City officials express support for New Philadelphia Schools bond issue
NEW PHILADELPHIA – School bond issue and levy supporters found some allies at the city Council meeting on Monday.
Issue 19 is a combined 6.2-mill bond issue and 1.0-mill levy to build two new school buildings to replace seven old ones. The state has promised the district $80 million if the issue passes on Nov. 4. Issue 19 would raise property taxes by about $250 a year per $100,000 of property value.
The supporting bond committee, led by chairperson and School Board member Jen Schrock, stated their case at Monday’s Council meeting, often focusing on school safety and the advanced age of the existing buildings.
“All of our buildings were built before mass school shootings existed,” Schrock said. “Our high school was built before sliced bread. South Elementary was built in 1974. There are curtains there instead of doors.”
Mayor Joel Day expressed support for the bond issue.
“The need for new schools in this town is important. I think our future depends upon it. It really does, as you very well stated here tonight,” Day said. “You have the full support of the mayor’s office in your efforts.
“Now is the time to put the pedal to the metal, to the finish line. As far your campaigning goes, don’t let up, because you still have to reach people. Just understand that you have our support, and we expect to win.”
City Law Director Marvin said his children go to the same schools as him and his father, but it’s time for new buildings.
“It makes for a wonderful Facebook picture that I can post a picture of my son on his first day at Welty Middle School, the same place his grandpa went to 74 years ago, the same place his dad went to 42 years ago. That makes for a very cute Facebook picture, but it’s a terrible commentary on our community that we’re going to schools that are that old.”
Council President Don Kemp noted that the city’s recent 5-year vision plan links strong communities with strong schools.
“This community is not going to grow the way it should without proper schools, and we have the opportunity to get new buildings,” he said. “I’m asking the citizens to support the levy because it’s going to make our city that much stronger.”
Bond committee members were positive about the chances of Issue 19 passing. The same issue failed in the spring. However, members say they have more information this time, including the location of the new buildings, traffic impact studies and a full commitment of state funding to allow construction to start immediately. The school district is sharing that information on its website and Facebook page.