WARREN Support for 6 new schools

Administrators recommend that the high school be one of the first structures built.
By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- The city schools' administration recommends including five new kindergarten-through-eighth-grade buildings and a new high school in a master plan to be submitted to the state.
Last week, school officials learned that the district 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 district has Warren G. Harding High School, three middle schools, an alternative school and 12 elementary schools, two of which are closing at the end of this school year. Those buildings would likely be demolished.
Administrators delivered their recommendations to school board members at a special meeting Tuesday.
Earlier discussions had considered six buildings of roughly 850 pupils each, but administrators say five schools of about 1,000 pupils each is more cost-effective.
Saving personnel costs
In personnel, the savings for five K-eight buildings would be more than $3 million, said Frank Caputo, executive director of personnel. The additional pupils would be spread over nine grade levels in the five schools.
A sixth building would have to be staffed with teachers, three principals, support personnel such as a guidance counselor, technology specialists, secretaries, nurses, food service workers and custodians.
"It would be very foolish for us to do six buildings," Caputo said. "It would be a waste of taxpayer money."
Superintendent Betty J. English said the administration also recommends 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.
Some board members have expressed interest in preserving a portion of the old high school but because historical preservation isn't covered by OSFC funds, those costs would have to be absorbed locally. Architects working with the school district listed several options for retaining a portion of Harding, ranging from $919,000 to more than $6 million.
Wants high school first
The administrative team that worked on the presentation to the board also recommends that the new high school be one of the first buildings constructed so students can take classes in the old building while the new one is under construction.
That will likely involve acquisition of land around the building. The panel also recommends a competition swimming pool, renovation of the stadium and a track be included at the new facility. Those items aren't covered by OSFC money either.
Visibility to the community is a reason to build a new high school first, said James Russo, executive director of business operations.
English said the group also recommends exploring other uses of Western Reserve Middle School by the school district and other community groups before opting for demolition. The building is the newest in the district, and also houses its professional center.
One possibility is moving the alternative school into the building.
Board members didn't vote Tuesday on the recommendations. A meeting of community members who have been involved in the project is set for 7 p.m. Monday in the high school auditorium. The board meets in regular session the following day.
dick@vindy.com