Upper Arlington Voters to Decide Issue 7 School Bond and Operating Levy
Upper Arlington voters will decide a combined $273.5 million facilities bond and a continuous 4.9-mill operating levy on the Nov. 3 ballot.
Upper Arlington City School District voters will decide Issue 7 on the Nov. 3 general election ballot, a combined ballot question that pairs a $273.5 million capital improvement bond with a 4.9-mill continuous operating levy.
The school board placed the measure before voters to finance Phase 2 of the district's long-term facilities master plan while providing ongoing operational revenue to maintain academic programs, staffing levels and classroom services.
Previously, Pique reported on Oct. 2 that Upper Arlington Council to Preview Issue 34 Police and Fire Pension Levy and reported on Oct. 5 that Ohio Voter Registration Closes Monday Ahead of Nov. 3 General Election.
Ballot Structure and Homeowner Tax Costs
The capital component of Issue 7 authorizes $273.5 million in bond debt for school reconstruction and facility upgrades. On the ballot, the bond issue appears at an estimated rate of 4.84 mills. However, the district plans to structure the debt alongside retiring obligations, resulting in collections at an estimated 2.25 mills above current collections. The district is scheduled to repay the capital bonds over up to 38 years, while the 4.9-mill operating levy would continue indefinitely.
Combined, the bond and operating levy would increase property taxes by roughly $250 annually for each $100,000 of appraised value, which amounts to approximately $1,250 per year, or about $105 per month, for a home appraised at $500,000. Appraised value is established by the Franklin County Auditor to determine taxable property value and differs from real estate market sales prices.
School District Revenue Under House Bill 920
Ohio public school districts operate under financial constraints established by Ohio House Bill 920, a state statute enacted during the 1970s. Under Ohio House Bill 920, when property values rise, tax rates on many existing voted levies generally fall so those levies collect roughly the same amount from existing property.
Because voted operating levy yields do not increase with inflation or rising real estate values, school districts cannot rely on property reappraisals for revenue growth. In Upper Arlington, approximately 96 percent of district revenues are fixed, with little or no room for growth. As a result, districts must return to voters periodically to request new operating millage to offset increasing operational costs.
Upper Arlington voters approved the district's prior operating levy in fall 2022 with an expectation that funding would sustain operations for three years. District officials extended that timeline by one year through careful financial stewardship, but expenditures now outpace incoming revenue. For the 2025–2026 fiscal year, Upper Arlington Schools' total operating budget in General Fund total expenditures is $133,756,000.
Facilities Master Plan and Middle School Swing Space
The $273.5 million capital bond would fund Phase 2 of the district's facilities master plan, addressing two middle schools and an early childhood center. Construction at all three schools is tentatively scheduled to begin in spring or summer 2028.
At Hastings Middle School, the district plans to construct a replacement three-story building on the existing athletic stadium footprint, while erecting a replacement stadium and practice field along Reed Road. Hastings students would remain inside their existing building while construction proceeds, with the new Hastings building scheduled to open in fall 2030.
At Jones Middle School, the plan preserves and renovates the original 1923 three-story facade along the mallway for administrative offices, while demolishing aging wings and constructing modern three-story facilities housing academic classrooms, a gymnasium, an auditorium and a cafeteria. Jones students would temporarily relocate during construction: sixth-graders would occupy modular classrooms outside Tremont Elementary School, while seventh- and eighth-graders would attend classes in a new high school addition until the rebuilt Jones opens during winter 2030-31.
That high school addition involves building a third floor above existing district administrative offices and music rooms at Upper Arlington High School. District planners noted this addition is possible because the infrastructure was put in place during construction of the high school in the event that an addition would be needed in the future, providing temporary middle school swing space and permanent high school capacity for roughly the cost of renting modular trailers.
At Burbank Early Childhood School, crews would build a replacement two-story building on the northwest section of the campus where the north parking lot sits. Students would remain in the current building until Burbank opens in late summer or early fall 2029. Both middle school athletic complexes would also receive synthetic turf athletic fields.
Maintenance Costs and Inaction Consequences
School officials evaluated renovation needs against full replacement. Third-party assessments completed in fall 2024 estimated it would cost $124.8 million to keep Hastings, Jones and Burbank safe, dry and secure by repairing worn plumbing, electrical, and mechanical infrastructure nearing the end of its functional life.
District leaders cautioned that if voters reject Issue 7, necessary physical maintenance across the three aging buildings cannot be avoided and would have to be funded directly from the operating budget, forcing reductions in educational programs, course offerings and staffing.
Superintendent Robert Hunt said the facilities blueprint reflects broad public participation gathered over two years of surveys, focus groups and public sessions. “One of the strengths of this process was our commitment to listening,” said Superintendent Robert Hunt, Ph.D. “We didn't simply ask for feedback — we used it. The final master plan is truly the result of our community’s work, and we're grateful for the collaboration that brought us to this point.”
Municipal Issue 34 Police and Fire Pension Levy
In addition to the school district's request, Upper Arlington residents will decide municipal Issue 34 on the Nov. 3 ballot. Issue 34 is a five-year, 1.13-mill property tax levy combining a 0.89-mill renewal with a 0.24-mill increase to support municipal police and fire pension obligations.
Under Ohio law, the City is required to fund the equivalent of 19.5% (Police) and 24% (Fire) of gross wages to support the Police and Fire Pension Fund. Upper Arlington has funded these mandatory pension payments through dedicated property tax levies for 50 years.
Issue 34 carries a gross property tax cost of $26 per year for each $100,000 of appraised home value, or $130 annually for a $500,000 home. Because the renewal portion remains eligible for Ohio's state rollback credit, qualifying homeowners would pay a net cost of $23.71 per $100,000 of value, or $118.55 annually for a $500,000 home.
The municipal government receives approximately 8% of total property taxes paid by city residents, with that portion including the safety forces pension levy, while the remaining 92% funds Upper Arlington Schools, the Upper Arlington Public Library, and county agencies.
Voter Deadlines and Early Voting Options
Monday, Oct. 5, 2026 is the last day to register to vote in the Ohio November general election, and voter registration is now closed for the upcoming vote.
Early in-person voting began Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026, across Ohio. Franklin County voters may cast early ballots at the Franklin County Board of Elections\n1700 Morse Rd,\nColumbus, Ohio 43229. Early voting hours run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays through Oct. 23, with expanded evening and weekend hours during late October leading up to the final early voting session on Sunday, November 1 - Final Day of Early Voting1:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
Voters wishing to cast absentee ballots by mail must ensure their applications reach election officials by the deadline to return absentee ballot applications: Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026.
On Election Day: Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026 - Polls open in Ohio from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and all absentee ballots must be returned to the board of elections by 7:30 p.m. to be counted.
Before Election Day, Upper Arlington Schools is scheduled to offer informational opportunities for residents, including guided building tours of Hastings Middle School, Jones Middle School and Burbank Early Childhood School on Oct. 8, and a Coffee & Conversation on Facilities Master Plan & Swing Space on Oct. 23 at the Bob Crane Community Center.
How we know this
The sources and records behind this story, with the facts they support.
Upper Arlington Council to Preview Issue 34 Police and Fire Pension Levy
Supporting evidence (4)
Previously, Pique reported on Oct. 2 that Upper Arlington Council to Preview Issue 34 Police and Fire Pension Levy and reported on Oct. 5 that Ohio Voter Registration Closes Monday Ahead of Nov. 3 General Election.
Read supporting passage
Upper Arlington Council to Preview Issue 34 Police and Fire Pension Levy
Issue 34 carries a gross property tax cost of $26 per year for each $100,000 of appraised home value, or $130 annually for a $500,000 home.
Read supporting passage
Under the proposed 1.13-mill rate, the gross property tax cost would be $26 per year for each $100,000 of appraised home value, an increase of $8.50 per year over current payments gross_impact. For a home valued at $500,000, the gross cost would total $130 annually, which is $42 more than property owners pay under the expiring levy
Because the renewal portion remains eligible for Ohio's state rollback credit, qualifying homeowners would pay a net cost of $23.71 per $100,000 of value, or $118.55 annually for a $500,000 home.
