Groveport Madison works to get another levy on ballot

GROVEPORT, Ohio (WCMH) -- The Groveport Madison School Board held a special meeting Tuesday aimed at asking voters to once again consider a bond issue on the ballot after voters rejected one in November. 

Board members said if it is approved, the bond would raise millions of dollars to build several new schools. 

Even though Groveport Madison board members voted to move forward with the proposed bond levy, it won’t be on the May ballot just yet. Board members say more work still needs to be done.   

Issue 38 in Groveport Madison was just one of the many school levies and bond issues that ended up failing across central Ohio.  

In Groveport Madison, the funds would have been used to build three new middle schools and an addition to the high school. According to the district, two of the current middle schools have an open classroom concept, which has led to distracting learning environments and safety and security concerns.   

Since failing, the board has been looking for ways to move forward. During Tuesday night's meeting, only a few board members were in favor of moving forward with the proposed bond levy; others feel like it’s not ready to be back on the ballot.   

“I don't believe that what we're putting before the voters is a representation at all of our constituency, I know it's not of my constituency,” board member John Kershner said. 

“We need to go back to the drawing board, come up with a strategic plan and listen to our constituents, the taxpayers,” board member Kathy Walsh said. 

Some board members felt like the community didn’t have any input in what went on this levy. However, others say they were given multiple opportunities to voice their concerns.   

“They were given the opportunity to be there,” board member Libby Gray said. “There was multiple meetings and community members did put their input into this decision. So, I would just like to comment on that.” 

In November, Groveport Madison schools had a 2.44 mills bond issue on the ballot. If passed, it would cost taxpayers $85 dollars per $100,000 of their home’s appraisal value. If the latest version of the bond issue gets on the ballot again, it would now be 2.33 mills, costing taxpayers $81.55 per $100,000 of appraised value. 

Board members said Tuesday’s vote doesn’t mean the issue moves to the ballot; the board will hold another vote next week.