District seeks residents’ input for building project

Residents approved a 7.9 mill levy to provide funds for the construction.

By VIRGINIA ROSS

VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT

NORTH LIMA — Now that South Range School District residents have shown their support at the polls for the new building project, school officials are looking for their input on construction plans.

Superintendent Dennis Dunham said he has already sent letters to district employees asking for their opinions on the plans and that residents can expect to receive similar correspondence within the next several weeks.

“Now that our residents have supported the levy, we can move forward with the work that needs to be done,” he said. “This is an important and exciting time for South Range. It gives us all something to look forward to. Now we can look to the future with anticipation and pride.”

Earlier this month, district residents approved a 7.9 mill levy to provide funds for the construction of an all-grades building. Dunham explained project plans were contingent on the passage of the levy.

The 7.9 mill levy includes maintenance funds for the school. The cost to homeowners, for example, will be about $103 if their property is valued at $100,000, or $155.70 if valued at $150,000. The district is working with the Ohio Schools Facilities Commission to build the facility on property the district owns along Route 46 and Green Beaver Road.

How the funding will work

The district is responsible for 48 percent of the projected $38.6 million project, with the state commission paying the remaining 52 percent. Of the $20.4 million to be raised through the levy to support the local portion, $16.8 million is to go toward construction and the other $3.6 million is earmarked for a locally funded initiative that could be used to cover the cost of construction, inflation, additional classrooms or other facilities such as a bus garage or athletic complex, Dunham said.

He said school officials are hopeful the new facility will be ready for at least partial occupancy by fall 2010.