The district is conducting anonymous telephone surveys to gather feedback about its plan to update Maryland, Montrose and the Cassingham Complex.
The most recent plan was approved at the Board of Education meeting May 14. According to the district newsletter, the district is gathering feedback by calling a random selection of Bexley residents and asking them questions to gather a better understanding of perspectives within the community.
Director of Facilities Harley Williams said the planning process throughout the past two years has been community driven, involving the input of parents, students and teachers through various surveys and meetings.
He added the primary goal of the first phase for the approved facilities plan is to finalize the designs for the new buildings and renovations at the Cassingham complex and other elementary schools.
The first phase of the plan for updates to the Cassingham Complex is split into two sub-phases, 1A and 1B, according to the City of Bexley website.
Phase 1A involves building the new $76 million middle school located on the current softball field in the northeast corner of the Cassingham complex.
The district then plans to repurpose and renovate the existing middle school into additional space for the high school and Cassingham Elementary School.
Phase 1B includes the construction of a new high school building on the east side of the Cassingham complex, but this stage of construction will not begin until several years after phase 1A is complete.
Updates will be made to the other two elementary schools as well. Maryland’s renovations include additions to the north and west sides of the school, adding new classrooms and moving classrooms for students with disabilities to the first floor.
At Montrose, phase one will involve remodeling the gym, building a new stage, moving the administrative office to the first floor and expanding the cafeteria and kitchen.
Williams said many parents and teachers involved in the feedback process have visited newly renovated schools and spoken with architects to get inspiration for what the new buildings could look like.
Williams explained a major goal for the district is to have students learn in modern facilities. “With the size and layout of our current classrooms, which has students just sitting in rows, it becomes hard to have hands-on learning,” he added.
The total cost of phase one of the facilities plan for all schools is estimated to be $160 million, Williams added. The biggest challenge the district is facing in the process is covering the expenses, he said.
Williams explained the project will be funded through district income tax and property tax. “A lot of our needs in this project are much greater than we can afford,” he explained. “As the process continues, we just need to figure out what the community can support.”
The planning process is not over, Fine said, and the Board will continue to update and inform the community.
“Together, this project reflects our commitment to creating safe, modern and inspiring learning environments for all students,” he said.
Published and digitized November 2025.
