New Phila School Board Members Comment on Latest Push for New Buildings
NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (Feb. 19, 2026) – The New Philadelphia School Board is hoping its latest plan to build new schools will finally win voter support, but not everyone on the board is sold on the proposal.
This week, members voted 4–1 to move forward with purchasing a 77‑acre property off State Route 39, just east of the city. The purchase would only happen if voters approve a 1.5‑percent earned‑income tax on the ballot this spring.
The district’s letter of intent lists a purchase price of $2.75 million from Ridge Valley LLC.
Board member Kelly Ricklic cast the lone “no” vote. While he agreed the district needs new schools, he raised concerns that the purchase does not include mineral rights to the land. Ricklic also pointed to a soil study that rated the property as having “very limited” capability, saying the conditions could push construction costs higher.
Board member Jane Bachman disputed that concern, arguing the study does not reflect soil conditions across the entire site.
After multiple failed attempts to pass property‑tax levies for rebuilding on existing school sites, board member Andrew Zimmerman said the new approach — and a new location — provide a more viable path forward.
Another board member, Amanda Fontana, said the final decision should rest with the community at the ballot box.
The district’s proposal also includes a half‑mill reduction in property taxes, which would take effect once revenue from the earned‑income tax begins, should voters approve the measure in May.