This inaugural issue of Bexley Schools' Embracing Equity newsletter highlights the important work done every day in our schools to live our mission of Learning with Curiosity, Demonstrate Kindness, and Embrace Equity.
UPDATE Bexley City Schools | Summer 2026
Bexley City Schools Welcomes Back Dr. Katie Nowak as Superintendent “Dr. Nowak has a heartfelt belief that every child deserves a high-quality education with the necessary supports and guidance to help each student utilize their abilities to their fullest potential, in a caring and supportive environment of kindness and belonging. That is Katie Nowak and that is Bexley.”
Building on Excellence, Rooted in Bexley As I begin my tenure as superintendent of Bexley City Schools, I am filled with gratitude, excitement and a deep sense of responsibility. Returning to Bexley feels less like an introduction and more like a homecoming. Having previously served the district, I know firsthand what makes this community so special: curious students, engaged families, dedicated faculty and staff and a generations-deep commitment to educational excellence. The mission that defines our work remains strong. Our district continues to champion curiosity, kindness and equity while preparing students to thrive in a rapidly changing world. I look forward to reconnecting with students, staff, families and community members as we continue building on Bexley’s tradition of excellence together. From academic achievement to our long-range Facilities Plan, the future is bright, and I am honored to be part of the work ahead.
Joanne Pickrell, President, Bexley Board of Education
Dr. Katie Nowak Superintendent
Inside this Edition Celebrating the Class of 2026
Our Mission in Action
Phase I Facilities Plan Update
Bexley’s DNA: Our Mission in Action Learn with Curiosity
Embrace Equity
Brad Montague Visit Students and staff were inspired by Kid President creator Brad Montague through sessions focused on creativity, kindness and learning from mistakes. 1 Million Words Eight BMS students earned a special visit to Ohio State’s Thompson Library after reading more than 1 million words this school year.
No Place for Hate Bexley again earned the
No Place for Hate designation. Across all buildings, students and staff-led activities focused on kindness, inclusion, service and connection. Social Justice Day The district’s 2nd and 5th graders learned from local leaders who demonstrated advocacy, resilience and service.
MLK Contest Seventh grader Madison Lobedan earned statewide recognition in the Ohio Civil Rights Commission’s MLK contest.
Inspiring Achievement In and Out of the Classroom Torch Awards BHS student journalists
earned top honors in Central Ohio’s Marty Awards competition.
Check out the latest issue of our Embracing Equity Newsletter
Boys Tennis Team Wins State Team Championship Congratulations to members of the Bexley boys’ tennis team for winning the 2026 OTCA Division II State Team Championship at the end of the school year. The title marks Bexley’s first team state championship in any sport since 2017, when the boys’ tennis program won its first state title. The Lions finished the season with a 12-10 overall record and a perfect 7-0 mark in the Central Buckeye League, earning the league championship.
Demonstrate Kindness
Students Against Blood Cancer BHS students raised more than $55,000 to support blood cancer research and families affected by pediatric cancer. Say Something! Montrose 5th graders created artwork promoting kindness, belonging and resilience. Champions of Kindness Maryland 5th graders Hilleary C. and Peyton W. were recognized for welcoming international visitors and modeling leadership.
FACILITIES FUNDINGREQUEST ON NOVEMBER 2026 BALLOT
Bexley voters will be asked to approve funding for Phase I of the district’s long-range Facilities Plan during the general election on Nov. 3, 2026.
The $115 million plan addresses aging facilities and supports and improves student learning environments.
This proposal reflects facility needs identified through assessments, community input, and long-range planning. Phase I represents the next step in addressing aging infrastructure across the district while supporting student learning environments. ESTIMATED PROJECT COST: $115 MILLION 0.5 % School District Income Tax per $100,000 of income beginning in 2027 $500 PER YEAR ≈ Example of Income and Property Tax Impact According to the Ohio Department of Taxation: • Social Security is not subject to school district income tax. • Military benefits are not subject to school district income tax. Also Funded by a No-New-Tax-Rate Property Tax
$72
PER YEAR
per $100,000 of the County Auditor’s appraised value.
≈
2.05 Mills Property Tax
Current bond payments of 2.05 mills will expire in 2027, which would offset a portion of any new property tax.
Scan the QR codes for more information from the Ohio Department of Taxation about school district income tax and property tax.
Income Tax
Property Tax
IF APPROVED, PHASE I WOULD:
Build a New Middle School Estimated $82 million
Complete Essential Facility Repairs Estimated $24 million
Surface Improvements at Maryland & Montrose
Make Stadium Improvements
Estimated $4 million
Estimated $5 million
Component costs are estimates.
A Note from Dr. Nowak Bexley City Schools has a long tradition of careful, community-centered decision-making. The Phase I Facilities Plan is no different. As I step into this role, I want to be clear: this work did not begin with me, and it will not end with me. It is the result of years of thoughtful planning, community input, and honest assessment of what our students and schools need. My role is to ensure that process continues with the same transparency and care this community expects. Our buildings have served generations of students. Addressing facility needs now is part of our responsibility to today’s students and those who will follow. I look forward to keeping the community informed as we move through this process together.
A Steady Path Forward “Dr. Nowak brings the experience and deep commitment to this community that this moment calls for. We are confident that under her leadership, Bexley families will have the clear, honest information they need to make an informed decision about our district’s future.” Dr. Jonathan Baker Board Member, Bexley Board of Education
Understanding Franklin County’s 2026 Property Value Update
Throughout the year, my goal is to keep you informed on district finances and the things that affect school funding and local taxes. There are many questions about Franklin County’s 2026 Property Value Update. Here’s what you should know: For Bexley homeowners, a rise in property value doesn’t mean a rise in taxes, or that district funding rises by the same percentage. Ohio law limits revenue growth from existing levies when values go up, often lowering tax rates to offset it. For Bexley, that means this update isn’t expected to meaningfully increase district revenue, though individual tax bills can still shift based on a home’s value change, new levies, and other factors. The state’s new House Bill 335 further limits tax or revenue increases for Bexley Schools, even though taxpayers in other school districts, those that are only
at the bare minimum level of funding, may see tax increases due to property value increases.
We are committed to responsible financial planning and will continue to monitor the 2026 property value update. We will communicate what it means for the district.
Kyle Smith Treasurer/CFO Bexley City Schools
Know Your Home Value Scan the QR code to review tentative 2026 property values, use the tax estimator, and learn more about the update process.
Bexley Schools Recognized for Financial Reporting and Transparency
Treasurer/CFO Kyle Smith and the Bexley City Schools finance team have once again earned statewide recognition for financial reporting and transparency. The district received the Auditor of State Award for a clean audit, an honor earned by only 10% of Ohio public entities, and has now received this recognition seven times since 2015, including each of the past six years. Bexley also earned the Auditor’s Four- Star “Highest Achievement” designation for public records compliance for the third consecutive year, reflecting the district’s ongoing commitment to transparency and responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources.
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164 35 with honors diplomas GRADUATES
Celebrating the Class of 2026
“Living in a community like Bexley made me realize how lucky I am to experience such an amazing education with teachers, students, and staff who really care about who you are.”
4 National Merit Scholar Finalists
1 National Merit Semifinalist
7 National Merit Commended Scholars
Espen Price, Class of 2026
84% 4-year college
5% 2-year college
“Bexley is a uniquely nurturing and kind environment and I count myself distinctly lucky to have gotten to grow up here.”
2% Gap Year
5% Employment
Curie Sarkar, Class of 2026
2% Transition Program
1% Undecided
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