Master Facility Plan
Sycamore Community Schools
Sycamore Families
A Letter from the Board of Education
On May 15, 2019, the Sycamore Board of Education unanimously voted to place a $127.5 million bond issue on the November 5, 2019 ballot to renovate and replace some of our aged facilities. If approved, this will result in an increase of $84 annually per $100,000 of home market value.
Our process began three years ago with extensive facility assessments, community engagement sessions, educational visioning, and concept testing with the community. The Board of Education received extensive feedback from staff, families, students, and the community that guided our decision-making. Although our school buildings have been well maintained, the costs associated with repairing obsolete facilities and
mechanical systems are simply no longer a prudent investment of taxpayer dollars. We believe the best solution for our whole community is to replace E.H. Greene Intermediate and Sycamore Junior High School, renovate Sycamore High School, and provide more early childhood opportunities within our current grade level configuration.
Sycamore Schools has become known as a destination district for families by focusing on continuous improvement and adapting to growing shifts in education. To remain competitive, the district can no longer ignore the growing needs of our oldest facilities, which are on average, nearly 60 years old. Our vision for the future includes learning environments that are agile and adaptive, and easily support a broad spectrum of learning styles and innovative instructional techniques.
We will continue to provide you with additional information on the bond issue and the complete district-wide facilities plan. Please visit the Master Facility section on our website, www.sycamoreschools.org, for more information or call (513) 686-1700. You can also email questions or comments to mfp@sycamoreschools.org
The Board appreciates the community’s ongoing support to ensure continued academic excellence. It is our commitment to continue the utilization of financial parameters and fiscally responsible practices and providing schools that add value to our strong and vibrant community.
With great respect,
The Sycamore Community Schools Board of Education
How We Arrived At This Decision
The Age of Our Buildings
- Portions of Sycamore Junior High date back to 1926.
- Portions of E.H. Greene Intermediate date back to 1962
- Sycamore High School was built in 1974.
- Symmes Elementary was built in 1988.
Watch: Sycamore in Sixty
What the Plan Includes:
- Replace E.H. Greene Intermediate
- Replace Sycamore Junior High
- Renovate Sycamore High School ($33 Million)
- Renovate and add on to Symmes Elementary to accommodate growth and preschool expansion
- Additional renovations to Blue Ash Elementary's UC Blue Ash Wing for preschool expansion
- Minimal upgrades at Maple Dale and Montgomery Elementary to enhance the learning environment
Private and Public Funding For Sycamore Stadium
Watch: How Our Bond Issue Will Work
Watch: What Will The Cost Be To Taxpayers?
If Approved, Sycamore Schools Will Still Remain One of the Lowest Tax Rates
Need More Information?
The Sycamore Board of Education mailed an informational brochure to all residents of the district in July. We have attached a digital copy of the tri-fold below.