2022 Bond Issue Info
Goshen Local Schools Board of Education will seek voter approval of a 7.20 mill bond issue on the November 2022 ballot.
Goshen schools are currently 400 students over capacity, according to calculations from the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission. In addition, Goshen Township is expecting more than 1,100 new homes to be built over the next ten years.
The Board of Education has concern about this projected growth and impact that growth will have on already-crowded academic space and student safety in our current buildings.
The bond issue would be used to pay for the construction of a new building for grades 4-6, classroom additions at the high school, and for small renovations to the district’s other existing three buildings. The project also calls for site circulation improvements to ease congestion along Goshen Road at peak times.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is on the November 2022 ballot?
A 7.20 mill bond issue that will raise $49.9 million. The bond issue would be used to pay for:
- A new building for grades 4-6
- Classroom additions at the high school
- Small renovations to Goshen’s other three buildings
- Site circulation improvements to ease congestion along Goshen Road
Why is Goshen asking for this bond issue?
Two reasons: Already crowded classrooms and projected growth in our community.
According to state calculations, Goshen school buildings are already operating over their intended capacity. The Ohio Facilities Construction Commission estimates a capacity of 2,577 students for Goshen’s four schools. Current enrollment is 2,917, nearly 400 students over capacity.
Also, based on already approved plans, Goshen Township officials estimate that Goshen will grow by 1,104 new homes over the next five to seven years. Those homes are expected to bring 600 new students.
Goshen Schools already have an income tax. Why do they need a bond issue?
Income tax dollars are used for operating expenses (salaries, books, utilities) and cannot be used for new construction or to renovate facilities.
The district’s income tax is the one reason that Goshen voters have not seen multiple property tax levies over the past 30 years like most other Ohio school districts.
How is this bond issue different than the one in 2019?
After the 2019 bond issue failed, the Goshen Board of Education and administrators gathered feedback from voters, families, and staff. This feedback showed that voters supported additional classroom space, but believed the previous plan had too many “extras.” This bond issue addresses space needs only and benefits all grade levels of Goshen students.
Why not eliminate open enrollment to make more room for students who live in Goshen?
This is a possible short-term solution, but it comes at a cost.
Goshen only accepts open enrolled students to fill existing classes that have empty seats. The district does not add additional classes or teachers, and does not incur additional costs like transportation for these students.
Eliminating open enrollment would also eliminate significant revenue Goshen receives from the state of Ohio for these students.
Why can’t the owners of the new homes pay more to build the school?
It is illegal to impose a tax or assess a fee on some – but not all – property owners. Hamilton Township in Warren County attempted to impose similar impact fees on new homes during a building boom in the early 2000s. This was challenged in court and ruled to be unconstitutional. The township had to refund fees back to developers.
Any new homes or businesses that will be built in Goshen will pay for the bond issue, and help reduce the tax burden for those already residing in the district.
With the uncertain economy, is this the best time for this bond issue?
Lack of space is already impacting the delivery of a quality Goshen education. Classes are held in a locker room, libraries, a modified closet, trailers, and any other available space. The district is currently in a time where making decisions on new or updated academic programs are based solely on space availability.
Delaying a bond issue would mostly likely mean higher construction costs in the future, and would not address current overcrowding problems and predicted enrollment growth.
The average construction time for a new school is 24 to 36 months, which means two or three more school years of enrollment growth before new spaces would be available.
