Issue 39 Approved: A Major Investment in the Future of Hilliard School District, Ohio Education, and an Inclusive Community for New Americans

By

Taiwo AKINLAMI

Hilliard, Ohio, in a landmark decision on November 5, Hilliard residents overwhelmingly voted in favor of Issue 39, a $142 million bond and tax measure designed to enhance educational facilities, accommodate a growing student body, and improve school infrastructure. Beyond the bricks and mortar, this investment signals a powerful commitment to education that is inclusive of all Hilliard families, including a significant and growing population of immigrants and new Americans who have made the district home.

A Background on Issue 39 and the Growing Needs of a Diverse Community

Hilliard City School District, one of the largest districts in central Ohio, serves over 16,000 students, with a notable increase in immigrant families and new Americans enriching the community. As families from diverse backgrounds continue to settle in Hilliard, they bring with them unique cultural perspectives and aspirations, particularly around education as a pathway to opportunity and integration. As of recent data, approximately 14.7% of the district’s population is foreign-born, which is higher than both the county and state averages.

For these families, high-quality education is often a decisive factor in their decision to establish roots in Hilliard. The district has responded by emphasizing inclusivity, language support, and cultural understanding within its schools. Yet, with rising enrollment and evolving needs, Hilliard’s schools have been stretched thin. Issue 39 was placed on the November ballot to address this pressing reality, providing the resources necessary to modernize, expand, and ensure schools can serve all students effectively, regardless of their background.

Approval at the Polls: A Community United in Purpose

The passage of Issue 39 reflects Hilliard’s community-wide commitment to education that serves everyone, including immigrant families. As Hilliard continues to grow as a home for people from all walks of life, the vote demonstrates a collective belief that educational investment will create a better future for all residents. By approving the measure, residents are ensuring that new Americans, along with long-established families, have access to safe, state-of-the-art educational facilities that can meet the needs of a diverse student body.

Leading up to the election, local organizations, educators, and community leaders conducted extensive outreach, including engagement with immigrant families and bilingual residents. Many immigrant parents voiced strong support for the measure, seeing the investment as a means to provide their children with equal opportunities in a competitive educational environment. The measure’s approval allows for both physical expansion and programmatic growth that will benefit students learning English as a second language, along with broader support for inclusive learning.

What the Future Holds for Hilliard’s Immigrant Community and Education in Ohio

With the approval of Issue 39, Hilliard City School District can move forward with plans that will transform its facilities and make a significant impact on immigrant families. The funds will enable the district to build new schools, upgrade technology, and introduce expanded programs for English Language Learners (ELL) and culturally responsive education initiatives. These improvements will foster a welcoming, supportive environment that enhances immigrant students’ learning experiences and helps them succeed academically and socially.

Superintendent David Stewart has consistently emphasized the importance of diversity and inclusion within Hilliard City Schools. During a recent dialogue held on October 19, 2024 with some New Americans community leaders about Issue 39, he highlighted the district’s efforts to support over 2,000 students who do not speak English as their first language by hiring ESL teachers and tutors.

For immigrant families who often face unique challenges in adapting to new educational systems, Issue 39 also provides a pathway to integration. As new facilities emerge, the district plans to create spaces that support cultural activities, community events, and programs for parents to engage in their children’s education. Community engagement is essential to helping families feel a sense of belonging and ownership in Hilliard, as schools serve as foundational spaces for building community ties.

A Model of Inclusivity for Ohio

The approval of Issue 39 in Hilliard may serve as a model for other Ohio districts with growing immigrant populations. As education systems across the state face similar pressures from population growth and diversifying demographics, the Hilliard experience could inspire other districts to pursue funding solutions that cater to both traditional needs and the evolving demands of a multicultural community. The measure not only reflects the district’s commitment to high-quality education but also serves as a statement on the value of inclusivity in public investment.

The Ohio Department of Education has recently emphasized the importance of supporting immigrant and English-learning students, and Hilliard’s initiative aligns closely with these goals. The district’s approach is a testament to the idea that diversity enhances educational quality, bringing students from various backgrounds together and preparing all children to be empathetic, culturally aware citizens.

A New Chapter for Hilliard’s Families

Issue 39 goes beyond financial figures; it embodies a vision for Hilliard’s future as a truly inclusive community. The approval of this measure not only addresses immediate infrastructure needs but also affirms a shared belief in the transformative power of education. For immigrant families, this investment is particularly meaningful, signaling that they are not merely residents but integral members of a community that values their contributions and strives to meet their needs.

As Hilliard embarks on this transformative journey, it does so with the support of families from every corner of the world who call this community home. The district’s investment will strengthen the educational foundation for all, ensuring that every student, whether a newcomer or a native-born resident has a place to learn, grow, and succeed. This is more than just a local victory; it’s a beacon of inclusivity and hope, representing a future in which every child, regardless of origin, has the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential.

Taiwo AKINLAMI is the Curator-in-Chief of the S.A.F.E for Children® Information Bank, Ohio, a project of Power Parenting Company LLC (http://www.powerparentingcompany.com/)