Upper Arlington Schools Put a $285 Million Building Plan on the November Ballot

Upper Arlington homeowners have a big decision coming this fall. It could change your property taxes and your schools for decades.

On June 9, 2026, the Upper Arlington Board of Education took the first step to put a combined bond and levy on the November 3, 2026 ballot. The plan was reported by The Columbus Dispatch, written by Emma Wozniak and published June 10, 2026. The district also lays out the details on its own facilities master planning page.

Here is what is on the ballot. There is a $273.5 million bond issue, which adds an estimated 2.25 mills. There is also a new operating levy of up to 4.9 mills to run daily school programs. Together, the district and the Franklin County Auditor estimate this would cost about $1,250 more per year for a home valued at $500,000. That is around $105 a month. The bond could be repaid over as long as 38 years.

What would the money build? This is phase two of a larger master plan. The Dispatch reports it would rebuild Hastings Middle School for about $110.8 million and rebuild or renovate Jones Middle School for about $135.25 million. The original 1923 Jones structure would be kept and reused for offices. Burbank Early Childhood School would be renovated and expanded for about $39.45 million. Plans also include new athletic fields and space at the high school to house Jones students during construction.

What does this mean for you? If you own a home in Upper Arlington, this is both a cost and an investment. Strong schools are a top reason buyers pay a premium here. Upper Arlington homes have been selling fast, in about 25 days, at more than 103% of asking price, according to market data. Good school buildings help hold those high home values. But the tax bill is real. New taxes would show up on 2027 property tax bills if voters approve.

If you plan to buy in Upper Arlington, factor this into your budget. A higher tax rate raises your monthly payment even if the home price stays the same. Ask your lender to run the numbers both ways, with and without the new levy.

What should you watch next? Watch for the final ballot language, which the board must approve after the county calculates the exact tax impact. Watch the campaign too. The superintendent has already gone door-to-door to explain the plan. Turnout in November will decide it.

The takeaway is simple. This is one of the largest school building plans in the area, and every Upper Arlington homeowner has a stake. Read the ballot carefully before you vote. Know what it means for both your tax bill and your home's future value. Want to know how school funding votes tend to move home prices in your neighborhood? Our team tracks these trends across central Ohio.

Sources: The Columbus Dispatch via AOL, Upper Arlington Schools – Facilities Master Planning