Harrison Hills Board to retire school bond by 2027

The Harrison Hills City School District Board of Education has approved a financial strategy to pay off the district’s building bond in full by 2027, nearly three decades ahead of schedule.

The plan calls for an $18.5 million payment this fiscal year followed by a final payment of $7.4 million next year. The decision was made during the board’s July meeting and reflects a focus on fiscal responsibility and reducing the tax burden for Harrison County residents.

Board members D.J. Watson, Edward Banks, Deborah Kenny, Tracy Mattern and Kristen Willis credited years of careful financial stewardship and strategic planning for making the move possible.

Board President D.J. Watson, who once served on the volunteer Y.E.S. Committee that promoted the original bond levy, said the accelerated payoff fulfills a pledge to the community.

“When we asked voters to support this levy, we made a commitment to be responsible stewards of those dollars,” Watson said. “This payoff plan honors that commitment while positioning the district for long-term stability. It’s a testament to the vision and teamwork of our board and the trust of our community.”

The district’s operating fund is supported heavily by public utility tax revenue, which has grown along with the gas and oil industry in Harrison County. That strong base, officials said, allows debt reduction without sacrificing future programming.

The action continues a trend of tax relief for local residents. In 2015, taxpayers supported a 3-mill permanent improvement levy and a 4.48-mill bond levy. By 2025, the bond levy rate had fallen to 1.7 mills.

While the bond will be retired early, the district’s maintenance levy will remain in place to support daily operations and upkeep of facilities.

Officials said the payoff plan underscores the district’s commitment both to taxpayers and to maintaining strong educational opportunities for students.