39 not pass in November. While the district remains committed to delivering high-quality education, the plan addresses potential financial shortfalls and directs the Superintendent and Treasurer to make reductions of $7 million – $10 million prior to the 2025-26 school year if Issue 39 is not successful. The contingency plan, as outlined in the chart below, includes reduction guidelines to maintain cash reserves as mandated in Board policy while continuing to prioritize the safety and educational needs of students. These reductions include staffing cuts, increases in Pay to Participate fees, reductions in programming, and the delay of certain building projects. “Nothing on the list of reductions is something that I believe is best for our students and their families,” said Superintendent David Stewart. “Our goal remains to provide a safe, enriching learning environment for all students. However, if Issue 39 is not successful, it will mean that difficult decisions will need to be made by the Board of Education. We believe that voters deserve to know what those realities likely will be.” While the district cannot ask residents to vote a certain way, we remain transparent… read more →
See the Impact of Issue #39! Here is a chart that shows what each building in the district will receive if issue 39 is successful.
If you would like to schedule a conference with any of your student’s teachers, please use the links below. If you are unable to attend, please reach out to those teachers to schedule a phone or Zoom conference at another time. Team C Gibson, Pence, Maple, Bhutta Team A Supe/Huber/Carlstrom Manning, Bolton, Wiffenbach Team T Teny, Duckworth, Rundio Wakefield Team S Walton, Sieradzki, Hand Gift Language Arts Staten Konkus Math Teachers Klenotic Kauffeld Stephanic Ohneck Arrow 5th Grade Conferences 4th Grade Conferences Special Area Teachers Geisz– PE Chang– Choir Allen– Art Brocke– Band Bartholic– Orchestra Rolon– GOAT, ARROW leadership, Wellness
Curious how the levy affects your property taxes? Use the Franklin County Auditor’s Levy Estimator here: Levy Estimator. Important note: Although ballot language states a 1.84 mill increase for the bond portion, the district plans to structure it so there will be no new millage or net increase in the tax rate. Click HERE for more details on Issue 39.
Since 2016, home values in our district have increased by 89.1%, but district property tax revenue has only risen by 14.3%. This is due to House Bill 920 passed in 1976, which protects homeowners from significant tax increases. Unfortunately, this growth is partially offset by a $4 million reduction in state funding this year. Click HERE for more details in our Issue 39 FAQ’s.
The Board of Education unanimously combined the operating levy and bond levy into one vote to address both immediate operational needs and long-term capital improvements more efficiently. This approach allows the district to address the budget shortfall for day-to-day operations (such as staff salaries, utilities, and educational programs) while also funding necessary facility upgrades and construction projects. Due to the existing debt maturing, no additional millage will be collected for the bond portion. The District is currently collecting 4.0 mills for debt service and will continue to collect 4.0 mills, even with the passage of the bond issue. By combining them into one vote, the district can streamline the process, avoiding the need to go back to voters multiple times, which can be costly and time-consuming. It also ensures that both needs are met simultaneously, ensuring stability and growth. This is not a new option for school districts in the state. The last Hilliard School levy, eight years ago, was also a combined operating and bond issue.