LABRAE District must raise $9M for new school

The new building would replace two elementaries and the high school.
LEAVITTSBURG -- LaBrae Local District will receive nearly $20 million from the state if it can raise about $9 million in local funding for a new school building.
"It's my understanding that they plan a combination school building housing grades three through 12," said Rick Savors of the Ohio Schools Facilities Commission.
It would replace Leavitt and Vaughn elementary schools, on Risher Road S.W. in Warren and Robinson Road in Braceville, as well as the West Market Street high school.
The district was selected to receive $19.8 million for the new school, but must raise $8.9 million as the local match.
School districts have a few options for raising local match for school facilities projects including a levy or using money already in hand.
"It's my suspicion that they will go for a levy; $8.9 million is a lot for a district the size of LaBrae," Savors said.
School district officials couldn't be reached this morning.
The deadline to place a levy on the November ballot is Aug. 23.