LOUDONVILLE — Loudonville-Perrysville Schools’ second attempt to gain support for a $69 million new building lies in the hands of voters.
Early voting has begun leading up to Election Day on May 6. The school’s bond issue and levy renewal will have prime position on the ballot this time around after failing during November’s presidential election cycle.
Local taxpayers would be responsible for $41 million of the project’s cost. The Ohio Facilities Construction Commission has pledged $15.68 million. The district plans to contribute the rest of the money, an estimated $12.5 million.
District officials and those working on a levy renewal committee have emphasized the need for new buildings.
“The need hasn’t gone away and we do not easily give up on things that matter greatly to us and the future of our community,” said levy committee members Molly Kern, Roger Stitzlein and Kari Reidenbach in an emailed statement.
The trio led the levy committee in the fall, and have continued their efforts this spring.
“We truly believe that new facilities are needed and that we are running out of time on safely being able to occupy our current buildings,” they wrote.
“It is also not fiscally responsible to continue to repair as issues arise. We can have a new facility with upgraded technology, improved safety, and greater accessibility for less money than it would take to renovate our current buildings.”
An earlier attempt to gain voter approval for a building project was defeated last fall with about 56 percent of voters opposing it. Some school district residents cited cost as a concern.
The district will host an information session about the levy on April 17 at 6 p.m. in the C.E. Budd School auditorium.
Levy committee members also encouraged anyone with questions to visit the district’s “Master Facilities Plan” webpage. They can also be reached at togetherforlpschools@gmail.com.
Read more coverage on the proposed levy and bond issue below:
