Wyoming Primary Schools Bond Issue Passes

The Wyoming Primary Schools Bond Issue passed with 69% of the vote, according to the unofficial vote count for the November 5, 2024 election. The 7.98 mill bond issue will raise $72.5 million for the construction of three new K-4 primary schools on the sites of the current primary schools. 

“Thank you, Wyoming!” said Superintendent Tim Weber. “We are so excited to take the next steps to build wonderful primary schools for Wyoming’s youngest learners that include larger classrooms; updated safety features; improved accessibility; space for intervention, gifted, and special education; designated spaces for art, music, and performance; expanded kitchens and dining areas; and so much more.”

“I’m proud of our community for pulling together to make such a big commitment,” said Wyoming City Schools Board of Education Vice President Kara Broderick. “In Wyoming, we have a community that responds to meaningful engagement. In Wyoming, we care and I am grateful.” 

Approved by the Board of Education, the Wyoming Primary Facilities Master Plan reflects the work of the 38-member Primary Facilities Steering Committee and extensive community feedback gathered through the use of community meetings and forums, online forms, a statistically-representative community survey, and more. 

“The Primary Facilities Steering Committee worked tirelessly to listen, learn and engage the entire community to build a plan for new primary schools with broad community support,” said Treasurer Ronda Johnson. “One of the greatest strengths of our small community is the partnership among our schools, families, and community members. The work of this committee has been a shining example of that partnership in action.” 

Use this link to see the Wyoming Primary Facilities Master Plan.

A 7.98 mill levy would normally increase taxes by $279.21 annually for each $100,000 of market home value. However, through the district’s strong fiscal stewardship, the current Wyoming High School bond levy is being paid off three years early, decreasing taxes by $117.60 annually for each $100,000 of market home value at the end of 2024 and removing 3.36 mills from the community’s residential taxes.

What Happens Next? 

Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code, the Board of Elections has 21 days after the date of an election to certify the election results. During that time, the Wyoming City Schools Board of Education will plan for a resolution certifying the placement of the tax on the 2024 tax duplicate for first collection in 2025. This resolution must be approved by the Hamilton County Auditor prior to November 30. 

The Board will also consider a small issuance - approximately $15 million - of tax anticipation notes before the end of 2024. (Issuing the bonds is a lengthier process that is likely to occur in early Spring 2025.) With these notes, the Board can begin the statutory process for selecting an architect, with the first step of sharing a Request for Qualifications from architecture firms. 

The draft project schedule includes:

January-December 2025: Hilltop School Design Phase 

January 2026-July 2027:

• Elm School & Vermont School Design Phase
• Hilltop School Construction - Hilltop students in temporary school at WHS 

August 2027: *Hilltop School opens*

July 2027-December 2028:

• Vermont School Construction - Vermont students in temporary school at WHS
• Elm School Construction - Elm students in temporary school at WMS 

January 2029: *Elm School & Vermont School open*