Bond Questions

Since 2021, West Clermont has engaged district stakeholders for feedback and discussion about challenges facing our district and ways we can address these for the future. We have conducted surveys, focus groups, Town Hall meetings, and building tours. We also developed a Citizens Advisory Commission and Community Advisory Team to study School Purpose & Design and Facilities. This Master Facilities Proposal is a direct result of stakeholder input, reflecting the community’s values and priorities for modern learning.

Yes. West Clermont Local Schools is on the May 6, 2025 ballot with a combined property and earned income tax bond levy.

The property tax is for 1.76 mills. The cost to property owners would be $61.60 per year per $100,000 of appraised home value. This would generate approximately $3.9 million per year for the district.

The earned income tax is for .25%. For every $50,000 of earned income the cost to taxpayers would be $125. This would generate approximately $5 million per year for the district.

Yes. A resident of the district who is a homeowner and has an earned income would pay both taxes.

Earned income is exactly that, "earned" income like wages. Examples of income that are not taxed include social security and other retirement pensions, earnings on investments (interest on savings and dividends), child support, and unemployment compensation.

If the bond passes in May 2025 property and income tax collection will be January 2026. 

The funding from the combined levy would be used for financing West Clermont Local School District's Master Facilities Plan through debt instruments such as bonds and certificates of participation.

Specifically, the Master Facilities Plan, developed alongside our community through surveys, focus groups, Town Hall Meetings, and building tours, include the following:

• Building new 5-6 and 7-8 buildings that would be connected on the current middle school campus (Moving the 5th graders out of elementary schools and into the 5-6 building)
• Building a new elementary school by streamlining the number of elementary buildings from 7 to 6
• Investing in current elementary buildings through additions and renovations. (Amelia, W-T and Clough)
• Making upgrades to safety, technology, and furniture in all buildings

Operating levies generate funds to pay for a district's operating costs, such salaries, supplies, utilities, etc. A bond asks voters to fund buildings or major construction projects. It is like a mortgage for the schools, except instead of borrowing from a bank, the district finances the cost of long-term projects through municipal bonds. The district is asking voters for the authority to sell bonds and then pay the principal and interest on those bonds using money collected from property and earned income taxes. Bond proceeds are used to purchase or build new buildings, renovate and modernize existing buildings, add or upgrade infrastructure systems, and pruchase additional equipment. (Updated 1/22/25)

A mill is the unit of value for indicating the rate of property taxes in Ohio. A mill is defined as one-tenth of a percent or one-tenth of a cent in cash terms.

If the bond passes the earned income tax will expire after 30 years. The property tax is expected to expire after 37 years.

If the bond passes the new buildings are expected to be finished in August of 2029. The additions to Clough and WT are expected to be finished by the fall of 2026. (Updated 1/22/25)

Our partnership with OFCC (Ohio Facilities Construction Commission) allowed us to work hand in hand with OFCC officials in the development of the Master Facilities Plan during the study conducted by our Community Advisory Team. The team started meeting in February of 2024 and made their proposal to the Board of Education in September of 2024. Currently in 2025, West Clermont is in position for funding now due to the budget that OFCC is projecting for 2025. Since other districts ahead of West Clermont deferred in 2025, WCSD can capitalize and move forward with a ballot issue in 2025. (Updated 1/22/25)

The district is experiencing the following challenges:

• Aging, higher maintenance buildings
• Enrollment growth and overcrowding
• Increases in diverse student populations
• The need for modern learning environments at all schools
• The same educational experiences no matter the student address

The plan to build a new facility that houses a 5-6 intermediate school and a 7-8 middle school on the current middle school campus addresses aging buildings, enrollment growth by moving 5th graders out of the elementary schools, and provides a modern learning environment designed to meet the unique developmental needs and career aspirations of 5th-8th grade students. Additionally, it fosters a seamless transition for our students.

The plan to build one new PK-4 elementary school also addresses aging buildings, enrollment growth, and provides a modern learning environment for all schools. It reduces the number of elementary schools from seven to six, which will generate future operational savings. Quality preschool programs will be offered at three of the six elementary schools.

Additions and renovations in current buildings like Amelia, WT, and Clough will address enrollment growth and disparities across the district. The plan is to add additional rooms at Clough and WT; a new library at Clough, and library renovations at Amelia and WT elementary schools. The updated libraries will create hubs of innovation across the district.

This plan also includes district-wide upgrades to safety, technology, and furniture. These enhancements will ensure the safety and well-being of students and staff are a top priority while maintaining manageable operational costs. Modern learning requires access to advanced technological infrastructure, tools, and flexible furnishings to support a modern approach to learning.

