Bexley Schools Move Forward with Cassady Avenue Land

Dec. 5, 2024

Bexley Schools superintendent Dr. Jason Fine shared with the community today that the school district is moving forward with the purchase of land on North Cassady Avenue for a planned athletic venue and possible outdoor learning opportunities. The purchase is expected to be completed this month.

“We believe the long-term benefit of this opportunity is transformational for Bexley Schools,” Dr. Fine said. “We now will own land and, with the community’s support, will be able to develop a venue providing our students benefits they haven’t had before. All of the things we wanted to do in the past are now a possibility for today’s students and those who will follow for many decades.”

Since a purchase agreement was announced in mid-September, school officials have worked through a 75-day due-diligence period, which was permitted by the agreement. The due-diligence period ended on Dec. 2.

The superintendent explained, “During the past few months, we have worked hard to ensure this property is right for our schools. We have worked closely with experts and advisors to examine all aspects of the land and its surroundings. We have conferred with officials from the Ohio EPA, civil engineers, and others, working together to thoroughly review all documents and information regarding the Cassady Avenue property. Based on all of the input we have received, we have concluded that the property will permit us to provide a safe environment for our students, staff, and community.”

Bexley Schools’ Strategic Plan, which was approved by the Board of Education in 2023, charged school leaders with exploring alternative facilities and buildings through partnerships, grants, leases, and purchasing opportunities.

 “We have exhausted all reasonable possibilities of finding land within Bexley city limits to assist our growth and have relied on the generosity of our partners for many years,” Dr. Fine said. “We are incredibly thankful for these partnerships and their support for our students. We will continue to partner with others to support many of our athletic programs, as we know our new venue will not be developed hastily. 

The next step is to create a community-driven plan to develop the venue. First, school leaders will confer with coaches, student athletes, and athletic board members to learn their needs and ideas for the complex. Input from families and the community also will be sought. Similar to our facilities-planning work with our buildings, all of the feedback will be considered in order to develop possible options for the new venue.

Dr. Fine said he is excited about the future for Bexley Schools with this new venue. “We truly believe this opportunity will positively impact our students for the next 100 years and hope many others share our excitement about the possibilities for the future,” he said.