Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Parking lot resurfacing at the middle school will help curb traffic congestion.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
HOWLAND -- The board of education has agreed to ask the Ohio School Facilities Commission to conduct a study of its buildings and grounds.
The board wants to undertake a building program because the high school cannot accommodate up-to-date technology.
Schools Superintendent John Rubesich told the board Monday that engineers and architects will determine what new buildings are needed and the estimated cost of the building project.
Rubesich explained that state law requires the facilities commission to put together a master plan at the state's expense.
Board president Scott Lehman pointed out that although the school district does not qualify for state construction, the law may change to make the district eligible for commission money.
The board plans to put an issue before voters in 2008 to fund a building program.
The board wants to construct a new high school and get rid of classroom trailers at the intermediate buildings, and make renovations at other buildings.
A facilities commission study completed in 2001 determined at that time it would cost 21 million to renovate the high school and 26 million to build a new one.
A professional survey conducted earlier this year showed that 60 percent of residents favor new construction or renovation, while 32 percent believe existing buildings should be maintained.
Stadium renovations
In other business, the board approved a 160,705 contract with Gymnasium Equipment Co. of Canton to replace some bleachers and renovate others at the football stadium.
Rubesich said the district's insurance carrier recommended the work so fans can't fall between the seats and injure themselves.
The work includes demolishing and replacing the two end sections on the home side, and renovating the visitors'-side bleachers.
Also, the board authorized the treasurer to advertise for bids to enlarge and resurface the cul-de-sac area in front of the middle school.
Rubesich explained that the turnaround can now accommodate one lane and becomes congested as pupils are dropped off and picked up. The turnaround will be extended to the south and widened to provide a two-lane, one-way drive to reduce congestion.
The project, to be done this year, also calls for resurfacing a small lot for administrative parking toward the rear of the building. The work will be done this summer.
The south parking lot will be resurfaced during the summer of 2008, the superintendent said.
The board also approved the fiscal property tax rate of 42.95 mills. District Treasurer Tom Krispinsky said the district has one of the lowest tax rates in the county -- 17th lowest of 20 districts.
yovich@vindy.com