CANTON, Ohio — Canton City Schools is among many school districts across the state facing a population decline in its county.
What You Need To Know
- Voters would need to replace a current bond that expires in 2023 to see the changes
- Tax revenue from the Hall of Fame Village could help pay for the project
- Additional financing from community partners will be key
Looking to possibly combine some schools, demolish others like Mason Elementary, and move McKinley High School to the heart of downtown, district officials know it will cost them a great deal now or more later.
In one of the initial plans proposed by Superintendent Jeffrey Talbert, it would cost the district more than $100 million.
He believes a portion of it can be covered by replacing a current bond that is set to expire in 2023. It would raise $50 million for the project.
“If we allow that bond to fall off without renewing it or putting another bond on, then from here on out, that’s a tax increase,” Talbert said. “If that doesn’t happen. We can’t do any of it.”
If voters replaced the current bond next May, that money would be combined with tax revenue received from property owned by the district. That’s property the Hall of Fame Village sits on currently.
“Combine that tax revenue with the lease revenue we’re getting from Hall of Fame Village for leasing all of our property. Combine that with the savings that we will get,” Talbert said. “If we consolidate with this project, we’ll be able to go out and possibly get $30 million and an alternative financing mode… again not going to the taxpayers.”
That alternative financing mode would be community partners who provide school programming. Talbert said, if that doesn’t materialize before next May, voters would also be asked to approve a permanent improvement levy at the same time.
While cost is a major driver, parents like Tina Stevens are also concerned about the cost on the other end when it comes to jobs. She said she was 90% on board with what she heard.
“As far as their cafeteria, as far as their janitors, as far as their office help, what does that mean for us?” Stevens said.
That’s if schools are combined, and others are eliminated.
The district has not decided on a plan yet. Additional plans were presented recently during a study session. If the school board approves a plan and moves forward, the process to overhaul the district would begin in 2023.
