Commission suggests current site for a new middle/high school
NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (Jan. 30, 2025) – Some city officials have a preference as to where the New Philadelphia School District could build a new high school if approved by voters.
The school district in May is again attempting a $72-million bond issue to construct a new Pre-K through 6th-grade building on the current South School property and then a new middle-high school a few years later at a site yet to be determined.
Mayor Joel Day informed council this week that the city’s planning commission is recommending building it at the present location of those schools at 4th Street and Ray Avenue Northwest.
“The commission has been working with the New Philadelphia Schools administration over the past two months to find a suitable location that voters could support and a location that conforms to the city’s Master Vision Plan,” Day said.
Day says other potential sites were ruled out.
“Locations outside of the city limits were explored. But when transportation logistics and costs were also considered, the commission members felt that keeping both schools at their present location was the best option,” Day said to council.
Day says any final decision on the middle-high school’s location will be up to the New Philadelphia Board of Education.