Buckeye Board of Education passes resolution to proceed with bond issue

YORK TWP. — Liverpool, Litchfield and York Township voters will once again vote on a bond issue for Buckeye Schools in the upcoming primary election. The Buckeye Board of Education approved the resolution to proceed with the bond during its meeting Tuesday, which allows the issue to be put on the May 6 ballot. Buckeye's campus and facilities task force recommended putting the bond issue up for another vote during the board's December meeting. The task force, which has more than 50 community members, developed the plan regarding how to move forward with facilities. The $59 million bond issue would allow Buckeye to construct a new high school, renovate the existing high school to turn it into a junior high school and demolish the current junior high, which was built in 1957. It is the same plan as the bond issue from November. "Our aging facilities no longer meet the needs of our students and staff," Superintendent Jeff Stanton said. "This plan addresses those challenges, equipping Buckeye students with modern, flexible learning environments that support today's curriculum and prepare them for tomorrow's careers." The district states a new high school will allow Buckeye to have advanced STEM and arts facilities, flexible and collaborative spaces, extended course offerings and dynamic learning experiences. "These upgrades will enable us to enhance our curriculum, support technology driven instruction and offer a broader range of educational opportunities," curriculum director Bridget Elias said. "The result is a learning environment where our students can thrive and be well prepared for college and careers." The bond is estimated to be 3.64 mills and would be paid over the course of 35 years upon passage. The cost per $100,000 in home valuation would be approximately $127 a year. "By placing this bond issue on the May ballot, we affirm our commitment to the district's portrait of a Buck vision," board member Seth Kujat said. "Modern facilities will provide learning environments that foster collaboration, critical thinking, communication, perseverance, social awareness, integrity, respect and stewardship, ensuring our graduates are prepared for future success." For more information on Buckeye's facilities planning and the bond issue, visit tinyurl.com/mth6kckt. Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.