LIBERTY Girard considers old high school

The idea is to have the old high school serve as a backup if the school doesn't reopen on time.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
LIBERTY -- The old high school here could be back in use if Girard Intermediate School doesn't reopen in the fall.
Richard Malone, president of the Liberty Board of Education, termed talks on a possible deal as "feelers." Liberty Superintendent Lawrence Prince called them "exploratory."
The Girard school was closed May 1 and pupils moved to the junior/high school complex after pupils, teachers and staff complained of illnesses.
Symptoms included rashes, itchy and burning eyes, vomiting and headaches.
Recommendation: Tests indicate the carpeting and ventilation system may be the root of the problem. The Girard Board of Health has recommended removal of the carpeting and revamping of the heating and air conditioning system.
Girard's school board relaxed bidding procedures May 17 to get the school open by fall.
Price said Wednesday that Girard Superintendent Anthony D'Ambrosio contacted him about using Liberty's old high school as a backup, should the work not get done.
Fees were not discussed.
Prince said D'Ambrosio anticipates the work will be completed at the intermediate school in time for fall classes.
The old Liberty school has been vacant since 1999, when the new high school opened.
Levy on ballot: The Liberty school board, meanwhile, took an initial step to place an operating levy renewal on the November general election ballot.
Prince said the levy would generate $739,000 annually, which may require a 3.37-mill issue.
The district will contact the Trumbull County auditor's office, which will determine the actual millage based on the property valuation.
The original levy of 4.9 mills was passed in 1986 and renewed in 1996 with 4.4 mills because of increased valuation.
yovich@vindy.com