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How did we get here?

Assessing the Issues


According to state and independent assessments, the
majority of mechanical or structural systems in every
school in the Forest Hills district need to be replaced
or repaired, including plumbing, roofing, heating, and
air conditioning.

Creating the Right Plan
In more than a dozen public meetings, the Forest Hills
Board of Education considered many different plans
that could address these district facility needs,
including school consolidation at all grade
levels. Weighing public commentary, the needs of the
district, and financial constraints, the district
determined the viability of each plan and then
presented two plans to the community through a
professional market research survey. The results led
them to place this issue on the ballot.

It is a plan that will be in compliance with both Ohio
building codes and the American Disabilities Act. It is
a plan that is comprehensive, financially possible and
responsible, and is preferred by our community. It is
a plan that will transform our schools and our
community. It is a plan that provides for current and
future generations of students.

What will the bond issue/plan cost?
The estimated cost to taxpayers is $14.44 per month
per $100,000 of home market value.


Why act now?
By addressing these issues now, the district can take
advantage of interest rates that are the lowest they
have been in 30 years and current low construction
costs. Delaying this project means students and
teachers will continue to work in environments that
are not optimal for learning and risk complete system
failure as time passes. Forest Hills needs to address
these issues now to maintain property values and
educational excellence.

What will be funded by the bond?
Extensive renovations at 8 of the districts 9
neighborhood schools
A new school to replace Wilson Elementary on
the same property as the current school (costs to
renovate exceed costs to rebuild)
Improved learning environments at every school
More secure entrances and security features at
every school
Climate-controlled schools, including air
conditioning systems at 4 schools that do not
currently have AC
Handicap-accessibility in every school
Additional and flexible spaces for innovative
learning
Improved technology at every school
Relocation of the transportation facility currently
located on the Anderson High School campus, for
safety purposes
Relief of traffic congestion at many schools
Additional classroom space to accommodate the
gradual implementation of full-day kindergarten
Maintenance of schools for future generations


Why $103 Million?
The tax rate for the bond issue is 4.45 mills which will
generate $103 million that, by law, can only be used for
facility needs; it cannot fund operational expenses. The
estimated allocation of these funds is:
$82.4 million to renovate eight buildings
$15.6 million to build a new school to replace Wilson
Elementary (costs to renovate exceed costs to
rebuild)
$5 million to accommodate the gradual
implementation of all-day kindergarten and relocate
the transportation facility currently located at
Anderson High School
0.5 mills to create a permanent improvement fund


Will the operating budget be impacted?
Approximately $600,000 more per year will be redirected
back to the General Fund for classroom needs, such as the
implementation of full-day kindergarten.will be available
from the General Fund to put toward classroom needs.
How will the bond impact the
operating budget?
Approximately $600,000 more per year will be
available from the General Fund to put toward
classroom needs.


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Issue 4: Forest Hills Bond 2014

Paid for by Citizens for Forest Hills Schools, P.O. Box 54556, Cincinnati, OH 45244-0556 *Jill Springman, Treasurer

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