Voters approve Wadsworth Schools operational levy, bond issue

WADSWORTH — A combined ballot issue for Wadsworth City Schools gained voters' stamp of approval Tuesday, paving way for new operational funds and revenue that will pay for construction of a new Central Intermediate School. The 9.1-mill measure, known on ballots as Issue 23, was composed of a 6.7-mill operating levy and 2.4-mill bond issue for the new facility. However, a 1997 bond issue coming off the books this year in conjunction with millage reduction on a 2008 bond issue means Wadsworth residents will only see a 4.5-mill net tax increase, according to district officials. Issue 23 passed Tuesday by a roughly 52 percent to 48 percent margin, measuring out to 3,147 and 2,893 votes, respectively, according to unofficial results. "I just want to give a huge thanks to our community," Wadsworth Superintendent Andy Hill said. "What a hard time for us to ask for something and what a tremendous reward for the schools, for our community to give us this approval to move forward. This community has supported its schools for a long, long time, longer than I've been here, and that will continue after I'm gone. We're going to continue to be the best stewards of these taxpayer dollars as we possibly can. Just thank you, thank you to the Wadsworth community." At 4.5 mills, property owners will pay $157.50 annually for every $100,000 of valuation. The district expected the net increase to total 5.9 mills, or $206.50 for every $100,000, before last week when news of the 2008 millage reduction was made public. While Wadsworth Schools' spending essentially broke even in fiscal year 2021, projections called for a $15.8 million cash reserve to be depleted by 2024 without new operating revenue. Wadsworth had gone a decade without a new operating levy, the longest district gap in nearly half a century. Keeping cash reserves in the black allows Wadsworth to avoid credit downgrades over the next few years that could increase costs for large projects including the new Central Intermediate School. According to stated timelines, further Central Intermediate design and financial planning could take place early next year with hopes of having a construction manager chosen and all designs completed by December 2022. Bids for the project would then be accepted at the start of 2023 before a March groundbreaking, according to stated plans. Officials hope to welcome students to the new building in August 2025. "There's no way we could have moved forward with the new intermediate school without this vote," Hill said. "There was just no way. It's just very humbling and incredible to see these results. We can't say thank you enough. Being able to work collaboratively with staff and students with our new school design is going to put us in a great position for the future learning environment for our kids. "The old (Central Intermediate) building has served its purpose and continues to serve this community well. It's been 107 years and it's just time to move on to something new. The community is letting us do that. It's just a great feeling right now. On behalf of myself and our board, we can't say thank you enough for this show of support." The district was notified in 2019 that it was no longer eligible for more than $15 million in state funding to be put toward a new Central Intermediate after an Ohio Facilities Construction Commission study determined enough student space already existed at the current building. Wadsworth Schools entered an agreement with the state in 2009 to receive funds but later opted to delay the project, believing the existing building still had useful life and that money would still be available when the time came for replacement. Wadsworth Schools plans to sell the current building at 151 Main St. and make efforts to preserve at least some of the structure, especially OJ Work Auditorium. Ideas for use of the old school property have included new residences, outdoor festivals, cafes and event lawns. Contact reporter Jonathan Delozier at (330) 721-4050 or jdelozier@medina-gazette.com.