Read supporting passage
Factoring in the rollback credit, qualifying homeowners are estimated to pay $23.71 annually per $100,000 of home value, or $118.55 per year for a $500,000 home net_cost.
The municipal government receives approximately 8% of total property taxes paid by city residents, with that portion including the safety forces pension levy, while the remaining 92% funds Upper Arlington Schools, the Upper Arlington Public Library, and county agencies.
Read supporting passage
Upper Arlington notes that municipal government receives approximately 8% of total property taxes paid by city residents, with that portion including the safety forces pension levy city_share. The remaining 92% of local property tax collections funds Upper Arlington Schools, the Upper Arlington Public Library, and various Franklin County levies
Ohio Voter Registration Closes Monday Ahead of Nov. 3 General Election
Supporting evidence (1)
Previously, Pique reported on Oct. 2 that Upper Arlington Council to Preview Issue 34 Police and Fire Pension Levy and reported on Oct. 5 that Ohio Voter Registration Closes Monday Ahead of Nov. 3 General Election.
Read supporting passage
Ohio Voter Registration Closes Monday Ahead of Nov. 3 General Election
https://www.uaschools.org/our-district/issue-7
Supporting evidence (6)
However, the district plans to structure the debt alongside retiring obligations, resulting in collections at an estimated 2.25 mills above current collections.
Read supporting passage
The ballot issue for the bond issue will be listed at 4.84 mills; however, it would be collected at a rate of an estimated 2.25 mills above current collections.
In Upper Arlington, approximately 96 percent of district revenues are fixed, with little or no room for growth.
Read supporting passage
In Upper Arlington, approximately 96 percent of district revenues are fixed, with little or no room for growth. A major factor in this is House Bill 920, a state law passed in the 1970s that ensures voted operating levies do not grow as property values increase.
For the 2025–2026 fiscal year, Upper Arlington Schools' total operating budget in General Fund total expenditures is $133,756,000.
Read supporting passage
For the 2025-2026 fiscal year, Upper Arlington Schools' total operating budget (General Fund total expenditures) is $133,756,000.
District planners noted this addition is possible because the infrastructure was put in place during construction of the high school in the event that an addition would be needed in the future, providing temporary middle school swing space and permanent high school capacity for roughly the cost of renting modular trailers.
Read supporting passage
This addition is possible because the infrastructure was put in place during construction of the high school in the event that an addition would be needed in the future.
Before Election Day, Upper Arlington Schools is scheduled to offer informational opportunities for residents, including guided building tours of Hastings Middle School, Jones Middle School and Burbank Early Childhood School on Oct. 8, and a Coffee & Conversation on Facilities Master Plan & Swing Space on Oct. 23 at the Bob Crane Community Center.
Read supporting passage
October 8 - Guided Building Tours of Hastings Middle School, Jones Middle School and Burbank Early Childhood School, with tours beginning at 6:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Before Election Day, Upper Arlington Schools is scheduled to offer informational opportunities for residents, including guided building tours of Hastings Middle School, Jones Middle School and Burbank Early Childhood School on Oct. 8, and a Coffee & Conversation on Facilities Master Plan & Swing Space on Oct. 23 at the Bob Crane Community Center.
Read supporting passage
October 23 - Coffee & Conversation on Facilities Master Plan & Swing Space, 9 to 10 a.m. at the Bob Crane Community Center
https://www.yahoo.com/news/politics/articles/inside-upper-arlington-schools-proposed-110000771.html
Supporting evidence (8)
The district is scheduled to repay the capital bonds over up to 38 years, while the 4.9-mill operating levy would continue indefinitely.
Read supporting passage
The district would repay the bonds over up to 38 years. The 4.9-mill operating levy would continue indefinitely and fund current operating expenses.
Combined, the bond and operating levy would increase property taxes by roughly $250 annually for each $100,000 of appraised value, which amounts to approximately $1,250 per year, or about $105 per month, for a home appraised at $500,000.
