Nikole Babb
nbabb@cherryroad.com
The USD 402 Augusta Public Schools district will vote on a new school district bond that totals $55 million. The bond covers several renovations and expansions to the schools that center in safety and classroom and activity expansion.
The bond is advertised as not increasing the district’s bond mill levy, which is currently 18.376, due to a previous bond issued in 2008 that is set for pay off in Fall 2026. As that bond is paid off, this new bond would become active, running them back-to-back. Superintendent Matt Ward says that 12% or $6.6 million of the bond will be funded by state equalization aid, which is used to reduce funding gaps between different school districts that vary by wealth or financial.
The total mill levy for USD 402 is 61.362, which includes bonds & interest, LOB mills, capital outlay, and general.
Despite comments from the public saying this is a reaction to the closing of Robinson Elementary School, Ward says this is less of a reaction to that and more of a necessary renovation and expansion needed for the schools, including the high school that was built in the 70’s.
“Many of the classrooms aren’t modern,” said Ward. “The high school for example was designed in the 60’s likely with ideas from the 50’s. It’s old and needs updating with windows in all classrooms to allow natural sunlight. Things have changed from 1970 to now, and there are changes that need to be done. The students deserve modern classrooms.”
The idea of building a new high school entirely was shot down due to comparative costs that cover the whole district.
“To build a new HS would be about $75 million alone, but renovating all buildings with $55 million is much easier and better on pocketbook,” said Ward.
In regards to major renovations, Augusta High School will receive a major main office location change. Currently located in the center of the high school, it will be moved to the front entrance so visibility of visitors and anyone entering the building can be better monitored. New construction includes eight new classrooms, an new art room, expanded CTE, new fine arts, new band room, new gym entry, expanded weights room and new wrestling room that fits three mats.
Almost every inch of the high school will be renovated lightly or major according to the graphics provided. An auto lock system was mentioned to be purchased with the ability to lockdown every single classroom and building with one button.
Augusta Middle School will receive less construction that includes a new band room, and renovations to the science room, courtyard, learning spaces, weight room and collaboration rooms as well as the administration office.
Ewalt Elementary School will receive a new staff parking area, a new walking path outside, a new music and storage room, and new secured entry as well as renovations on collaborative spaces, the counselor’s office, special education rooms, staff workroom, ISS and speech rooms, and the conference room.
Garfield Elementary School will receive very minor changes. These changes include a new band room, and new front entry parking as well as renovations of the special education rooms, security film, and breakout rooms.
Lincoln Elementary School will receive a new awning outside, new band/multipurpose room and renovations to the special education, workrooms, and professional learning room.
“We want to ensure our students have access to high quality Career and Technical Education opportunities so they’re career ready for high wage, high demand careers.”
Construction is expected to take two years to complete with major renovations taking place over the summer when there are few to no students present.
“It’s the community’s decision if they want to do it or not,” said Ward.
A community informational meeting will be held on Sunday, April 27 beginning at 2:30pm held at the Augusta High School Auditorium located at 2020 Ohio St.
General voting will take place on Tuesday, May 6. Polls will be open from 7am-7pm. The deadline to register is Tuesday, April 15. Advanced voting will begin on Wednesday, April 16. Polling locations include:
Augusta First Baptist Church
1501 State St
Residents from: Augusta W1, Augusta W2, Bloomington Twp, Bruno Twp, Pleasant Twp, Spring Twp, & Walnut Twp.
Augusta Methodist Church
2420 Ohio St
Residents from: Augusta W3, Augusta W4, & Augusta Twp
