Ohio Approves $450M for Nine New K–12 Schools

The commission that oversees school construction in the State of Ohio recently approved more than $242 million in state funds for the construction of nine new K–12 schools around the state. This figure combines with $208 million in local funds to set up $450 million in Ohio public education construction work. The spending package is the second of two that have been approved for educational facilities’ construction and renovation since the easing of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Ohio Facilities Construction Commission announced funding for multiple projects. These include $117 million to Cleveland city schools for two new PreK–8 buildings, a new high school, and renovations to a middle school (including $37.5 million in local funds); $103.2 million to Lancaster city schools for a new high school housing a career tech program (including $56.8 million in local funding); and $29 million for Metro Early College High School in Columbus, which is currently a K–12 STEM school that will relocate to a renovated Columbus middle school.

“We are pleased to support these local projects that will provide area students with an upgraded school environment and new learning opportunities,” said Ohio Gov. Mark DeWine. “Today’s OFCC action will continue to move education forward for many students throughout Ohio.”

The commission already approved $336 million in April for six K–12 building projects.

About the Author

Matt Jones is senior editor of Spaces4Learning. He can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • Wyoming District Breaks Ground on New Elementary School

    Laramie County School District #1 in Cheyenne, Wy., recently held a groundbreaking ceremony for the upcoming Mountain View Elementary School, according to a news release. The facility has an estimated completion date of summer 2028, and it will have the capacity for 650 students in fifth and sixth grade.

  • Barbara Vick Western Branch

    Barbara Vick Western Branch

    Established in 1999, the Education Design Showcase is a vehicle for showing off innovative — yet practical — solutions in planning, design, architecture, and construction. The Barbara Vick Western Branch has been recognized with an EDS 2026 Grand Prize award in the category of Renovation.

  • Nashville Elementary School Receives LEED Gold Certification

    Goodlettsville Elementary School, part of Metro Nashville Public Schools in Nashville, Tenn., recently achieved LEED Gold Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), according to a news release. The 81,750-square-foot school opened in 2023 and was designed by Goodwyn Mills Cawood (GMC).

  • Opportunity by Design Framework

    Opportunity by Design

    Educational improvement efforts often focus on curriculum, instruction, assessment, professional development, and intervention systems while treating the physical school building as background. But school design is not a passive backdrop to learning — it is a structural lever for equity.