On May 5, Plain Local community members will vote on Issue 2, which asks voters to consider funding for school facility projects across the district.

The bond issue contains the proposal of $116,802,000 for the purpose of constructing, furnishing, equipping, renovating, rehabilitating, remodeling, adding to and overall improving School District buildings and facilities; acquiring, clearing, equipping, and otherwise improving sites; and demolishing existing buildings and facilities.

Community feedback has been a crucial component of Issue 2. The district first held a Futures Conference in early Sept., designed to share factual information about building conditions and broader educational issues. This was the first step in beginning what district leaders hope to be an ongoing conversation.

¨We want the community to take the time to learn the facts,¨ Superintendent Brent May said.

During the meeting, May highlighted that many school buildings are well past the typical life span of modern educational facilities, with an average age of about 71 years, not including GlenOak. While Plain Local has nine schools, including six elementary buildings, an intermediate school, a middle school and high school, several of these structures date back to the mid-20th century.

The Futures Conference, part of the district’s overall Facility Master Planning process, drew more than 150 participants.

School officials say the planning effort comes at a critical point as districts nationwide grapple with declining enrollment and rising maintenance costs. Plain Local’s student population has fallen slightly in recent years, mirroring broader trends. Ohio saw its public school enrollments drop in the wake of the pandemic, contributing to lower student–teacher ratios across the state. In the 2023-24 school year, Plain Local’s total enrollment was about 5,794 students, down from previous years.

These trends highlight the need to be proactive about the district’s physical capacity and educational needs.

“Enrollment right now across the country is declining, so we must prepare,” May said, noting that the district shared sourced enrollment projections with community members during the conference.

Enrollment is not the only reason rebuilding is being considered.

Under Ohio law, districts can work with the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) to evaluate building conditions and explore long-term facility solutions. Plain Local has involved the OFCC in evaluating each school, May said, and the architects touring the facilities have identified challenges such as outdated infrastructure, limited accessibility and the high cost of piecemeal repairs.

For every school, the costs of repairs outweigh the cost of rebuilding. Facility condition index (FCI) is a metric used to determine the physical condition of buildings and determine whether repairing or replacing buildings is more cost-effective. Above 30% is needed to deem the building in poor to fair condition. Plain Local buildings average 83%.

At least two community meetings, including the Futures Conference and a follow-up dialogue in November 2025, were held to share background and options with residents. Those discussions have included presentations, small-group conversations and surveys to gather input for a steering committee shaping recommendations for the board

Public reaction to the bond has included a mix of support from parents and stakeholders who say facility updates are overdue, and concern from property owners wary of higher taxes. Organizers of a Political Action Committee (PAC), Community for Schools that Soar, supporting the bond, have held informational events to build awareness and advocate for approval.

Schools that Soars´ goal is to unite the community behind investing in modern school facilities and resources that will support Plain Local students and strengthen the community for generations.

¨Voting yes on Issue 2 would help Plain Local Schools replace aging buildings with modern facilities, secure state funding to reduce local cost, and invest in student success,¨ Co-Chair and Treasurer of Schools that Soar Kelsey Sullivan said. ¨These improvements can strengthen the overall community by supporting education, stabilizing property values, and preparing the district for future generations.¨

If approved, the bond issue would begin in 2026 and could remain in place for a maximum of 37 years.

For more information about the facility planning process, visit the Plain Local Schools´ website.