Ashtabula Area City Schools

 

 

What is on the ballot?  

 

The Ashtabula Area City School District Board of Education has placed a 3.82 mill levy on the November 4 ballot for the public’s consideration, which, if approved by voters would generate funds to support the rebuilding of Lakeside High School which suffered a roof collapse in the unprecedented snow event in late November 2024.  AACS has been working with the insurance company regarding a settlement. In order to proceed with reconstruction work, the bond issue would authorize bonds to fund and commence work now. Otherwise the district does not possess the funds to move forward and would be required to wait until the claim is litigated or settled, which could delay reconstruction for years. 

 

The Board does not have to issue the full ballot amount if insurance settlement proceeds cover a higher amount of the reconstruction costs at the time the construction contract is executed with the CMR.

What is the difference between a levy and a bond?  

 

SCHOOL BOND:  A school bond issue funds major building and renovation projects, is paid back over time through property taxes, and remains separate from the district’s general operating budget. 

 

SCHOOL LEVY:  School levies  are crucial financial measures that local school districts often rely on to fund their educational programs and operations. These levies are typically presented as ballot initiatives to voters within a school district, seeking approval for additional property taxes or renewing existing ones. Revenue generated from these levies plays a vital role in supporting various aspects of the education system, including teacher salaries, classroom resources, extracurricular activities, and facility maintenance

 

 

 The bond proceeds can only be used for the purposes of reconstructing, repairing, and improving Lakeside High School; furnishing and equipping the same and improving the

sites thereof.  Bond proceeds cannot be used at any other school facility.

 

 

If approved, what would it cost property owners?  

 

The district will ONLY issue bonds IF bonds are needed.  Currently, (as of September 24th) the updated amount needed is 2.76 mils.  If approved, the bond would cost property owners within the district about $97 annually per $100,000 of appraised value, per the Ashtabula County Auditor's Office.  See the chart below which explains the cost based scenarios if the district were to settle prior to election day.  

 

    2.76 mils for each $1.00 of taxable value of the auditors appraised value: 

 

    Home Value                                               Full                                      Half                                              Quarter

                                                               ($30.4M need)                      ($15.2M need)                                ($7.6M need) 

     

 

 

If the bond fails, the district will experience further delay of returning students to the high school.   Work cannot start without the funds in a Board account or on the way to a Board

account, as a certificate of funds is required by Ohio law for the construction contract.

 

How can I find information about voting? 

 

Election Day is Nov. 4, 2025. Please visit the Ashtabula County Board of Elections