Vermilion Schools Bond Levy: 47 Million For Repairs - Why Building New May Be More Preferable

The Vermilion Local School District Board of Education met on February 10, 2025, to discuss pressing infrastructure concerns and the 3.91-mill, 30-year bond levy that will appear on the May 6, 2025 ballot. Treasurer/CFO Justin Klingshirn presented a financial breakdown of the district’s current needs, past spending, and the rationale for seeking voter approval to fund repairs and modernization across the district.

Aging Schools in Need of Repair

Vermilion’s school buildings are aging, with some facilities dating back nearly 80 years.

Vermilion High School: 57 years old
Sailorway Middle School: 49 years old
Bus Garage: 77 years old
Vermilion Elementary School: 10 years old (not in immediate need of major repairs)

Klingshirn emphasized the deteriorating conditions of these buildings, citing leaking roofs, inefficient heating and cooling systems, outdated classrooms, and infrastructure failures like water main breaks.

How Has Previous Funding Been Used?

The district previously utilized ESSER (COVID relief) funds for improvements, including:

1,350 Apple computers & 250 iPads ($1.35 million)
New roof at SMS ($536,944)
New HVAC at SMS ($1,164,108)
New hot water tank at VHS ($46,826)
Hiring four reading specialists for elementary and middle school students

Additionally, the district established a Capital Projects Fund and transferred $2 million from its General Fund to help cover long-term facility needs.

What Needs to Be Fixed?

The proposed bond levy would fund critical repairs and renovations, including:

Tennis courts: Cracked and potentially unusable for the upcoming season ($1.1 million replacement)
Bus garage: Gravel-based structure, outdated and unsuitable for modern transportation needs
VHS roof replacement: $5-$7 million due to asbestos removal
Restroom renovations, science lab updates, auditorium lighting/sound, classroom furniture upgrades, and district-wide pavement repairs

What Will This Cost Taxpayers?

The bond levy would generate $47 million for these projects over 30 years. The estimated tax impact for homeowners is:

$100,000 home: $137 per year ($11/month)
$200,000 home: $274 per year ($23/month)
$300,000 home: $410 per year ($34/month)
SEE FIGURES IN GALLERY SLIDE ABOVE ⬆️

Is Repairing Schools the Best Option?

While the bond levy focuses on repairing and modernizing existing buildings, some community members have raised a key question: Would it be more cost-effective to build new schools instead?

For comparison, recent Ohio school construction projects include:

Eastwood Local Schools (2024): $44.95 million for a new grades 6-12 school
Margaretta Local Schools: Originally $49 million, increased to $67 million
Celina City Schools: $60 million bond, later adjusted to $63 million
Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (2023 data): New school construction averages $419.49 per square foot
This would put new construction costs at around 63 Million
There would be costs for demolition of both buildings. VHS has asbestos in the roof.
Costs for temporary buildings for students, while the new school(s) are being torn down and rebuilt

A Community Struggling to Keep Up

While some community members argue that building new is a more efficient long-term investment, many Vermilion residents are questioning whether they can afford it at all. Seniors on fixed incomes, families stretched thin by rising grocery and utility costs, and homeowners already dealing with increasing property taxes are feeling the financial squeeze. With inflation driving up the price of everyday necessities, some community members worry that even the most sensible plan for the schools may be out of reach for taxpayers.

What Happens Next?

The May 6, 2025, vote will determine whether Vermilion proceeds with much-needed repairs or considers alternative options in the future. With the age of the facilities and rising construction costs, the decision carries long-term consequences for students, teachers, and taxpayers.