Voters reject Springfield-Clark CTC issue to build new school

Poll workers check voters in at the First Christian Church on Middle Urbana Road Tuesday, March 19, 2024. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

Credit: Bill Lackey

Credit: Bill Lackey

Poll workers check voters in at the First Christian Church on Middle Urbana Road Tuesday, March 19, 2024. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

Clark County voters rejected the levy that would have funded the local cost to build a new school facility for the Springfield-Clark Career Technology Center, according to results from the Clark County Board of Elections.

According to final, unofficial results, 53.57% of voters opposed the levy and 46.43% were supported the levy.

The 1.4-mill levy, the only county-wide tax issue on the ballot, would have funded the local cost to build a nearly $90 million new facility with the state contributing 62% of the base $63 million building cost.

The permanent improvement levy was estimated to generate $4,469,000 annually, according to the Clark County Auditor’s Office. It would have been $49 a year, or about $4 a month, for a property valued at $100,000.

The cost of the entire project was expected to be $89,528,662. The total includes the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) contribution of 62%, or about $38.7 million, and CTC’s share of about 38%, or $24.5 million, for the base part of the new building. The levy would raise an additional $26.2 million for items CTC identified as a need, bringing its total to about $50.7 million, including ongoing maintenance funds.

CTC wanted to replace its seven existing buildings at 1901 Selma Road with a single, up-to-date facility that would include additional classroom facilities, equipment, furnishings and site improvements needed for additional enrollment.

Last November, the levy also failed with 55.36% (21,684 people) against it and 44.64% (17,488 people) for it.

Students walk down a narrow hallway during a class change Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2024 at the Springfield/Clark CTC. BILL LACKEY/STAFF

Credit: Bill Lackey

icon to expand image

Credit: Bill Lackey

About the Author