JACKSON-MILTON School is needed

About a dozen people showed up Wednesday.
By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
NORTH JACKSON -- Jackson-Milton School District is in dire need of new quarters.
It's that simple, Superintendent Buck Palmer told a town meeting in the high school Wednesday night.
Palmer said that a state team has conducted a 23-point inspection of the high school and that he was told by phone that the likely recommendation will be to "abandon the building for use."
Three meetings: Wednesday's meeting was the first of three to address district needs. Close to a dozen residents showed up for an explanation by the Ohio Schools Facilities Commission and to tour the high school.
The commission provides funding, management oversight and technical assistance to school districts for construction and renovation.
The state and local districts share the cost, with the district's portion determined by the wealth of the district overall, said Palmer.
The wealth is determined by total property value in the district and the number of pupils. There are about 1,000 pupils in the district. The district's estimated value is just over $19 million.
Low on the list: Jackson-Milton ranked 418 out of 612 districts in the state on the basis of need. That translates into 28 percent from the state on any projects, while some districts are getting as much as 80 percent state funding. The district won't get its 28 percent reimbursement until between 2009 and 2011.
If the repair cost exceeds 66 percent of what it would cost to replace the high school, Palmer said, the likely recommendation will be to discontinue use and rebuild.
Toured building: To emphasize the building's need for repair or replacement, Palmer gave residents a tour.
Several areas have a good amount of water damage to the walls and ceilings from leaks. To repair damaged spots just in the locker rooms, Palmer said, it would cost an estimated $40,000. The estimated cost to remove asbestos is between $350,000 and $380,000.
If it is determined that the district should build, Palmer wants one building for kindergarten through 12th grade, with pupils sectioned by age groups.
Space for such a building, however, may be a problem. He said the state suggests 50 to 60 acres. The high school sits on six acres.
Other needs: Other problems pointed out by the superintendent during the tour include a lack of space in classrooms and sports training areas, a bad boiler, windows in need of repair, roof work and lockers that need to be painted.
The remaining two meetings will be at 6:30 May 1 in the elementary school gym and 7 p.m. June 4 in the high school cafeteria.