Kettering board previews $222 million May 5 bond to build new middle school and high‑school wing

At a board meeting held at the Kettering Board of Education building, district staff said voters will see a bond issue on the May 5 ballot that would raise $222 million to pay for a new middle school, a new academic wing at the high school and infrastructure updates to elementary buildings. Mr. Blevens presented the proposal and told trustees the presentation repeats information shared at an earlier work session.

The district said the bond is intended to fund construction and major facilities projects that cannot be paid from operating levies. "This will be the bond issue that would raise $222 million for the construction of the new middle school, new academic wing of the high school, and provide infrastructure updates to the elementary buildings," Mr. Blevens said. He explained the difference between bond levies (which must be used only for the purposes spelled out in ballot language), operating levies (day‑to‑day costs) and permanent improvement funds (items with a life of five years or more).

Why it matters: the district said there is an opportunity to partner with the state for approximately $159 million to help fund the facilities project; without that partnership, presenters said the alternative would be a roughly $350 million renovation. The district provided a homeowner impact estimate for the bond segment on the ballot of about $1,747 per $100,000 of home value.

Board members praised staff for clear communications about the ballot issue and emphasized the importance of sharing accurate, consistent information so voters can make informed choices. A trustee who identified himself as Justin commended the work of staff and urged continuing factual, accessible outreach to the community.

The board was told more detailed information will be presented at the regular session meeting scheduled for April 21, and staff will provide additional analyses ahead of the May 5 vote. No formal vote on the bond was taken at this meeting.