By 1808Delaware
It’s not every day that a community gets to help shape the future of its school district over a cup of coffee and a donut. But that’s exactly what Olentangy Schools are offering this fall as part of a series of informal chats and town hall-style meetings designed to give residents a say in the biggest facilities investment proposal in years.
The district is asking voters to consider a no new millage bond on the November 4, 2025 ballot. If approved, the bond would fund construction of a new elementary school and a new high school to meet growing enrollment across the region.
To make sure every question gets a hearing and no voice goes unheard, district leaders are taking their message directly to the people — at cafés, donut shops, township halls, and churches across the community.
Starbucks and Straight Talk
On Tuesday, October 14, the first of four post-September events takes place at Starbucks in Olentangy Crossing. From 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM, patrons can grab their usual latte and chat with school officials about the bond issue. It’s a low-key setting for what’s shaping up to be a big decision — how to plan for thousands of new students without raising the tax rate.
“We’re not asking for a new millage,” said one official at a recent session. “We’re asking to keep pace with growth.”
Powell’s Locust Table Hosts the Next Round
On Tuesday, October 21, the conversation moves to Powell’s Locust Table at 16 Crossing Street. From 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM, the public is invited to pull up a chair, sip something warm, and hear more about how the proposed bond fits into the district’s long-term plan.
As with all the events in this series, the goal is to make information accessible and the atmosphere approachable. No presentations, no podiums — just a chance to ask questions face-to-face.
Donuts and Discussion
The last “Coffee and Conversation” event before the vote will take place on Wednesday, October 29, at Parlor Donuts in Lewis Center. Set from 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM, the gathering is expected to draw both early-morning regulars and those looking for one final chance to ask how the district will manage enrollment without raising tax rates.
Evening Forums Offer Another Format
Not everyone can make a morning meeting, so Olentangy Schools is also holding traditional community conversations in the evening. On Wednesday, October 22, residents will gather at Orange Township Hall from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM for a deeper discussion about the bond, its timeline, and its impact.
Then, on Tuesday, October 28, the final scheduled forum will take place at Grace Point Community Church, also from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM. It’s the last planned in-person opportunity for residents to hear directly from the people shaping the district’s future.
A Vote That Will Shape the Next Decade
The message from school leaders has been consistent: enrollment is rising, buildings are nearing capacity, and now is the time to act. What makes the proposal unique is that it doesn’t increase the millage rate — instead, it extends current levels to fund new construction.
Whether voters agree remains to be seen. But thanks to these public sessions, they’ll have had every chance to learn more and speak up before casting their ballots.
For full details on the 2025 no new millage bond and the district’s long-range facilities plan, visit www.olentangy.k12.oh.us.