Bonds and other financing options for schools can only be used for capital projects like new construction, renovations or upgrades. Additionally, the funds can be used for furnishings, equipment, and other assets with a five year life.

Yes. By 2030 there is a projected increase of 1,351 students within the district. By 2030, our district is expected to have an additional 2,700+ dwellings in the form of houses, apartments, townhomes, and condos. We expect our schools to see the greatest impact from this growth over the next five years. Our elementary schools, many of which are already at or exceeding capacity, will most feel the effects, but eventually, adequate space will become an issue at every building as younger classes - which are growing at a faster pace than secondary grades move up. (Updated 1/22/25)

The district is reviewing all options in regards to locations for the proposed elementary school and no decision has been made. The middle school and intermediate school will likely be built on the same campus that houses the current middle school.

The district is already preparing for the increase in students due to expected growth. We reduced open enrollment beginning with the 2022-2023 school year and added modular classrooms at Merwin Elementary. However, until our Master Facilities Plan is realized, this growth could mean the following:

• Move back to 1/2 day kindergarten
• Increase class size
• Elementary specials on a cart
• Targeted attendance boundary changes
• Staggered master schedules
• Repurposing facilities/lease space
• Modular classrooms (estimates for each modular is between $300,000-$500,000)

(Updated 1/22/25)

A school district income tax, whether earned income or adjusted gross income is taxed
to residents regardless of where the individual is employed.

Here is a guide explaining who is responsible to pay a School District Earned Income Tax (when
passed)

1) Resident living and working in West Clermont - Yes
2) Resident living and working outside of West Clermont - Yes
3) Non-resident (living outside of WCLSD) and working in West Clermont - No

(Updated 2/7/2025)

The school district income tax becomes a withholding on a West Clermont resident's paycheck by their employer. The withholding is paid to the State Department of Taxation with state income tax withholding. The state department of taxation then processes the school district income tax to the school district. The school district does not receive individual income tax returns.

(Updated 2/28/25)

If the ballot issue passes, we will move forward with the demolition of the current
middle school. This step is essential to create a modern and conducive learning environment for
our students. We are fortunate to have ample property at this location, which will allow us to
construct a new facility without the need to relocate students during the building process. This
means that our students will be able to continue their education in a familiar environment while
we work on the new school. 

(Updated 2/7/2025)

Yes. It is a continual effort to seek funds from grants and other funding sources. The district utilizes a grant writer to apply for money from local, state, and federal governments. The district advocates at the state and federal level for additional funding to existing sources. A common example is the state funding formula. (Updated 1/22/25)

The additional relief funds from the federal government were budgeted and spent as investments under the district's Onward and Upward program. The expenditures and investments met the federal government's guidelines and were primarily spent on instructional program costs, attraction, retention, and stabilization of staff, and other one-time only costs based on district needs in and around the classroom. More information regarding the Onward and Upward investments can be found on the district's website.

(Updated 2/28/25)

A traffic study will be performed to help us determine the impact and the best ways to reduce the load on public roadways. (Updated 1/22/25)

Yes, this is called bond refinancing. School districts can refinance their existing bonds through a process called "refunding". This is similar to refinancing a mortgage for homeowners. (Updated 1/22/25)

Property tax - Property owners including homeowners, agricultural, commercial, industrial, and public utilities.

Earned Income Tax - People who live in the district and earn wages. Examples of income that are not taxed include social security and other retirement pensions, child support, and unemployment compensation. (Updated 1/22/25)

In 2017 our school district had the unique one-time opportunity to use operational
dollars along with state assistance to build the new high school, renovate West Clermont Middle
School, build new Summerside Elementary, build new Willowville Elementary, and renovate to
new Clough Pike Elementary. That funding model is no longer an option for the district.

As the West Clermont community grows overcrowding, aging facilities, and inequitable learning spaces is a reality for thousands of students within the district. By 2030 there is a projected increase of 1,351 students within the district. The Master Facilities Plan not only addresses these concerns but also creates a modern learning environment for all students to thrive in their future endeavors. Under this plan every student no matter their zip code will get the same educational opportunities. We anticipate construction costs will continue to rise, which may impact future costs to build new schools.

Clough Pike Elementary was renovated ”to new” and opened in 2020. The only space
added was a gymnasium to meet Ohio Facilities Construction Commission requirements. There
weren't additional funds available to add additional space. Due to enrollment increases, the
current library space has been repurposed as classrooms. Part of the renovation plan at Clough
includes putting in a dedicated media center space along with additional classrooms.

(Updated 2/7/25)