The Schools – Part 1: Questions, Concerns, and the Case for Voter Scrutiny on Vermilion’s $47M Bond Levy

Commentary submitted by local attorney Homer Taft

The Vermilion School District, encompassing Vermilion Township and part of the City of Vermilion, has proposed a $47 million bond issue for capital repairs and upgrades to be paid for by a 3.91-mill levy on property taxes for 30 years. This article endeavors to dig into some of the details while raising questions and concerns. It represents purely the observations and opinions of the author.

Capital Needs

There appear to be considerable valid capital maintenance needs for the schools. There are also serious questions about why the levy is placed on a special election ballot in May, whether any of these funds would be covered by the $2.3 million increase in revenue from the revaluation of property taxes, and whether all $47 million is truly needed.

Overall cost projections for needed work are $34 million, plus financing fees, design fees, and contingencies for unknown conditions and cost increases over time. The total modeled cost is $49 million, likely covered in part by the $2 million already set aside toward the Vermilion High School roof.

Approximate breakdown:

$19+ million for Vermilion High School
$8 million for the Middle School
$2.5 million each for the Elementary School and bus garage replacement
$2 million for sports facilities
$13–15 million for design services and cost contingencies

One of the most expensive elements is the new roof at Vermilion High School, reportedly at end-of-life and possibly containing asbestos. The cost is projected between $5–9 million.

Other needs include:

Science lab upgrades
Restroom renovations in all buildings
Stage curtain and AV system upgrades in the auditorium
Curtain wall repairs at both the Middle and Elementary Schools due to water intrusion
Security-related door replacements
New paving and play surface installations
A complete replacement of the dilapidated bus garage

Water main replacements and upgrades to athletic facilities, including tennis courts and wrestling space, are also listed.

Savings on Maintenance & New Revenues

The school district points out that no new operating levies have been passed in years, and capital maintenance has come out of the general fund. While this is true, a recent safety and security levy was renewed, and the schools received COVID relief funds not expected to continue.

Maintenance spending has averaged $1.5 million per year, and the bond issue would cover many of those costs. Combined with $2.3 million in annual additional revenue from recent property value revaluations in Erie and Lorain Counties, the district stands to benefit financially in its operating fund.

Enrollment & Open Enrollment

Enrollment has declined from over 1,800 students to approximately 1,650, and projections suggest a slow further decline. Over 100 students currently attend through open enrollment from outside the district.

While there may be capacity to expand enrollment at the Middle and High Schools, the Elementary School is reportedly near capacity due to both open enrollment and the pre-K program.

Questions & Concerns About the Levy

🗳️ Why a May Special Election?

A major concern is the timing of the vote — a May “special” election with no other major issues or candidates on the ballot. Historically, these elections have very low turnout, sometimes under 20%, and school boards often benefit from more motivated supporters showing up while many others stay home.

Supporters often say May timing allows another attempt in November if it fails, without delaying revenue collection another year. But is that reason enough to avoid the broader community discussion that comes with a general election?

💸 Why a $15 Million Undesignated Overrun?

While some contingency and inflation planning is expected, a 27–30% buffer seems high. Design fees and unknowns can be accounted for more transparently. Is this much cushion truly necessary?

💼 Will the Operating Fund Be Too Padded?

Between the $2.3 million in new revenue and the $1.6 million average in capital spending being covered by the bond issue, the General Fund could gain about $4 million annually — roughly a 14% increase. What will that money be used for? Is that amount justified?

The district’s own projections — before revaluations and this bond — included a large spike in spending in 2027. Was that capital spending that may now be unnecessary?

🧱 Are Some Projects Speculative?

The levy includes spending on curtain walls where school leaders admit they don’t yet know the source of water intrusion. While estimates appear to come from reputable architects, how locked-in are these numbers? Are there projects that could be delayed or eliminated if overruns occur?

Conclusion

At the end of the day, each voter needs to study the issue and decide whether the school district has made a legitimate case for a $47 million, 30-year bond. But it’s essential that every voter participates.

🗓️ The Special Election will be held Tuesday, May 6.
Early voting and absentee voting are now underway. Absentee ballots can be requested from the Erie or Lorain County Boards of Elections.