Bexley City Schools
Bexley City Schools & Issue 5: Know the Facts
The Bexley Board of Education approved a resolution on May 13, 2026, declaring it necessary to finance the construction and acquisition of certain permanent improvements to the school district’s facilities through the issuance of general obligation bonds and an increase in additional school district income tax revenue. This site is dedicated to providing the Bexley community with accurate and reliable information about Issue 5, which voters will consider on the Nov. 3, 2026, general election ballot.
What’s New
Board Funds Urgent Repair of Maryland’s Water Intrusion Issues
The Board of Education approved a resolution during a special meeting on Aug. 26 allowing the district to proceed as quickly as possible to remedy the frequent water intrusion and flooding at Maryland Elementary School. This action was taken after extensive flooding on Aug. 20 occurred in the lower level of the building, the third time in a few months that Maryland had water in its lower level following heavy rainfall. Funds from the district’s General Fund, which primarily covers day-to-day operations, will be used to pay for the repair.
Board members also approved a second resolution allowing the General Fund to be reimbursed if future bond proceeds become available to fund the schools’ facilities Phase I.
Synthetic Turf Removed from Phase I Surface Improvements
During a special meeting on Aug. 26, the Board of Education approved an amendment to the facilities Phase I plan by removing synthetic turf as an option for surface improvements at Maryland and Montrose Elementary Schools.
From Superintendent’s Presentation, Aug. 26, 2026
The Bexley City School District is the only district in Central Ohio, including Franklin County and all contiguous counties, that has not upgraded its facilities in more than 25 years.
We know that high-quality facilities play a critical role in recruiting and retaining exceptional educators in the Central Ohio region, which, in turn, directly impacts student outcomes. We never want our facilities to be a deterrent to providing the best teaching and learning experiences for our students and staff.
What Is the Consequence if No Upgrades Are Made to Our Schools?
There is no zero-cost option. This is a highly important fact regarding our buildings. Doing nothing is not free and the Board’s recent action on Aug. 26 to approve emergency funding to fix the water-intrusion issue at Maryland Elementary is an example of this.
While the district’s General Fund can cover some repairs, those costs will begin to threaten day-to-day learning operations over time and could expedite the need for an operating levy. Deferred maintenance only becomes more expensive as inefficiencies compound, and every year that we wait will cause the cost and disruption to grow.
The timing of emergency actions to fix unexpected facilities issues also can create concerns. Not only can repair work be disruptive if needed to be completed during class time, but the nature of such unexpected expenses can impact the district’s day-to-day finances that are earmarked for teachig and learning and day-to-day operations. It is highly preferable to get ahead of capital expenditure needs rather than address them only when they break.
Of note is a recent report estimating that essential repairs to our facilities within the next five years are expected to cost nearly $22 million. This was determined during a Physical Adequacy Report completed in 2024, by local architectural and construction experts. The report also determined that essential repairs needed within 15 years could total more than $146 million with inflation.
What Bexley Voters Are Being Asked to Fund
Phase I Estimated Total Project Cost: $115 Million
Issue 5 asks Bexley voters to approve funding for Phase I of the district’s long-range Facilities Plan. The plan addresses aging facilities and supports and improves student learning environments. Phase I is a stand-alone plan that addresses facility needs identified over a two-year community-driven process that included dozens of Bexley families, faculty, staff, students, alumni, and community members. Through physical building assessments, educational adequacy assessments, community input, and long-range planning, this Phase I request represents an important step in addressing Bexley Schools’ aging infrastructure throughout the district. If funding for Phase I is approved and this phase is completed, then future phases may be considered using the District Facilities Plan that provides the vision for what’s possible in future upgrades.
Note: The Board of Education voted on Aug. 26, 2026, to remove synthetic turf as options for surface improvements at Maryland and Montrose Elementary Schools.
Learn More about Issue 5...
Voter Information for the General Election
Have Questions or Need More Information?
Email us at: facilities@bexley.us.