WARREN SCHOOLS Deadline approaches for plans for buildings

The Trumbull County Historical Society supports preserving part of Harding.
By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- With an August deadline looming to place a ballot issue on the November ballot, school board members are nearing decision time for what's in the plan for new school buildings.
The school district learned in late May that it will receive funding from the Ohio School Facilities Commission this year to build new schools. The project is estimated at $168 million, with the state footing 81 percent of the bill. The remainder will have to come from local sources, likely from a bond issue on the November ballot.
The plan is for five new kindergarten-through-eighth-grade buildings and a new high school, although some board members want to retain a portion of Warren G. Harding High School to preserve history. The current 13 elementary, three middle schools and Harding would likely be demolished.
School board members voted last month to participate in the OSFC program and to shoot for the five new K-8 buildings and new high school. But they still must decide what items will be locally funded to determine the amount of the bond issue.
Board President Lynn Gibson and Linda Metzendorf, board member, have been advocating saving at least part of the Harding building, constructed in 1924, saying they've heard from community members in favor of that position.
The Trumbull County Historical Society passed a resolution last month, urging restoration of at least the high school's front facade.
"We mailed letters to 500 people who are members of the society or interested in history in the Warren and Trumbull County area," said Dave Ambrose, historical society president.
"We are urging people to contact their school board members and urge them to consider preserving part of the high school, at least the facade and other important historical elements."
Many people in the area graduated from the school and have interest in seeing it preserved, he said.
"It's a beautiful building," Ambrose said.
Gibson said she's received letters and phone calls from supporters of saving part of the building since the historical society passed its resolution.
"They aren't against new schools, but they want some consideration given to historical preservation," Gibson said.
Some callers have offered to contribute money to the bond issue campaign, she said.
Ballot deadline
With an Aug. 21 deadline to place an issue on the November ballot, board members have to make those decisions soon. Gibson says a special meeting likely will be required.
"I hope we can come to some sort of compromise," she said.
Last month, school administrators recommended a new high school and, if history is a consideration, that the board opt for the most cost-effective option to retain or replicate the facade of Harding to serve as a gateway to the new campus.
OSFC provides funding for renovation and expansion of a building up to 100 percent of the cost of new construction. If renovation would cost more than the cost of building new, the remainder must be funded with local money.
The administrative panel also recommended a competition swimming pool, renovation of the stadium and a track be included at the new facility. If the board elects those features, they will have to be covered by local money. They aren't covered by OSFC funds.
"I would say right now that all is to be determined," Gibson said.
denise.dick@vindy.com