WARREN Board approves working with state on new schools

The board still has options with its plan, the president said.
By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- The city schools will participate with the Ohio School Facilities Commission to build new schools.
School board members voted Tuesday to participate in OSFC's Classroom Assistance Program, which provides money to build and renovate school buildings.
Board President Lynn Gibson, whose husband is a contractor, abstained from the vote to avoid a potential conflict of interest.
The district's master plan calls for construction of five kindergarten through eighth-grade buildings and a high school and the demolition of 13 elementaries, three middle schools and Warren G. Harding High School.
The estimated cost is nearly $170 million, with the state kicking in 81 percent.
The board is expected to borrow its share through a bond issue that will likely show up on the November ballot.
After being in line for several years to receive state funding, the school district learned last month that the money would come through this year.
Although the project includes money for the demolition of all the district's buildings, the board isn't obligated to demolish them.
If the district opts to sell a building, or use it in another way, the money allocated for demolition would return to the state.
"I think what the board is looking for is that we still have options," Gibson said.
Harding
She and board member Linda Metzendorf have been talking about some residents who want to retain a portion of Harding for historical preservation. The Elm Road school was built in 1924.
If the board takes that route, the cost would have to come from local sources. Other items that aren't covered by OSFC funds include swimming pools, athletic fields and stadiums and fixed-seat auditoriums.
Nick Frankos Sr., board member, pointed out that if the board doesn't demolish the older buildings with the state money, the prospects for selling them are dim. The district could end up having to demolish them later at its own cost, he said.
Metzendorf referred to the former Willard Elementary School, which closed several years ago. The cost to demolish it is estimated at $500,000 because it contains asbestos. Because it's not in use, demolition of that school couldn't be included in the OSFC project.
Boilers
Board members also awarded a $77,100 contract to Prout Boiler of Youngstown, the lowest bidder, to replace boilers at Turner Middle School. The project cost will increase if asbestos removal is required.
The project is being paid for through a Federal Emergency Repair grant, administered by OSFC. The district received the $500,000 grant, which will cover the boiler repair as well as bleacher repairs at Western Reserve Middle School and repairs to the ventilators at schools throughout the district.
Metzendorf questioned spending a large amount of money on schools likely to be demolished.
James Russo, executive director of business operations, said the district wouldn't be able to do the projects without the federal grant. The district submitted a list of projects seeking grants, and those were selected, he said.