Kings Local Schools does not need a $142M bond levy | Opinion
I was proud to serve as a member of the Kings Local School Board (2014-2018), and I wanted to share my thoughts on the $142 million bond levy on the March 19 primary ballot. The ballot measure will be for 5.97 mills, equaling $209 per $100,000 home value.
My first concern is that in order to borrow $142 million, the Kings school board had to apply for a special needs district designation by claiming the district could not "adequately" serve students within our current debt limit of $76 million. There is no justification to spend beyond Kings debt limit as the district can solve building issues in a cost range within the $76 million.
Kings buildings have all been well-maintained and updated to meet student needs now and into the future. Kings students and teachers achievement records prove the current building enrollment is not an issue in regards to academic success.
My second concern is enrollment numbers do not support the need for a new high school. The six Kings school buildings have a capacity of 5,211. The current enrollment is 4,702, leaving 509 open seats across the district. K-12 enrollment is projected to be 5,214 by 2033 − this is only three students over design capacity. (Note: Kings chronic absenteeism rate is 18%.)
Beyond this, the $142 million plan will turn the current junior high school, which can serve 791 students, into "flex space." The plan is not based on the true needs of the district; it is based on functional capacity, not design capacity. Most high-wealth districts do not follow functional capacity guidelines because it is not fiscally responsible.
My third concern is Kings current five-year operating forecast is projecting a $14 million deficit in 2028. This does not include the increased costs to operate a new high school. Here comes another operating levy.
Given the hardship families are facing in these challenging times, the board's focus needs to be on controlling costs in all areas of the school budget. Nearly four years ago, an $89 million bond levy failed twice because it was asking for too much. Are we better off today than four years ago?
Overspending on buildings will put future education needs at risk. I think the community would appreciate the board working on a needs-based, fiscally responsible solution to our building needs. Please vote accountability and a cost-effective plan to handle Kings building needs.
Kim Grant is a former Kings School Board member
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Kings Local Schools does not need a $142M bond levy
