Strasburg places $10 million bond issue on ballot
In December 2024 the Strasburg-Franklin Local Schools Board of Education unanimously approved a resolution to place a $10 million bond issue on the May 6 ballot.
Voters in the village of Strasburg and Franklin Township will be asked to decide on Issue 11, a 3.6-mill, $10 million bond issue that would be paid over 30 years. If approved, it would cost the owner of a $100,000 home approximately $126 per year or $10.50 per month in additional property taxes.
The bond issue represents phase two of the district’s long-term facilities improvement plan. Phase one included construction of the MAC gym and weight room. Phase three may include consideration of an auditorium in the future.
If passed, the bond would fund expansion and upgrades at Franklin Park including installing artificial turf on the football field and resurfacing the running track. The track would be expanded from six to eight lanes, and the shot put and discus areas would be renovated. The football field would be realigned to address its current off-center placement on the visitor side. The park and its ball fields would continue to serve youth activities.
Plans also include the construction of new baseball and softball fields with artificial turf just north of the school at 140 N. Bodmer Ave. New facilities would include locker rooms, a concession stand, dugouts, batting cages and a walking track. South of the school, a field located at the intersection of Garber Drive and Tiger Drive would be used as a band practice field and for other activities. Additional parking would be added, and the detention pond at the rear of the school would be reduced in size by partially filling it in with dirt.
“As a lifelong resident, I believe that the passage of Issue 11 is important to ensure our children and the next generation of students are successful,” school board member Jordan Boggs said. “I am thankful the residents of the village and township supported the school previously in constructing a beautiful school.”
Boggs, a 2004 graduate of Strasburg High School, said the upgrades will benefit the entire community. He envisions residents walking laps on the new track while student-athletes compete on nearby fields and families gathering to watch football games and band performances in a renovated stadium.
“The school is the heartbeat of a special community, and this plan will strengthen that heartbeat,” Boggs said. “Thank you to those who helped get Strasburg to where it is today. I never had the opportunity to attend the new school, but I’m grateful my four children can. I believe it’s our turn to do our part and vote yes on Issue 11.”
Superintendent Vince Lindsey said the improvements will have a positive impact on student achievement.
“If students are involved in sports, they achieve academically. This impacts everyone,” Lindsey said. “It’s better to complete the project now instead of doing it in phases because costs will only increase.”
Lindsey also said the district has not requested any new money since 2004. The district continues to renew several operating levies every five years that do not increase taxes when renewed.
Athletic Director Gary Spinell said if the bond passes, fans attending sporting events will no longer pay for reserve seating, and senior citizens, veterans and first responders will be admitted free to home athletic events.
Visit www.strasburgtigers.org under the Facilities Update section.