ROSS TOWNSHIP — This summer's reappraisal of property in Butler County is allowing the Ross Board of Education to ask voters in November for a smaller bond issue than anticipated last month.

        Residents will be asked to approve a 6.25-mill bond issue to fund the district's share of a $50 million, multiyear facilities plan that includes a new high school. The issue would provide $24.9 million toward the project. The Ohio School Facilities Commission is providing about 48 percent of the cost.

        “Over the next three months, we'll be counting on other public officials...to roll up their sleeves and help us make our facilities plan a reality,” said Tracy Jarvis, schools treasurer.

        Enrollment is about 2,645 but is expected to head upward with nearly 1,500 new homes already platted, most of those in the Elda Elementary attendance area. Every classroom in every school is now in use, with some teachers traveling between rooms.

        During the first phase of construction, a high school large enough for 807 students would be built, and Elda would get a 13,000-square-foot addition.

        Once that phase is finished in 2005, work will begin on a 9,100-square-foot addition to Morgan Elementary, along with renovations of Elda, Morgan and the existing high school, which would be converted to a middle school for grades 6-8. If needed, a third elementary would be constructed.

        Not included in the bond issue is a permanent improvement levy that is required on all Ohio School Facilities Commission projects. That, plus an operating levy would most likely be put before voters sometime next year, said Superintendent David McWilliams. The permanent improvement levy would provide funds to maintain district schools once the project is completed.

        The bond issue would cost the owner of a $100,000 house $191 more per year for 26 years with collections beginning in January.

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