One Vision, One North Ridgeville

North Ridgeville Board of Education Votes to Place Bond on Ballot

On August 2, 2022, the North Ridgeville City Schools Board of Education approved the submission of the school improvement bonds to the electors of the district that will fund the building of a new elementary school, a new high school, designated space for Ranger High-Tech Academy, a performing arts center, and a maintenance and transportation facility.

NRCS is also collaborating with the City of North Ridgeville to have a community center attached to the high school, which will include recreation facilities such as a field house, aquatic center, meeting spaces, and a senior center. The construction of the community center is a separate issue on the ballot that will be funded by the city.

“The opportunity to build new schools and to work in partnership with the City of North Ridgeville to add a community center is a transformational step for a growing city,” North Ridgeville City Schools Superintendent Roxann Ramsey-Caserio said. “Both Liberty Elementary and the high school are overcrowded, which led the district to purchase trailers for additional classroom spaces. The ability to construct modern educational facilities is critical to our students and staff and will allow our students to design their preferred future.”

The principal amount for the construction of a new elementary school and high school with a performing arts center is $190,025,000: the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission will contribute $32 million in construction costs toward the project. The bond is set at 8.65 mills for a period of 37 years.

“Our students and staff deserve to be in school buildings that are accommodating, which includes having new technology and more room for student and teacher collaboration,” NRCS Board of Education President Frank Vacha said. “As the district and city continue to grow, now is the time to place a bond on the ballot to ensure facilities are constructed to meet all of our needs at the lowest cost to our community.”

City of North Ridgeville Announces Funding Plan for New Recreation and Community Center

At the Tuesday, July 5 North Ridgeville City Council meeting, Mayor Kevin Corcoran introduced legislation that will send a ballot measure to voters this November proposing to increase local income tax by two-tenths of one percent (0.2%) to pay for the cost of a recreation and community center. If approved, the new income tax would become effective January 1, 2023. The plan is part of a cooperative project with the North Ridgeville City School District.

On May 9, at a joint meeting of the North Ridgeville City Schools and the City of North Ridgeville, an agreement was announced to collaborate on a facilities project. The project consists of the construction of a new high school, elementary school, dedicated space for Ranger High-Tech Academy, and a recreation and community center that includes an indoor aquatics facility, a field house with an indoor walking track and a senior center.

“The construction of these community facilities would be a monumental step for the City of North Ridgeville,” said Mayor Corcoran. “As the city continues to grow, it’s critical that we ensure our recreational facilities and community services keep pace with the needs of our residents. For years, we’ve heard input from the public that we need a recreation center with an aquatics facility and better activity spaces for our seniors. We’ve seen examples of how other communities have combined city and school facilities to meet community needs in a more cost-effective manner.”

The North Ridgeville Board of Education will have for its consideration, a first reading to place a bond issue on the November ballot at their July 19 meeting to provide for the educational component of the project. In order for the recreational facility to be constructed, the school bond issue will need to pass.

“The district is excited to partner with the City of North Ridgeville on this project. We look forward to providing the residents with the resources and facilities that will benefit the entire community,” said Superintendent Roxann Ramsey-Caserio.

“Our collaborative effort can help us to achieve One vision. One North Ridgeville,” said Mayor Corcoran. “We have a partner in the North Ridgeville City Schools who can help us provide needed community facilities while sharing the cost. We must take advantage of this opportunity.”

If City Council and the Board of Education approve legislation for the income tax levy and bond issue, respectively, voters will have their say on November 8. According to Mayor Corcoran, the City and Schools are planning numerous events and informational meetings starting later this summer. “This is an exciting time for North Ridgeville. I’ll be out in the community over the coming months having many conversations and hosting meetings,” said Mayor Corcoran. “I’d encourage anyone who wants to get involved to reach out to me.”