Lakota Local Schools voters approved a $223 million facilities bond Tuesday, Nov. 3, according to unofficial results reported by the Journal-News.
The Journal-News reported a 51%-49% margin with all precincts reporting, citing Butler County election officials. The vote covers the district serving West Chester and Liberty townships.
According to Lakota’s facilities announcement, the revised plan focuses construction on grades six through 12. A correction on that page says it describes the plan in total, rather than “phase one.”
The district plans additions to Lakota East and Lakota West high schools. Plains Junior and East Freshman will receive additions and renovations for grades six through eight.
Adena Elementary, Ridge Junior and the West Freshman/Creekside/Lakota Central building are slated to close after the work is completed. The district says the plan would reduce its school buildings from 21 to 18.
How the bond would be paid
Lakota’s financing explanation lists an estimated total cost of $300 million. State co-funding accounts for $77 million, leaving the $223 million local share.
The district says collections on the 2.2-mill bond will begin in 2029 as existing bond payments end. It projects no increase in the current bond tax rate.
Lakota estimates an annual cost of $77 per $100,000 of auditor-assessed home value. That is the projected replacement bond cost, not an additional charge on top of the expiring bonds.
