Taking a look at school plans

Building principals at all the schools prioritized needed improvements
By SEAN BARRON
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
BOARDMAN -- What will the district's schools look like once all of the final improvements are made?
That was a main question school officials, board members and members of several architectural firms mulled over at Monday's board of education meeting.
Principals, staff and others from all seven schools in the district proposed and categorized by priority a series of improvements, renovations and upgrades to their schools, many of which were discussed and dissected at the session.
Recently, residents learned of the plan to renovate and improve the buildings.
The plan is estimated to cost between $35 million and $53 million, board President Mark Fulks said. The district would likely borrow the money through the sale of bonds, though no dollar figures for a possible bond issue or millage were decided at the meeting.
That will probably be announced next month, Fulks added.
Setting priorities
Superintendent Frank Lazzeri had asked all seven principals to submit and prioritize what they felt were important for their schools.
For the four elementary schools, those priority items included replacing parts of the ceiling; expanding the size of kindergarten rooms; making improvements to classrooms, a cafeteria and corridors; and adding a new facade.
For the two middle schools, improvements included replacing old hall lockers; revamping the electrical and plumbing work; and replacing some gym doors.
For Boardman High School, recommendations were building a 38,000-square-foot auxiliary gym and making various window replacements.