State awards building funds

The cost is estimated at $168 million with the state covering 81 percent.
By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- The Ohio School Facilities Commission has done its part for the future of the city schools. Now it's up to voters.
After being in line for several years, school board and district officials learned Friday that the district will receive funding from OSFC this year to replace nearly all buildings with new schools.
"We're really excited about it," said Lynn Gibson, school board president.
The state will pay for 81 percent of the project, which is estimated at about $168 million, and the remaining 19 percent will have to come from local sources, most likely a bond issue.
"It's wonderful," said Linda Metzendorf, school board member. "This is the rebirth of the city of Warren. It's something we've been waiting for for a long time."
Board members plan a special meeting Tuesday to try to decide what will be included in the master plan for school buildings that must be submitted to the state. Another public meeting with people who have been providing input is set for June 9.
Optimistic
"We've made every effort to get people involved," said Superintendent Betty English. "We are optimistic" about a bond issue's prospects, she said.
"It's going to be important that the public understands the entire project and that we spell out exactly what is in the plan," the superintendent said.
The board is expected to consider a resolution agreeing to participate with OSFC in the program at a regular board meeting June 10.
"This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the city of Warren but mostly for the children," Gibson said.
A master plan could be sent to the state by June 20.
"This is a wonderful opportunity for the city, and the economic opportunities for the city are tremendous," English said. "It's a project of about $170 million, and the state is providing 81 cents on each dollar of that."
The plan could include all new school buildings for the district.
State formula
OSFC uses a formula recommending buildings be replaced if the cost to renovate exceeds two-thirds the cost of new construction.
Except for Western Reserve Middle School, all of the district's buildings exceeded the two-thirds formula for renovation.
Some board members also have expressed a wish to retain at least a portion of Warren G. Harding High School for historical preservation. But because historical preservation isn't included in the list of items covered by OSFC funds, the district would have to foot that bill.
Board members heard several options to preserve a portion of the old school building from architects at a meeting earlier this week. The costs ranged from about $919,000 to $6.3 million.
"What we're hearing from people is that they want to save some portion of Harding," Metzendorf said, adding that some of the options are likely too costly.
The board hasn't made any decisions on the building configurations.
"We still have a lot of work to do, particularly passing a bond issue," Metzendorf said.
denise.dick@vindy.com