Board Receives Formal Recommendation for Facilities Phase I Ballot Issue in November Election

Superintendent Dr. Jason Fine formally made a recommendation to the Board of Education on Monday evening to place Phase I of Bexley Schools’ facilities upgrades on the November 2026 election ballot. If approved by Board members, the funding request would total $115 million.

“The centerpiece is the building of a new middle school, which represents approximately $82 million of the total cost,” Dr. Fine told the Board. “Our current buildings were not designed for how students learn today. They were built for a different era, different instructional models, different safety codes, different accessibility standards. While our facilities are safe and well-maintained, they are not running efficiently.”

Other components of the Phase I recommendation include prioritized capital improvements to all schools, maintenance upgrades to the stadium at Carlton Smith Field, and adding turf fields at both Montrose and Maryland elementaries.

“I strongly believe the components of this recommendation are best to achieve the educational standards and opportunities expected in Bexley City Schools,” Dr. Fine said in his presentation, when he also recommended the Board of Education take action on his request at its next scheduled meeting on March 11.

Bexley Schools have a long-range, three-phase Facilities Plan designed to ensure it remains a top-performing school district for decades to come. Developed with extensive community input, the plan balances educational needs, necessary facility repairs, and fiscal responsibility by modernizing learning environments, improving aging infrastructure, and making the best possible use of Bexley’s limited footprint while continuing to deliver the high-quality education our community expects.

Why is this important to do today? Our school buildings are, on average, 85 years old. While they have been well maintained, many now require major repairs to critical systems, including HVAC, roofs, and boilers. At the same time, education has changed since our buildings were constructed and updated over the years. Today’s students need access to collaborative learning spaces, STEM environments, and technology-rich classrooms, spaces our buildings were not originally designed to support. Addressing education, structural, and operational needs at once is both mission-driven and fiscally responsible.

During his presentation, the superintendent stressed that there is “no zero-cost option” with Bexley’s school facilities. “Doing nothing is not free,” he said. “When something breaks, we have to fix it. While the general fund can cover some repairs, those costs will begin to threaten day-to-day learning operations over time. Deferred maintenance only becomes more expensive as inefficiencies compound, and every year we wait, the cost and disruption continue to grow.”

Families are encouraged to watch the video of the superintendent’s Phase I Recommendations presentation to the Board, or read the presentation transcript to learn more about what the Board is now considering. 

Presentation Video | Presentation Transcript | Presentation Slides | Facilities Phase I Feedback Form

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Superintendent’s Facilities Phase I Recommendation to the Board

1. Build a New Middle School - $82 Million

Creates Modern, Collaborative and STEM-Ready Learning Spaces that are Flexible and Adaptable

Alleviates Highly Congested Space at Cassingham Complex by Increasing Capacity at the High School and Cassingham Elementary

Provides a Self-Contained Middle School with Its Own Gym and Cafeteria

Maintains Walkable, One-Campus Middle and High School Experience

Meets Modern Safety and Accessibility Standards

Positive Affects All Bexley Students

2. Essential Facility Repairs - $24 Million

Responsibly Taking Care of Our Schools’ HVAC, Roofing, Boilers, and Other Critical Systems that Exceed the District’s Normal Maintenance Budget

Keeps Operating Funds Focused on Classrooms, Not Emergency Repairs

Ensures Safe, Reliable Learning Environments

3. Add Turf at Maryland & Montrose - $5 Million

Will Provide Year-Round Student, Band, and Athlete Field Access

4. Stadium Improvements - $4 Million

Maintenance

PROJECTED PHASE I TOTAL COST - $115 Million

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