Your voice matters in finalizing a master plan!

Since the fall of 2024, more than 5,000 stakeholders have shared their thoughts in Upper Arlington Schools’ phase two facilities master planning process — reflecting an incredible level of involvement from families, staff and community members. This input has been invaluable in guiding discussions around the future of Hastings and Jones middle schools and Burbank Early Childhood School.

Now, as the Board of Education moves closer to a decision on a master plan for these schools, it is even more important to get involved and share your thoughts. 

The district invites all community members to attend a final community engagement session on Wednesday, March 25, at 6 p.m. at Upper Arlington High School, 1625 Zollinger Road. This meeting will offer an opportunity to learn more about, and provide feedback on, the draft master plan recommendation that reflects all of the feedback gathered so far in the process and the input of the community experts on the Financial Advisory Board. Following the meeting, all stakeholders will also have an opportunity to take an online survey, available at www.uaschools.org/facilities, to share their thoughts.

“We have been incredibly encouraged by the thoughtfulness and commitment of our community,” said Superintendent Robert Hunt, Ph.D. “Your input will ensure that our final plan reflects the values and priorities that matter most to the people we serve.”

Since the start of phase two, community involvement has continued to grow through volunteer building teams, community engagement sessions, focus groups, surveys and building tours. That feedback has remained central as the district works toward finalizing a long-term, fiscally responsible plan for the future of these schools. 

This winter, the process has continued with the formation of a Financial Advisory Board (FAB), composed of community members with expertise in finance, construction and facilities planning. The FAB is reviewing the facilities master planning process as a whole, including stakeholder feedback, and providing input on:

• The scope and cost of a phase two facilities master plan
• Options for an implementation timeline
• Funding considerations related to a potential bond issue
• The district’s anticipated need for an operating levy in fall 2026

The FAB’s findings will be incorporated into the draft recommendations shared with the community in March. Following additional community feedback, a final master plan recommendation — including scope, timeline, funding strategy and levy considerations — will be presented to the Board of Education for action in May or June.

“It’s important to recognize there is no zero-cost option — Hastings, Jones and Burbank all have immediate maintenance and repair needs totaling an estimated $124.8 million,” Dr. Hunt said. “Our schools are central to our community, and the decisions ahead will shape Upper Arlington for generations. If you haven’t yet shared your voice, please join us on March 25 to be part of this important conversation.”

More information about the facilities master planning process is available at www.uaschools.org/facilities.