Timeframe update for new elementary buildings

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 5, 2026

Franklin City Schools recently received word from the district's Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) representative that construction of the new elementary buildings should begin within three to five years. 

“The community and the district have been very eager to start building our new elementary schools,” said Dr. Mike Sander, superintendent of schools. “While three to five years is still further out than we would like, this communication is the first definite timeframe that the OFCC has given us.” 

In 2019, the Board of Education voted to enter into the Expedited Local Partnership Program (ELPP) with the state of Ohio for a construction project to build a new high school, completely renovate the 4th Street building into a junior high school, and construct new elementary buildings. 

The ELPP is a two-part process: first, the district was asked to pass a bond issue to pay the local share of the construction project. That bond issue passed overwhelmingly in Nov. 2020 and covered construction of the new high school, the new bus garage, and renovations at Franklin Junior High.  

In the second part of the process, the state will provide funds for the construction of new elementary buildings at no additional cost to voters. The elementary buildings will be at the Hunter, Gerke, and Schenck sites. 

“Our district was given a fantastic opportunity to upgrade our buildings with the state of Ohio paying for 57% of the cost,” said Dr. Mike Sander, superintendent of schools. “We are grateful for the community’s support; when complete, this once-in-a-lifetime project will have invested more than $130 million in our students and community.”

Those with questions may call the superintendent’s office at (937) 746-1699.