Each summer, Olentangy Schools commits to reinvesting in its buildings and grounds to ensure safe and well-maintained learning environments for students and the broader community. From track resurfacing to window replacements, this year's summer projects reflect the district’s long-term capital planning and continued stewardship of taxpayer funds. 

“These improvements are not just routine maintenance—they are critical investments in our students’ safety and Olentangy experience,” said Jeff Gordon, Olentangy’s Chief Operations Officer. “With 15 of our schools built between 2000 and 2011, we’re seeing increased need to address aging infrastructure; deferred maintenance only compounds costs over time.” 

Each year, Olentangy’s five-year capital plan includes projects like asphalt, roofing, and flooring replacements, along with athletic facility maintenance and interior refurbishments. These summer facilities projects are a testament to the district’s commitment to providing excellence in facilities and ensuring that our students and staff have access to safe, welcoming, and well-maintained spaces in which to learn and flourish. 

Summer 2025 Construction Highlights 

• Tornado Damage Repairs: Roof repairs continued at Berlin Middle School following the March 2024 tornado. While much of the restoration was completed last summer, additional work on the OBLMS roof was finalized this season. 
• Window Replacements: New, energy-efficient windows were installed at five schools: Arrowhead Elementary, Alum Creek Elementary, Scioto Ridge Elementary, Wyandot Run Elementary, and Olentangy High School.
• Elementary Playgrounds: Playground asphalt resurfaced at Arrowhead, Cheshire, and Liberty Tree Elementary schools. Equipment repairs were also completed at Heritage and Scioto Ridge Elementary. 
• Additional Asphalt Repairs: Asphalt resurfacing on pathways, entries, and athletic areas was completed at Berkshire Middle School, Shanahan Middle School, Orange High School, Olentangy High School, and OASIS.
• Concrete Repairs: Concrete repairs were made to Oak Creek Elementary School, Olentangy Meadows Elementary School, Liberty Middle School, Shanahan Middle School, and Olentangy High School. A new sidewalk was also added to Wyandot Run Elementary School. 
• Flooring Upgrades: Carpet replacement took place at Glen Oak, Indian Springs, Walnut Creek Elementary, Liberty Middle School, Shanahan Middle School, Liberty High School, and Orange High School. Other flooring updates were completed at Orange Middle School.
• School Signage: New exterior signs, including a middle school digital sign, were installed at Liberty Tree Elementary, Hyatts Middle School, and Shanahan Middle School. 
• Athletic Facility Enhancements: The athletic tracks at Berkshire Middle School, Shanahan Middle School, and Orange High School were resurfaced. In addition, the Orange High School stadium received several needed repairs.
• Safety Upgrades: New door locks and deadbolts were installed on classroom doors at Hyatts Middle School to enhance building security.

Spotlight: Shanahan Middle School 

At the May 8 Board of Education meeting, Mr. Gordon introduced a phased restroom renovation plan for Shanahan Middle School, scheduled for summers 2025 and 2026. These upgrades mirror recent improvements made at Olentangy High School and aim to modernize outdated facilities while maintaining restroom access for summer programming. In addition to these updates, Shanahan is also on the receiving end of new flooring, roofing repairs, asphalt resurfacing, and a new digital exterior sign. 

Meeting the Challenges of Growth 

Despite this summer’s progress, not all planned projects could move forward. Following the unsuccessful March 2024 ballot issue—which would have provided permanent improvement funds—several facility upgrades have been deferred. 

Addressing continued student enrollment growth remains a priority. At Olentangy Berlin High School, where enrollment has reached 1,962 students as of July 7 and is expected to exceed 2,000 this fall, collaborative learning spaces are being converted into traditional classrooms to meet space demands.