Read supporting passage
The district estimates Issue 7 would cost roughly $250 annually for each $100,000 of a home's appraised value. That equals roughly $1,250 per year for a $500,000 home.
Under Ohio House Bill 920, when property values rise, tax rates on many existing voted levies generally fall so those levies collect roughly the same amount from existing property.
Construction at all three schools is tentatively scheduled to begin in spring or summer 2028.
Hastings students would remain inside their existing building while construction proceeds, with the new Hastings building scheduled to open in fall 2030.
Read supporting passage
Burbank would open in late summer or early fall 2029, followed by Hastings in fall 2030.
Jones students would temporarily relocate during construction: sixth-graders would occupy modular classrooms outside Tremont Elementary School, while seventh- and eighth-graders would attend classes in a new high school addition until the rebuilt Jones opens during winter 2030-31.
Read supporting passage
Seventh- and eighth-graders would attend classes in the new high school addition, while sixth-graders would use modular classrooms outside Tremont Elementary. The rebuilt Jones is expected to be completed during winter 2030-31.
Students would remain in the current building until Burbank opens in late summer or early fall 2029.
Read supporting passage
Burbank would open in late summer or early fall 2029, followed by Hastings in fall 2030.
Third-party assessments completed in fall 2024 estimated it would cost $124.8 million to keep Hastings, Jones and Burbank safe, dry and secure by repairing worn plumbing, electrical, and mechanical infrastructure nearing the end of its functional life.
Read supporting passage
Third-party assessments completed in fall 2024 estimated it would cost $124.8 million to keep Hastings, Jones and Burbank safe, dry and secure.
Supporting evidence (3)
District officials extended that timeline by one year through careful financial stewardship, but expenditures now outpace incoming revenue.
Read supporting passage
Through careful financial stewardship, the district extended its most recent operating levy, approved in 2022, from three years to four years while continuing to support students and educational programs.
Both middle school athletic complexes would also receive synthetic turf athletic fields.
Read supporting passage
Installing synthetic turf athletic fields at both middle schools
“One of the strengths of this process was our commitment to listening,” said Superintendent Robert Hunt, Ph.D.
Read supporting passage
“One of the strengths of this process was our commitment to listening,” said Superintendent Robert Hunt, Ph.D. “We didn't simply ask for feedback — we used it. The final master plan is truly the result of our community’s work, and we're grateful for the collaboration that brought us to this point.”
https://www.upperarlingtonoh.gov/700/Police-and-Fire-Pension-Levy
Supporting evidence (1)
Under Ohio law, the City is required to fund the equivalent of 19.5% (Police) and 24% (Fire) of gross wages to support the Police and Fire Pension Fund.
Read supporting passage
By Ohio Statute, the City is required to fund the equivalent of 19.5% (Police) and 24% (Fire) of gross wages to support the Police and Fire Pension Fund.
Supporting evidence (3)
Monday, Oct. 5, 2026 is the last day to register to vote in the Ohio November general election, and voter registration is now closed for the upcoming vote.
Read supporting passage
Monday, Oct. 5, 2026 is the last day to register to vote in the Ohio November general election.
Voters wishing to cast absentee ballots by mail must ensure their applications reach election officials by the deadline to return absentee ballot applications: Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026.
Read supporting passage
Deadline to return absentee ballot applications: Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026
On Election Day: Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026 - Polls open in Ohio from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., and all absentee ballots must be returned to the board of elections by 7:30 p.m. to be counted.
Read supporting passage
Election Day: Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026 - Polls open in Ohio from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
https://vote.franklincountyohio.gov/voters/absentee-and-early-voting
Supporting evidence (2)
Franklin County voters may cast early ballots at the Franklin County Board of Elections\n1700 Morse Rd,\nColumbus, Ohio 43229.
Read supporting passage
Franklin County Board of Elections 1700 Morse Rd, Columbus, Ohio 43229
Early voting hours run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays through Oct. 23, with expanded evening and weekend hours during late October leading up to the final early voting session on Sunday, November 1 - Final Day of Early Voting1:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
Read supporting passage
Sunday, November 1 - Final Day of Early Voting1:00 PM – 5:00 PM