Voters again reject New Philadelphia ballot measure for new schools
NEW PHILADELPHIA (WJER) (Nov. 5, 2025) – New Philadelphia School District officials are having to regroup after voters for the third time rejected funds to build two new schools.
Issue 19, the combined bond issue and tax levy, would have generated the local share to construct two new buildings and demolish the existing ones that average 80 years old.
Despite a more detailed plan this time, 3,651 voters were still against the issue, according to the unofficial results of Tuesday’s general election. 2,260 voted in favor.
The district is still eligible for $80 million in state co-funding, or about 55% of the total project cost.
Superintendent Amy Wentworth says the state funding offer is good through 2026, so she believes the school board will consider any ways to improve the plan and make another attempt in a future election.