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Xenia schools to put 2 tax issues on ballot

By Christopher Magan

Staff Writer

Tuesday, August 05, 2008

XENIA — Nearly two years of work culminated Monday night, Aug. 4, with the Xenia Community Schools Board of Education voting to put dual tax issues before voters this fall to build and renovate schools.

The centerpiece of the $127 million building plan is a high school campus to serve the community called "Under One Roof" that could include a separately funded YMCA, medical facility and senior center.

District officials spent more than 18 months meeting with community leaders to win support for the concept and tentative agreements with a number of partners.

The project also includes four elementary schools and would be built with the aid of $58 million from the Ohio School Facilities Commission. To get that money, the district must provide its share — $80 million for Xenia — through a voter-approved tax measure.

Monday, board members agreed the best way to raise the money would be with a combination half-percent income tax and a bond issue.

Superintendent Jeffrey Lewis said the new schools are essential because the district's buildings are in poor shape, and renovation would cost millions more than the district's estimated share.

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