Many Elida residents voiced strong concerns about the financial future of Elida Local Schools at Tuesday night's special board of education meeting. Currently, the Elida School Board is weighing the idea of putting out a $2.7 million renewal levy as the current levy expires at the end of 2025. In the unofficial 5-year forecast presented by Elida Treasurer Larry Kaiser, the district's expenses are forecasted to outpace revenues by an increasingly growing margin. On Tuesday evening, many Elida residents publicly addressed the board with their concerns if a renewal levy is not pursued.

The Elida school board is taking a closer look at a House Bill that would create a universal voucher program for the state of Ohio. House Bill 290, nicknamed the Backpack Bill, would allow $5,500 for students in grades K-8 and $7,500 for students in grades 9-12 to be put into an education savings account.

Before holding a Board of Education meeting Tuesday evening, the board first met at the elementary school where they were given a tour of the progress of the construction. Board members were greeted to classrooms with cabinets installed, drywall that has gone up throughout parts of the school, and ceramic tiles being put down. They also received a briefing on what construction will be going on soon, but they remain on track to have the school ready for students next year.

Tuesday evening, Elida School Board members were given an in-progress tour of the new elementary school building being constructed. It will hold students from Pre-K through 5^th grade, and is set to be open for the school year after Labor Day 2021.

On Tuesday night, the Elida School Board made the decision to hire Four Seasons Environmental to construct its new elementary school. Four Seasons is a commissioning service that will have to make sure the right parts are placed in the new building. The new elementary school will be built next to the current one. That school building is 56 years old. So they're looking to have a better building for better learning and security. The superintendent said there were several contractors to choose from, but these particular contractors seem to be a better fit.

Progress is looking good Monday night for the upcoming construction of a new elementary school in Elida. this evening, Elida School Board officials approved a resolution to participate in the Ohio Facilities Assistance program.

The Elida School Board decided Tuesday night to put a bond issue and tax levy on the ballot for a May 8th election. The two will combine for a single ballot issue.