NORTH OLMSTED – During a special meeting July 23, school board members voted unanimously to place an $80 million bond on the November ballot for new school facilities.
The Ohio School Facilities Commission estimates the total cost of the proposed project to be $74,896,067, with the state paying $8,987,528, leaving the school district to pay $71,589,472, after taking into account discretionary improvement costs.
The state’s contribution is only available for the construction of new facilities, officials said.
The maturity period for the bond will be 34 years at 5.45 mills. The owner of a $100,000 home would have to pay an additional $190 per year, said Treasurer Robert Matson.
The new facilities proposed include a 6th through 12th grade building on a campus separated by a performing arts center where the middle school and high school currently stand, authorities said.
According to school officials, part of the funds also will be used to build a new athletic center and re-purpose several of the older buildings in the district.
Maintaining the current buildings is not a viable option, with the middle school requiring nearly $35 million in total renovations and $50 million for the 52-year-old high school.
Over the years, the middle school already has had eight additions.
The older buildings in the district pose a problem to the student’s learning environment, said board member Linda Cleary.
‘The day-to-day function of the schools is not conducive to today’s education,’ Cleary said. ‘The district is required to have testing done by computers, and the Wi-Fi does not work in those buildings.’
Computer technology training is state required, she said.
Science labs in the buildings are out of date, and students have had to deal with leaky roofs in several buildings, she said.
The Facilities Task Force’s evaluation of the current buildings is not cost effective for residents, officials said.
‘The dilemma that we have is how much longer do we continue to invest significant resources to a building that essentially was constructed in 1930,’ Superintendent Michael E. Zalar said. ‘We have had the state look at it, architects look at it, and their best recommendations are that it is time to replace the building. This is the best investment for the long term.’
The school board plans to educate the voters on the levy during forums and meetings, officials said.
