As the start of the 2025–26 school year approaches, Columbus Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Chip Kay joined KLIR’s Community Spotlight to provide an important update on the district’s proposed 4th–5th grade intermediate school and broader plans to address community growth.
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Following nearly a year of stakeholder engagement, the CPS Board of Education voted in June to move forward with a bond referendum for a new intermediate building, targeting the November 2025 election. The district expects to finalize cost estimates and updated property valuations in August before calling the bond officially.
“This building addresses a real need,” Dr. Kay said. “We’re projecting an increase of 350 to 600 students by 2028–29. This plan creates space at our elementary and middle schools while enhancing opportunities for 4th and 5th graders.”
The building would be located on the north side of the middle school campus, using part of an underutilized parking area. The site allows the district to avoid an estimated $5 million in infrastructure costs and retain outdoor activity space.
Dr. Kay noted that the 4–5 configuration helps maintain collaborative teaching teams, improves programming for both grades, and allows for dedicated play areas. It also frees up space across the district: additional room in K–3 classrooms, about 300 seats at the middle school, and opportunities to better utilize facilities like Emerson.
“We’ve looked at every suggestion—from trailers to junior high-style models—and this approach offers the best long-term solution for our students and our community,” said Dr. Kay. “It’s fiscally responsible and based on data.”
The district also plans to release a long-term facilities management plan alongside the bond announcement. The document outlines how CPS will respond to future enrollment milestones, maintain existing buildings, and plan responsibly for continued growth.
For now, all administrative services have relocated to the Kramer Education Center, where families can enroll students or prepare for the upcoming school year. School officially begins for students on August 12 and 13, depending on their grade level.