Transfer of School District Territory To an Adjoining School District

On Wednesday, October 12, 2011 the Hilliard City School District facilitated a meeting to clarify the proceduresfor transfer of territory from one school district to another school district. VIew the presentation slides. As a result of that meeting, we have listed some noteworthy facts and frequently asked questions and answers to help you better understand the process:

  • We intentionally built Washington Elementary School to serve the communities in this area with a neighborhood school.
  • Ballantrae, Cramer’s Crossing, Kendall Ridge and other existing developments are incorporated areas in the City of Dublin and have always been part of the Hilliard City School District.
  • The Ohio Administrative Code Chapter 3301-89 and the Ohio Revised Code, Sections 3311.06 and 3311.24, govern the process for any land transfer request.
  • The OAC and ORC contain very specific legal requirements and procedures. One of these requirements is a transfer request must be submitted to the State Board of Education prior to the 1st day of April in an even-numbered year and will take several months to complete.
  • At this time, we have not received a petition from any individual or organization requesting a transfer of territory from our school district to another school district.
  • We have made a very significant investment in this community and have every intention of continuing to support this area as part of the Hilliard City School District.

Questions and Answers

What is the process for transferring territory from one school district to another school district?

  • An individual or group of individuals interested in requesting a transfer may petition to do so through the resident board of education.
  • The petition must be signed by 75% of the qualified electors residing in the proposed area to be transferred.
  • The signatures must be verified by the board of elections.
  • The State Board of Education will send the questionnaire to both the relinquishing and receiving school districts.
  • The State Board of Education must then approve an intent resolution to consider the transfer.
  • An offer for a hearing is extended to all parties.
  • A hearing officer will be selected. All parties may present testimony and question the other participants.
  • The hearing officer will make a recommendation.
  • The State Board of Education will then approve or deny the hearing officer’s recommendation.
  • If, the State Board of Education approves the transfer, the receiving school district must then vote on whether or not to accept the transfer.
  • The State Board of Education’s decision can be appealed to the Court of Common Pleas.
  • The Common Pleas court decision can be appealed to the 10th District Court of Appeals.

•What does “getting 75% of the qualified electors” mean in regard to the transfer process?

  • To be considered, the petition must be signed by 75% of the residents in the proposed territory to be transferred who voted in the last general election.


At anytime, do the residents get to vote on the decision to transfer from one school district to another school district?

No. Residents who wish to transfer may sign a petition to be submitted to the State Board of
Education. To move a request forward, a petition must be signed by 75% of the residents in
the proposed territory to be transferred who voted in the last general election. Ultimately, the
State Board of Education approves or denies the transfer.

Is there a difference between incorporated territory and township (unincorporated) territory regarding the assignment of school district boundaries for any future developments?

  • Yes. Territory within the Hilliard City School District that is or becomes incorporated into the
    City of Hilliard and City of Dublin will remain in the Hilliard City School District.
  • If any unincorporated (township) territory within the Hilliard City School District is annexed
    into the City of Columbus, it will transfer to Columbus City Schools per the annexation (win
    win) agreement.

What would happen to Washington Elementary if it was included in the territory to be transferred?

The State Board of Education would determine the true value in money of the property and all
buildings or improvements. The board of education of the receiving school district would pay
the true value amount to the Hilliard City School District.

Can the City of Columbus or the Columbus City School District “just take us?”

  • No. The land on which Ballantrae, Cramer’s Crossing and Kendall Ridge are located has been incorporated by the City of Dublin and cannot be incorporated into the City of Columbus.
  • No. The annexation agreement between Columbus City Schools and several of the surrounding suburban school districts involves land that has not been incorporated into another municipality (i.e., the City of Dublin, City of Hilliard, etc.). Only unincorporated land (land in townships) can be annexed by the City of Columbus and therefore, become part of the Columbus City Schools. Refer to the Annexation Agreement/Contract (aka Win Win Agreement) for specific details on what areas within our school district are grandfathered to remain in HCSD if annexed and what areas will be transferred to Columbus City Schools upon annexation.

How do we answer rumors that our area might be transferred or taken by another school district?

  • You may refer them to our district website, www.hilliardschools.org, for factual information
    regarding territory transfers from one school district to another school district.
  • You may also contact our Operations Department with any questions or concerns.

What is the Hilliard City School District and the Dublin City School District’s stance on territory transfer in this area?

  • We have made a very significant investment in this community and have every intention of
    opposing any transfer request.
  • Quote from David E. Axner, Ed.D, Superintendent of Dublin City Schools: “We do not have
    room for the students because of the financial costs.”

How committed is the Hilliard City School District to our current school district boundaries?

We believe any transfer of territory and students from Hilliard City Schools to any other school
district would be detrimental to their education and our entire Hilliard City Schools community.
We will oppose any transfer request to protect our partnerships between home, school and
community that are essential to student success.