Gahanna residents can learn more about the Gahanna-Jefferson Public Schools' tax issue on the May 8 ballot by attending a town hall meeting at 6:30 p.m. April 25 at Gahanna Middle School West, 350 Stygler Road.
The proposed issue, labeled Issue 2, is for 5.5 mills, with a 1.22-mill, 30-year bond issue and a 4.28-mill continuous operating levy.
If it is approved, the cost to the owner of a house with a market value of $100,000 would be an additional $16 per month, or $192.50 per year.
District treasurer Kristine Blind said that same homeowner currently pays $112.53 per month, or $1,350.36 per year, based on the district's effective tax rate.
Superintendent Steve Barrett said the district has been holding "coffee discussions" to share information related to the combination issue.
"So far, we have been in 34 homes where residents have invited their neighbors over for a discussion about our facilities and combined bond-operating levy," Barrett said.
"These discussions have been engaging and informative, but we realize not everyone has had the opportunity to attend an in-home coffee," he said.
Barrett said the town hall would give district residents a chance to learn about plans and ask questions.
Those attending will have the opportunity to submit questions, and Barrett will answer them as time permits.
If voters approve the tax issue, it would fund a new elementary school and improvements for buildings serving those in kindergarten through eighth grade.
The proposed issue is the result of a 2017 master-facilities plan meant to address overcrowding and the need to update school facilities, Barrett said.
The new elementary school would be built on district-owned property on Helmbright Drive. It would replace the current Lincoln Elementary School, which is dilapidated, he said.
The bond also would cover the cost of renovating restrooms, media centers and classrooms in K-8 buildings.
Barrett said the district has been dedicated to fiscally responsible management of funds raised through its last operating levy, which passed in 2011. The district made $1.3 million in spending reductions last spring, to extend that levy's life, he said.
He said the district worked with a master facilities planning committee -- which included parents, school leaders and community members -- to develop the plan this ballot issue would fund.
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