Voters who reside in the Southwest Licking school district will have the chance to weigh in during Licking County’s May 6 primary election on a 4.2-mill bond issue that would raise $115 million to accommodate the district’s rapidly growing student population.
If the bond measure passes, the district would be able to build a 5-6 grade middle school, expand Watkins Memorial High School and additional parking, and build a new athletic training facility and aquatic center in partnership with the YMCA. The levy would cost property owners $147 per $100,000 in property value.
“Our growth has been phenomenal,” Southwest Licking School Board president John Vincent said. “We are confident this is what our district needs.”
Vincent said that classroom space across the district is increasingly limited due to the capacity not meeting the needs of the population. Limited space has even led to some classes being held in makeshift classrooms like common spaces. Without room to grow, the Southwest Licking district could struggle to expand programming in schools.
School districts work with the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission, known as OFCC, to work out a plan of action for proposals. During the planning process, the state had been using projected enrollment numbers that failed to reflect the true population in schools. In 2017, the state projected the district would be home to 4,100 students by the 2025-2026 school year. But today, that number is closer to 5,100 students.
The bond issue, if passed, would support the influx of students and open up more opportunities for the community. About 20% of the funds raised by the bond issue would go toward creating The Spear, the proposed training and aquatic facility, Superintendent Kasey Perkins told the Newark Advocate. The facility is a partnership between Southwest Licking and the Licking County Family YMCA.
Student athletes in the district would have access to the facility at no charge. Discounted YMCA memberships would be available to Southwest Licking residents, and Y members would have full access to the facility.
The facility would enable the district to require first graders to undergo water safety training and to provide every second-grader with swim lessons. There would be more space for additional adaptive physical education programs, increasing support for all students.
It would also alleviate some pressure student athletes face – one being the swim team would no longer have to drive 30 minutes to Newark for practice.
“What we do for our kids is one of the most important things a community can do,” said school board member Kandee Engle.
Engle said that the proposed bond would allow the district to meet immediate needs while preparing for the future. She added that the levy is not just to build more structures but will allow students to get the most out of their education.
“We’re not talking hypothetically,” Vincent said. “These needs are real.”
Constituents have been relatively supportive and excited about the projects, board members said, but affordability is always a factor. The cost of living continues to rise and a sense of unpredictability in communities is real. Unpredictability in schools remains a stressor for educators across the nation, but it’s touched down in Licking County.
If the bond issue doesn’t pass, Southwest Licking will plan to push forward with its development goals. Their most recent district report card reflects a 4 ½ star rating, something they plan to keep by continuing to prioritize their academics. Vincent said the district will try to find solutions as they can, a statement echoed by Engle. A few years ago, the district had to locally fund a few expansion projects to support their schools.
According to Vincent, the proposed levy is in line with what they’ve done in the past. Vincent hopes that this addition allows Southwest Licking to be a “destination district.”
“This is an investment in our community,” he said, “and an investment in our future.”
He urged those unsure of the levy to get into contact with the board members.
Early voting began on Tuesday, April 8, at the board of elections office at 20 S. 2nd Street in Newark. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays through April 25; 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. from April 28-May 2; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 3; and 1-5 p.m. on Sunday, May 4. On Election Day, May 6, polls will be open 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
This story was updated at 12:30 p.m. on Friday, April 18, to clarify the district’s use of makeshift classroom spaces.
Liv Barton writes for TheReportingProject.org, the nonprofit news organization of Denison University’s Journalism program, which is supported by generous donations from readers. Sign up for The Reporting Project newsletter here.