Lakota Board Approves November 2026 Ballot Issue for Facilities Plan

At its June 9 meeting, the Lakota Board of Education unanimously approved placing a bond issue on the November 2026 ballot. The measure would fund phase one of the District’s Master Facilities Plan. 

If voters approve the issue, the 2.2 mill bond issue would not begin collections until 2029. This is when current bonds are paid off. Because the new bond replaces an existing one, property taxes would not increase.

The plan reflects community feedback from the November 2025 ballot issue. Construction focuses primarily on grades 6-12 but all students will benefit from fewer school transitions, expanded learning opportunities and improve operational efficiency.

How Students Benefit

All Students:

• Fewer transitions between schools: Preschool, K-5, 6-8, 9-12
• More time in each building for a better student experience

Elementary Schools (K-5):

• Less overcrowding and smaller class sizes
• Consistent, year-round specials (e.g. art, music, gym)

Middle Schools (6-8):

• More electives (e.g. foreign language)
• Access to electives starting in sixth grade

High Schools (9-12):

• Freshmen attend the main high school campus
• More elective opportunities

Improving Efficiencies

• More efficient bus routes, which could support a return of K-12 transportation
• More stable class sizes
• Three fewer buildings to operate and maintain

Changes to School Buildings

When phase one construction is completed, Adena Elementary, Ridge Junior and the West Freshman/Creekside/Lakota Central building will close. The total number of school buildings would drop from 21 to 18. 

The new grade-band configuration would be:

• Preschool: Liberty Early Childhood School
• Grades K-5: Remaining 13 early childhood, elementary and junior schools
• Grades 6-8: East Freshman and Plains Junior (renovations and additions to both)
• Grades 9-12: Lakota East and West high schools (additions to both)

No Increase in Taxes

If approved, the new bond would begin in 2029. At that time, an existing 2.2-mill bond will end. Because one bond will replace another, taxpayers would not see an increase.

The total cost of phase one is estimated at $300 million. The Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) would contribute $77 million. This lowers the local share to $223 million. The previous proposal was $400 million.

What’s Next

Families and community members can learn more on Lakota’s website. The District will also host information sessions in the coming months. Dates will be shared on Lakota’s social media pages, website and through ParentSquare notifications.