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Lexington Schools

Lexington Schools Move Closer to New Elementary Building in 2025

The long-awaited construction of a new elementary school for Lexington Schools is finally gaining momentum. After years of delays, the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) has confirmed its readiness to release funds for the project, providing a significant breakthrough for the district.

On Wednesday, the Lexington Board of Education approved a resolution authorizing the OFCC to advance the project, which will go before the state board of control for final approval in January.

Superintendent Jeremy Secrist shared the district’s plans: “We anticipate starting the search for an architect in February, followed by selecting a construction manager and beginning the design process in early spring.” District officials estimate breaking ground on the new facility within 9 to 12 months, with the goal of opening by the 2028-2029 school year, or possibly earlier.

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A Project Years in the Making

The journey began in 2018 when Lexington voters approved a 37-year, 8.6-mill bond levy to fund two new buildings: an elementary school and a combined junior high and high school. The OFCC committed to covering 53% of the project’s cost.

However, state funding delays disrupted the original timeline. The district had anticipated receiving funds in 2020 and planned to build both schools simultaneously.

To adapt, Lexington schools joined the OFCC’s Expedited Local Partnership Program (ELPP), which allowed the district to begin construction with local funds and receive reimbursement later.

Through the ELPP, Lexington completed its new junior high and high school, which opened in 2022. Since then, district leaders and elected officials, including Senator Mark Romanchuck and Commissioner Tony Vero, have lobbied tirelessly to secure the release of funds for the elementary school.

Funding Adjustments and Cost Management

With inflation driving up costs, the OFCC increased its contribution to the project. However, the district must also raise an additional $3.2 million. At Wednesday’s meeting, financial consultant David Conley recommended using a Tax Anticipation Note (TAN) to cover the shortfall.

The board approved the plan, which allows the district to borrow the needed funds and repay them using proceeds from Lexington’s continuous permanent improvement levy.

Despite these challenges, the district has benefited from favorable financial conditions. Bonds issued for the project carried low interest rates, shortening the repayment period from 37 years to 30 and saving taxpayers approximately $28 million in interest.

Lexington Schools
Lexington Schools

Honoring a Legacy: Lexington Schools

The approval of the project holds special significance for Superintendent Secrist, who reflected on the late Bob Whitney, a long-serving board president who passed away in January. Whitney had been a steadfast advocate for the new elementary school.

“It was on everyone’s mind last night,” Secrist said. “Bob’s final wish was to see this project come to fruition, and we’re committed to making that happen.”

Board President Keith Stoner echoed Secrist’s sentiments, emphasizing the impact the new facilities will have on the community. “Our kids, families, and employees deserve state-of-the-art facilities. The work we’ve accomplished in outdated buildings is impressive, but modern resources will elevate what’s possible.”

Community Support and Gratitude

Secrist expressed deep appreciation for the community’s unwavering support. “Our voters made this possible by approving the levy in 2018 and continuing to back us through renewal levies and support for our staff,” he said. “We’ve waited far too long, but we’re finally getting the facilities our community deserves.”

As Lexington Schools prepares to move forward, optimism is high for the transformative impact the new elementary school will have on students and families for generations to come.

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