Board of Education Hears Presentation on Possible Phase I of Facilities Upgrades

Two longtime community members, Larry Helman and Ted Cahill, made a presentation to the Board that culminated in a recommendation to move forward with the development of a Phase I of facilities upgrades.

Their presentation was representative of the work of nearly 50 Bexley residents and staff members who make up a combined committee from the district’s Finance Advisory Council and Facilities Advisory Committee.

Before Mr. Cahill presented the combined committee’s Phase I recommendation to the Board, Mr. Helman focused on the history of how Bexley school buildings have been utilized and expanded over the past 100 years.

“We’ve gotten 100 years out of (the Cassingham) campus,” Mr. Helman said. “We will not get a second 100 years unless we figure out how to deal with moving and a redevelopment for that campus over time.” He went on to say, “We need to create sites and create options, and have a clear understanding of the steps we need to take to make that campus viable going into the next 100 years.”

You are encouraged to watch Mr. Helman’s and Mr. Cahill’s presentation to the Board and view the presentation slides online. The video is available on the district’s YouTube Channel beginning at 1:00:52 of the meeting video.

Phase I Scope

as Recommended by the Combined Facilities Committee

• Construction of a New Middle School, Rebuilding of the Stadium Bleachers, and Turfed Fields at Montrose and Maryland Elementary Schools in order to increase outdoor access to students and community year-round

• Estimated Cost: ~$113 Million

• Recommended Financing of Phase I: Hybrid of Personal Income Tax and Property Tax

*ESTIMATES equal 1.5 mills of property tax ($21.4M) and 0.5% income tax ($92M)

*Please note that these estimates may change. The district must verify these estimates with county and state agencies. 

• Committee’s Recommended Timing of a Possible Ballot Issue: May 2026** (See note below)

Next Steps

• School Treasurer/CFO Kyle Smith will convene the district’s Finance Advisory Council in the near future to help determine the needed funding, as well as what the hybrid funding mechanisms would total.

• **Dr. Fine stated during yesterday’s meeting that he is leaning toward recommending a possible ballot issue in the November 2026 election and anticipates making a timing recommendation to the Board during the December regular Board meeting.

• Should the Board accept Dr. Fine’s recommendation regarding timing on Dec. 10th, then the final recommendations on the scope, cost, and type of financing will be made in early 2026.