Why Trust OFK?

Friday, 01 April 2011 14:43

Why should you trust Olentangy For Kids? Good question! Before 1999, Olentangy’s levy campaigns were run primarily by school district employees – board members, administrators, etc. That’s still fairly commonplace across Ohio. But there are two problems with that. First, to a community member, that “campaigning” sometimes seemed self-serving. Secondly, because of that vested interest, community members sometimes were suspicious of the facts that were provided by the district’s campaign. Not surprisingly, Olentangy often lost its ballot issues. So in 1999, a group of concerned and hard-working community members stepped up and took the campaign reins away from the district. They made it their business to research and verify all campaign information and to take responsibility to distribute that information to their fellow community members. Since then, nearly 1,000 conscientious and diligent community members step up to research and prepare campaign information and to distribute it to their neighbors. We do our best to validate and verify. We’re your neighbors who care so much about our kids’ future and our community’s future that we get involved – investing our time, energy, and expertise.

Top of the Class

Tuesday, 22 February 2011 14:09

In terms of achievement, Olentangy is at the top of the class! In fact, Olentangy has the 2^nd-highest Performance Index of all Central Ohio school districts. Performance Index is used by the Ohio Department of Education to show academic achievement across all school districts in the state. The only school district in Central Ohio with a higher PI than Olentangy is Upper Arlington, and their cost per pupil is $14,840 compared to our $9,603. That’s a 55% higher cost compared to a 1-point higher PI! In fact, if Olentangy spent as much per pupil as Upper Arlington, it would cost taxpayers an additional $83 million, or an additional 26 mills.

Best Bang for the Buck

Monday, 21 February 2011 15:37

Olentangy Schools are a point of pride for many of us.  Despite being the 8th largest school district in Ohio, there is still a small town neighborhood feel to our community.  Our district is at the top of the class in student acheivement -- with the 2nd highest Performance Index of all Central Ohio school districts.  Moreover, those results are obtained at a lower price to the taxpayer than any major suburban district in Central Ohio.  Olentangy's cost per pupil is $9,603.  A $300,000 home in Olentangy pays approximately $4,070 in taxes to the district.  So if the owners of that home have 2 kids that attend Olentangy schools, they are receiving $19,206 of educational value at a cost of $4,070.  That's a 370% return on investment!

On May 3rd, voters will decide what they want from their Schools.  Olentangy for Kids will work hard to provide facts to voters so that they can make an informed decision at the polls.  Be informed.  Get involved.  But most importantly ....VOTE!

Second Lowest Cost per Pupil

Saturday, 29 January 2011 10:21

Olentangy for Kids Olentangy has the second lowest cost per pupil of any district in our state comparison group. And Olentangy's cost per pupil of $9,603 is much lower than the state average of $10,512! We've got the best of both worlds - a great school system and a true value to taxpayers.