The Rossford School District in northwest Ohio has entered a major growth phase as construction begins on a $35 million middle school, signaling a long-term commitment to academic expansion and infrastructure modernization.
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The new 76,000-square-foot facility will serve students in grades four through six and is scheduled to open in August 2027, giving current elementary schoolers a modernized transition space before entering junior high.
What makes this project especially notable is how it’s being financed. Rather than relying on a traditional school levy—which often requires voter approval—Rossford leaders are leveraging enterprise zone revenue, largely generated by three Amazon distribution and fulfillment centers operating in the region.
Under current agreements:
This innovative financing approach allows the district to grow without increasing property taxes on residents — a strategic move that aligns with broader regional efforts to attract business while reinvesting industrial revenue into public services.
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Once completed, the new school will ease crowding across the district. Rossford currently serves 1,700 students, and the three-building campus configuration will allow space for up to 2,500 students, preparing the district for projected population growth tied to ongoing economic development.
Beyond academic areas, the school is expected to include flexible STEM labs, collaboration zones, secure entry systems, updated athletic spaces, and community-accessible areas for events and family engagement.
Officials say the project represents more than just a new building — it is a direct outcome of strategic industry partnerships and proof that economic growth can be reinvested into education, benefiting both current students and future generations.
Construction will continue through 2026, with work expected to boost local contracting jobs and supply chain activity in Wood County.
Originally reported by Mike Kennedy in American School & University.
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