“How was this plan developed?”
This plan was designed over the course of a year by a diverse facilities task force made up of parents, community members, teachers, administrators, community leaders, and partner organizations. Comprehensive data review showed that our current facilities don’t have enough space for our projected enrollment, with some buildings already over capacity. This plan provides enough capacity in each building to carry our district through its projected maximum enrollment, which also creating recreation and wellness spaces that will benefit the entire community.
“Our buildings are new – why are we already outgrowing them?”
The 2017 building plan was a state co-funded project through the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission. As a state project, enrollment projections were completed with a fixed OFCC formula. Despite multiple pleas from SWL officials to consider their enrollment projections, the buildings were designed using the state’s projections. SWL locally-funded several changes to better accommodate future growth like upscaling common spaces and mechanical systems at the high school for a planned addition, and building a new 800-student elementary school instead of renovating the former 400-student Pataskala building.
“Why aren’t we using the old middle school or Pataskala buildings in this plan?”
The former middle school building is being demolished as a condition of the 2017 OFCC project, as it was determined to be too costly to bring up to state minimum standards. Once Pataskala Elementary moves into the new Pataskala - South Fork Elementary building for the 2025/26 school year, the historic Pataskala building will remain open as Pataskala Bridge Academy for students with certain special needs.
“If my property taxes are supporting construction of The Spear training facility, why do I have to pay for membership to The Y to use it?”
The Spear has been designed with multiple levels of access, including amenities open to the community at no additional cost. An outdoor splash pad, activity areas, playground, and picnic shelter will be open and available for community use. Student athletes will have access at no charge through their organized sport. Members of The Y will have access to a weight room, indoor walking track, 3 full-sized multiuse courts and programming at the pool complex. Free “Silver Sneakers” memberships are available to senior citizens on most insurance plans, and discounted Y memberships will be available to those in the SWL community.
Through this unique public-private partnership the Licking County Family YMCA has agreed to manage and staff this facility, including operating costs.
“How much will the 2025 bond impact my monthly taxes?”
For each $100,000 of home value, expect a monthly increase of $12.25. As district population increase, taxes decrease.
Home's value of $100,000 : + $12.25
Home's value of $200,000 : + $25.50
Home's value of $250,000 : + $30.63
Home's value of $300,000 : + $36.75
Home's value of $350,000 : + $42.88
Home's value of $400,000 : + $49.00
Home's value of $450,000 : + $55.13
Home's value of $500,000 : + $61.25
Home's value of $550,000 : + $67.38
Home's value of $600,000 : + $73.50