Thank you for taking the time to be informed about the Greenon Local Schools District’s 5-year permanent improvement tax levy on the May 6, 2025 ballot.

The Greenon Local School District community is being asked to invest in permanent improvement projects to address the District's growing needs. 

The May 6, 2025 ballot question focuses on a permanent improvement levy for:

• Construction of a new transportation facility

• Construction of a multipurpose space

• Completing the unfinished space of the K-12 building in the Elementary Wing

• Other improvements include an updated weight room, dedicated athletic practice fields, and the repair of the track at the athletic complex.

What is the purpose of the Greenon Local School District proposing a new tax levy?

The Greenon Local School District is proposing a 5-year permanent improvement tax levy to fund the construction of a new transportation facility, a multipurpose room addition to the existing athletic facility, and to finish the unfinished portion of the K-6 Elementary wing. The levy will also fund other permanent improvement projects, such as updates to the existing weight room, creating dedicated athletic practice fields, and repairing the track at the athletic complex. 

Is this a permanent tax, or will it expire?

No, this is not a permanent tax. The levy is a 5-year permanent improvement levy, meaning it will only remain in effect for five years. Taxpayers will only be taxed for the duration of the levy.

How was it determined that new permanent improvement funds are necessary at this time?

The new transportation facility would enhance the efficiency and overall operations of district transportation services. The multipurpose room would offer additional space for wrestling, and other sports teams and community organizations to use and can also be used for community engagement activities. Finishing the ‘white space’ at the K-6 Greenon Elementary wing would allow the district to restore computer labs to their original functions while providing the growing student population with standard classrooms that better support their educational needs.

What is the estimated cost of constructing the new transportation facility, the multipurpose room, and completing the ‘white space’?

The estimated cost to construct the new transportation facility is $1.5 million. The estimated cost to construct the multipurpose room is $400,000.  Finishing the ‘white space’ is estimated at $1.75 million.

Can the existing transportation facility be repaired instead of building a new one?

The district purchased the current transportation facility, built in 1947, for $1 in 1974.  Since that time the facility has aged over time. Quotes obtained by the district for repairing the existing building were in the range of approximately $729,000.  This cost would only be to repair the building and the gravel parking lot. However, additional potential costs would be involved in the repair process, including the removal of underground fuel tanks and potential septic system updates. Given the cost and the uncertainty regarding the longevity of the existing facility, the Board determined that constructing a new garage makes the most financial sense for the District both in the short and long term.

Why were these projects not completed with the K-12 campus project?

The State of Ohio contributed 33% of funding toward the K-12 campus project, which meant that the district paid the remaining costs for the project. The district incorporated the unfinished space at the K-6 Elementary wing as a forward-thinking measure through the design committee. Local funds were then used to enclose this space during construction, allowing it to be completed later if necessary. At the time of the K-12 campus project, there were insufficient funds in the budget to include a transportation facility.

Where is the district considering building the new transportation facility, and why?

The district has explored plans to construct the new transportation facility at the athletic complex, located behind the home football stands. This location offers several advantages: it provides a clear and safe line of sight for buses entering Tecumseh Road, ensures adequate space for the facility, and utilizes district-owned property, eliminating the need for additional land acquisition. Additionally, the site allows for easy access to existing water and septic systems, reducing construction costs and simplifying infrastructure needs.

Why can’t the district build a pole barn to use as the new transportation facility and multi-purpose room?

The district has determined that a pole barn is unsuitable for the new transportation facility due to its limitations in meeting long-term durability, building code requirements, and risk category standards. Instead, a pre-engineered metal building has been selected to ensure compliance with these standards while providing enhanced structural longevity. Furthermore, the design specifications, including 16-foot sidewalls, result in comparable costs between a pole barn and the proposed metal building. Attaching the multipurpose room to the current athletic facility provides wrestling and other sports teams with a dedicated practice space near a locker room with shower facilities.

What would the multipurpose room be used for?

The multipurpose room would serve multiple sports teams, specifically the wrestling team, during the winter and provide a space for team training and events. This addition would also free up other spaces within the district for other sports teams, clubs, and community activities. As stated above, the multipurpose room would offer additional space for community use and engagement activities.

Would the multi-purpose room be dedicated to the wrestling team only?

No, the multi-purpose room would primarily serve the wrestling team during the winter season. However, outside of the wrestling season, it would be utilized by various sports teams and for other district events. 

Where does the wrestling team practice now?

Wrestling currently practices at the Enon Primary Cafeteria, shared with our district board office, four district preschool units, and the ED and Autism units, which use the cafeteria for lunch and recess.

The district already has three gyms and the Enon Primary Cafeteria for use.  Is the existing space insufficient?

The current winter sports schedule leaves the wrestling team without a dedicated practice space near a locker room with shower facilities. By relocating the wrestling team to the multipurpose room during their season. Enon Primary's gym can be freed up for other sports teams, and community uses, such as hosting local youth basketball teams and other events, ensuring better utilization of existing facilities.

What type and how many groups use the K-12 Campus and Enon Primary gyms and cafeterias during and after the normal school day?

The primary and high school cafeterias are used for lunch and study hall during the school day. The gyms are used throughout the day for Physical Education classes. After school, the elementary cafeteria hosts the latchkey program, while the high school cafeteria serves as a venue for district events such as awards ceremonies and banquets. The gyms are heavily utilized for Greenon Local and youth winter sports practices and games, drama presentations, musical performances, and more. The Enon Primary Cafeteria is used for wrestling practice during the winter season.

If the unfinished space in the elementary wing is finished, what would it be used for?

The growing student population has led the District to repurpose lab classrooms as regular classrooms. Finishing the ‘white space’ would allow the District to restore the labs to their original functions while providing students with standard classrooms that better support their educational needs.

How much will the levy cost taxpayers?

The 2.78 mill 5-year permanent improvement levy would generate approximately $1,059,000 in annual revenue. It would cost a taxpayer in the District approximately $8.08 per month per $100,000 in appraised property valuation as determined by the Clark County Auditor. To calculate the 5-year levy expense, multiply the appraised home value by 35%. Take that amount and multiply it by the number of mills divided by 1,000.

For example, for a $200,000 home. 200,000 x 35% = 70,000. 70,000 x (2.78 /1,000) = $194.60 annual property tax increase. For additional examples and information on how school funding works, visit: https://www.greenonschools.org/page/how-school-funding-works.

Does the Greenon Local School District receive 100% of all residential property taxes imposed?

No. Depending on the taxing district of the residential property, residential property taxes are comprised of taxes for all taxing entities for the taxing district. Examples of taxing entities could include the county, township, village, health or library levies, CTC, etc. The most significant portion of residential property taxes is typically the school district tax, which includes the school district’s bond levy.

What steps are being taken to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of levy funds?

The Greenon Local School District Board of Education is committed to providing transparency and accountability throughout this process. Detailed information about the projects and the use of funds will be shared at public board meetings, and updates will be posted on the District’s website.

When is the levy vote scheduled?

The levy vote is scheduled for the May 6, 2025 special election. Community members are encouraged to attend upcoming board meetings to learn more about the proposed levy and the new projects. Detailed information about early voting, polling locations, and more can be found at the Clark County Board of Elections website: https://www.boe.ohio.gov/clark/.

How can I get more information or ask additional questions?

For more information, please visit the Greenon Local School District website or contact the District’s central office at 937-864-1202. We encourage community members to reach out with questions or concerns, and we encourage all to attend the upcoming public board meetings.

Additional information on how school district funding works can be found on the Greenon Local Treasurer's website at: www.greenonschools.org/page/how-school-funding-works.