NORTHWOOD – The school board took the initial step Wednesday to return to voters asking for funds for a
new school.
The board voted unanimously to ask the Wood County Auditor’s Office to certify the numbers needed to
collect $21.46 million for a new preK-12 school building.
Board President Denise Niese said today the district will return in May with the same request that was
defeated by just two votes in November.
"It’s going to be exactly the same that was on in November," Niese stated.
The combined 0.25-percent earned income tax and a 4.9-mill property tax would pay for a new
130,000-square-foot school.
The Ohio Schools Facility Commission will provide $11.55 million towards for new $33.02 million school,
with Northwood paying the balance.
The plan also calls for Olney Elementary, Lark Elementary and Northwood Elementary to be torn down. The
high school would be partially torn down with the common spaces, including the gymnasium and auditorium,
maintained for continued community and student use.
The new school would be built on the Lemoyne Road campus.
The board will take the necessary vote to place it on the May 6 ballot at its meeting Jan. 21 at 6 p.m.
in the superintendent’s office.
Niese did add that the board had determined it was those aged 18-30 years who didn’t vote in November.

"It’s the young parents we need to focus on," Niese said.
There has been no discussion on campaign options.
"We have to start the process again. The need is still there. The vote in November was so close. We
just need to find the information voters need to support this effort," she stated.