In November, 2018, the District held community meetings to share information about the conditions of the buildings and the concerns regarding severe overcrowding. Nearly every participant agreed that the elementary and middle schools should be replaced; they also identified their priorities to be considered when constructing new buildings.

From the community input meetings, a Facilities Planning Team was formed. The team represented community members, the business community, governmental entities, senior citizens, parents, and staff members. The facilities team gathered feedback on many construction options and took into consideration the priorities from the community meetings. Its conclusion was to recommend construction of three K-6 buildings and one 7-8 building. This recommendation seeks to provide all students with equal access to all programs without having to be transported to other schools. It was also determined to be a cost-effective option from both a construction and operating standpoint; it reduces the number of schools the District would have to construct and operate, as well as reduces the number of bus routes needed and the amount of time students would have to spend on buses.

In January, the Board of Education accepted the recommendation of the Facilities Planning Team and voted to place a 4.72 mill bond issue on the May, 2019 ballot. Just as with the high school program, the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission will pick up 53 percent of the base cost of the new buildings. 

 

Pictured above are the Facilities Planning Team Presenters, Ed Copley, Alcian Satchel, Debra Ketchie, Zachary Durant, James Morrison, and Seth Bowers.