Honoring Our Past - Building Our Future

Many of the district’s school buildings are 70–122 years old and require significant repairs or replacement. These facilities were built in a different era and no longer meet today’s educational, safety, and accessibility standards.

Delaying action will increase costs, lead to more frequent and expensive repairs, and put critical state funding at risk. The district has been offered nearly $40 million in state support, but this funding is time-sensitive. If the levy is not approved within the next 16 months, the district could lose this significant opportunity to invest in its schools..

The district is addressing a number of challenges, including aging building systems, safety and security concerns, outdated classrooms, and rising maintenance costs.

These issues are driven by five key factors:

• Aging Facilities: Many buildings are well past their expected lifespan.
• Safety and Security: Older layouts and systems do not meet current safety standards.
• Educational Adequacy: Classrooms and spaces were not designed for today’s learning needs.
• Operational Efficiency: Outdated systems lead to higher utility and maintenance costs.
• Equity and Accessibility: Facilities do not consistently provide equal access or modern resources for all students.

Together, these challenges impact the learning environment and the district’s ability to operate efficiently and effectively

After a multi‑year facilities assessment with the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC), the district determined that replacing outdated buildings is more cost‑effective than continuing to repair them. The levy provides the local funding needed to begin this long‑term facilities plan.

Mount Vernon’s facilities face a range of significant issues identified through the OFCC assessment and district evaluations, including:

• Aging roofs nearing or past their usable lifespan
• Outdated HVAC systems that are inefficient, unreliable, and costly to maintain
• Plumbing and electrical systems that no longer meet modern safety or capacity standards
• Accessibility limitations, including entrances, restrooms, and circulation areas that do not fully meet ADA expectations
• Classrooms designed for a different era, lacking the flexibility, technology access, and safety features required for today’s instruction
• Parking and traffic flow patterns are inefficient and are a safety concern.
• Rising maintenance costs as systems age and require more frequent emergency repairs
• Several buildings are now at the point where renovation would cost nearly as much as replacement, making new construction the fiscally responsible option.

The funding would support a comprehensive plan to improve learning environments across the district, including:

• Construction of three new elementary schools
• Renovations and upgrades to the high school
• A new auditorium to support student and community events
• Safety and security enhancements across all buildings
• Infrastructure improvements, including mechanical systems, accessibility, and site upgrades

These projects are designed to provide modern, safe, and efficient facilities that meet the needs of today’s students and community.

Most of Mount Vernon’s school buildings were constructed decades ago and have simply aged beyond their intended lifespan. While the district has invested in repairs and maintenance over the years, limited funding has forced leaders to delay major projects. As systems reach end‑of‑life, emergency repairs become more frequent and more expensive, making long‑term planning essential.

Yes, but the levy must be passed to access the funding.  When passed, the district can use state construction dollars through the OFCC partnership, reducing the local cost burden. Without the levy, the district loses access to this state funding and faces escalating repair costs.

The district’s Master Facility Plan was formally approved by the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) in January 2026.  Once a district receives OFCC approval, it has 16 months to pass a local funding measure in order to utilize the state’s contribution — estimated at approximately 36% of eligible project costs or nearly 40 million dollars. 

Placing the levy on the May ballot keeps Mount Vernon City Schools within that required window and preserves access to significant state funding.

The current auditorium seats just over 400 people and no longer meets the needs of the district. Many performances and assemblies must be split or modified due to limited capacity, and some elementary buildings are unable to use the space at all. At times, events have standing-room-only audiences.

With graduating classes of approximately 300 students per grade, the space cannot accommodate even two grade levels at once for assemblies. In addition, the current stage is too small to support many musical or theatrical performances.

A new auditorium would provide adequate seating and improved functionality for student performances, assemblies, and community events. The estimated cost of the new auditorium is approximately $13.5 million.

Repairs can approach the cost of replacement while only providing short-term solutions. Many of the district’s buildings are 70–122 years old and still would not meet today’s safety, accessibility, or educational standards after repairs.

Additionally, the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) has determined that 5 of the district’s 6 elementary schools are beyond cost-effective repair. Choosing renovation would mean losing nearly $40 million in state funding.

Replacing these buildings provides a more practical, long-term solution for students and the community

Students will benefit from safer schools, modern learning spaces, and environments designed for today’s educational needs.

Improvements include dedicated kitchens and cafeterias, updated art and music spaces, and specialized classrooms to better support students with special needs. New facilities will also feature modern HVAC and lighting systems for improved comfort and efficiency, along with enhanced safety and security measures, including safer transportation pick-up and drop-off areas.

These upgrades create a more supportive, engaging, and secure learning environment for all students.