Will Troy Finally Get New Schools?

Voters return the ballot box in November for the third time since 2017 to decide new schools

A Plaque on the side of Van Cleve School, the Sixth Grade Building in Troy was built in 1914 and once served as the district’s High School and Junior High School

In 1997, a landmark decision by the Ohio Supreme Court declared the state's public school funding process unconstitutional. Responding promptly to this ruling, the General Assembly took decisive action by establishing the Ohio School Facilities Commission. Funded through a state-wide voter-approved bond issue, this commission embarked on a transformative mission to construct new schools, with a primary focus on underfunded and rural districts—addressing the very issues that led to the lawsuit challenging the adequacy of the school funding system.

At the time, the approach to funding school construction was innovative. The commission collaborated closely with local districts, creating a unique partnership. Local communities were invited to participate in the process by providing some funding, fostering a shared commitment to enhancing educational infrastructure.

The response from many local districts was overwhelmingly positive, taking full advantage of the program to breathe new life into their educational facilities. Notable examples include Milton-Union, which erected a modern building to accommodate all its students in 2012. Similarly, Piqua took a proactive stance by constructing three new schools tailored to younger students in 2014 and 2015. Covington also joined the wave of progress, unveiling a new middle school in 2016.

Witnessing the resounding success of these endeavors, the Troy City School Board of Education sought to seize the opportunity for their community. In 2017, they sought the approval of voters to embark on an ambitious building project that would elevate the educational experience for their students.

The Challenge to Pass A Levy

In 2017, an ambitious proposal was put forth to the voters, seeking their support for a combined bond issue of 4.66 mills over 37 years. The aim was to generate $47 million, facilitating the construction of two identical buildings on the southeast side of Concord Township, just outside the city limits, where all elementary students would be housed. However, the proposal faced resistance and was ultimately voted down by a 60% to 40% margin.

The Board of Education recognized the concerns voiced by the community and the popularity of maintaining neighborhood schools as valuable assets. Consequently, they went back to the drawing board, and in March 2020, they presented a new plan. This second proposal was more comprehensive, featuring four new schools spread strategically throughout the community. The project involved double the number of buildings, and the bond issue amount increased to $98 million, set at 7.04 mills. Despite these efforts, the voters once again rejected the measure, with the impact of the economic uncertainty brought on by the novel coronavirus pandemic possibly playing a role in the decision-making process.

Now in 2023, the Board of Education is prepared to make another appeal to voters. Recent news from Dayton Daily News, published on July 12th that can be found in this piece, has shed light on the Board’s latest request. Voters will be asked to approve a 6.96 mill bond issue, aiming to raise $88 million for the construction of four new buildings. These facilities will cater to different grade levels: one for grades five and six, and the other three designed for preschool through grade four. The proposal maintains the 37-year timeline for the bond issue.

As the community approaches this critical juncture once more, hopes are high that the third time proves to be the charm. The Board of Education has carefully considered the feedback received from voters and has crafted a plan that reflects their desires and addresses previous concerns. With a renewed vision for enhanced education infrastructure, there is an opportunity for the community to come together and shape the future of their schools positively.

Buildings that Stood the Test of Time

If there's one remarkable aspect where the Troy City School District excels, it's undoubtedly in their exceptional building maintenance efforts. Bolstered by unwavering support from a popular permanent capital improvement levy, the district has mastered the art of preserving and caring for their educational infrastructure. With a profound sense of responsibility, they have ensured that these buildings remain in top-notch condition to provide an optimal learning environment for their students.

It's no small feat, as the school district faces a unique challenge - the age of their buildings. The district boasts seven elementary schools, and the average age of these buildings surpasses eight decades. Concord Elementary School, one of the district's largest buildings, stands as an enduring monument, having served the community for well over a century. Remarkably, Van Cleve, dedicated to the district's sixth-grade students, holds its history proudly, with its foundations laid back in 1914. These buildings embody a rich heritage, having witnessed generations of students passing through their halls.

In a testament to the district's commitment to preservation, it's essential to note that no new school building has been erected in Troy for at least fifty years. The last addition, the Troy Junior High School, took shape back in the 1970s. Instead of opting for rapid expansion, the district has diligently focused on maintaining their existing facilities, demonstrating their dedication to cherishing the past while embracing the future.

Changing Demographics in Neighborhood Schools

One of the prominent challenges faced by Troy City School District lies not only in the age of their buildings but also in the logistical complexities arising from their locations. Take, for instance, Van Cleve, Forest, and Kyle Schools, which are all conveniently situated within walking distance of each other. The proximity might seem beneficial, but it creates unique service area dynamics. In the case of Forest and Kyle, younger elementary students attend one school while older ones attend the other—leading to an intricately interwoven network of students and families.

Cookson Elementary caters to the Northeast part of the city, Hook Elementary serves Westbrook and Kings Chapel, while Hewood Elementary covers the near West Side of the community. Concord Elementary, on the other hand, serves a vast portion of the incorporated areas within the district, requiring students to rely on buses for transportation.

As the community has evolved over the past few decades, the growth hasn't been consistent with the locations of these schools. The bulk of residential expansion has occurred in the western and southern parts of the district, leading to an influx of children attending Concord Elementary. Consequently, the population and socio-economic indicators of most elementary schools have seen a decline, while Concord Elementary has witnessed substantial growth.

Although these disparities might not drastically impact the overall educational environment, they do create subtle differences that concern school leaders. The desire for cohesive integration of the student body throughout the district is a driver in the pursuit of a solution—new buildings.

A Tough Row to Hoe

As we have explained in other posts in this publication, the electorate of Troy trends older.

In discussions about funding school levies, a common challenge arises, especially when targeting older voters who no longer have children in the school district and often live on fixed incomes. Both of these factors pose formidable obstacles to garnering support for any proposed tax levy. Adding to the complexity, nearly every property owner has experienced a significant increase in property valuation, leading to higher property taxes. For instance, homes in the Sherwood Neighborhood have recently seen a 35% increase in value, while those in King's Chapel have surged by 40%.

The Intricate Connection between Schools and Property Values

It's no secret that schools wield considerable influence over property values within a community. They offer multi-faceted contributions beyond just educating students, which is their primary responsibility. School districts play a crucial role in nurturing and sustaining community spirit. Don't believe it? Just observe where many of your neighbors gather on Friday nights during the fall—the local high school football game is likely to be the center of community camaraderie.

Nevertheless, the increased property values can also lead to higher property taxes, causing concern for some voters, particularly older residents who have no plans to relocate. Such individuals may not view rising property values as a net positive for their financial situation, making any initiative that involves taking cash out of their pockets a non-starter.

Balancing Perspectives for the Greater Good

Yet, amid the concerns, there will also be many voters who recognize the immense value of supporting good schools. They understand that increased property values correlate with enhanced educational opportunities for students and foster a strong sense of community spirit. These positive outcomes are aspects that people will be willing to invest in, even with the proposed 6.96-mill levy.

As the election approaches, the focus for both sides will be on identifying and mobilizing their respective voters. The outcome in November will be a testament to the delicate balance between the financial considerations of certain demographics and the collective understanding of the invaluable benefits that excellent schools bring to the entire community.

In the end, it's crucial to maintain an open dialogue and mutual understanding, appreciating the varied perspectives that exist within the community. By working together, we can forge a path that embraces the value of quality education while ensuring the sustainability and prosperity of our neighborhoods.

What do you think? Feel free to share your ideas in the comment section or drop me a line at william.lutz17@gmail.com. Also, please share this post with your friends and neighbors.