Article originally published by The Columbus Dispatch | Andy Culp, Grandview Heights Schools Superintendent
Over the past few years, it’s been exciting to watch our Grandview Heights Schools Master Facilities Plan come to life.
Our new state-of-the-art Larson Middle School offers a modern teaching and learning environment, secure vestibules, and transformational ADA access for staff and students. Once our historic Grandview Heights High School interior renovations are complete, we will be prepared to serve our students and community for generations to come.
None of this would be possible without the support of our generous Grandview Heights and Marble Cliff residents. Thank you!
When you entrusted us with the additional resources needed to upgrade our facilities, we pledged to make it happen in the most efficient way possible for taxpayers. In fact, after the $55.25 million project, our bond millage today is less than 1 mill greater than when we started planning for facility improvements in 2015. (One mill represents $35 annually per $100,000 of property valuation.) This is truly remarkable.
Here’s how:
The 2019 renegotiation of the Grandview Yard agreement between the city of Grandview Heights and Nationwide Realty Investors, Ltd. provided an increased annual revenue stream to the school district. The additional annual revenue allowed the district to reduce tax collections from residents, culminating in a 2022 tax rate of just 3.7 mills. This agreement also maintained the original funding to the school district, which continues to support general operating expenses.
