School board weighing fall ballot options

July 7 deadline By MARLA K. KUHLMAN Tuesday July 1, 2014 10:48 PM

The Gahanna-Jefferson Board of Education met into the late hours of June 25, debating over what might be the best option for a November ballot measure.

The board faces a July 7 deadline to file a resolution with the Franklin County Board of Elections if it wants to proceed with a bond issue to construct one new building, district treasurer Julio Valladares said. If the board wants to proceed with a permanent-improvements levy, the deadline is Aug. 6.

Valladares said the resolution due July 7 wouldn't commit the board to going on the ballot, but it would leave the option open.

Based on the findings of SHP Leading Design, a firm that was hired in February to establish a five-year capital-improvements plan at a cost not to exceed $10,000, the total over the next five years to just upgrade and remodel all buildings would be about $26 million.

Superintendent Francis Scruci said building needs include such items as HVAC, lighting and windows.

The board is considering a permanent-improvements levy or combination bond and permanent-improvements levy.

Board president Jill Schuler said no permanent-improvements levy would get the district a building.

"In addition to a PI, we have to entertain a bond," she said. "I think we're charged with looking further down the line than just this issue. We need to consider the message, the needs that exist and how we could pay for them."

Board member Matt Campbell asked if Lincoln Elementary School would have to be replaced in any long-term plan if the board waited a year to put together a comprehensive plan.

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School board weighing fall ballot options