Support for school construction in Niles

By Jordan Cohen

An interactive vote shows backing for a property tax increase.

NILES — School administrators are pleased with the outcome of Thursday night’s community meeting, in which a majority voted to support new school construction and a property tax increase to help fund it.

The session, which drew about 65 Niles residents, is the first of three public meetings to discuss two specific construction options and, in the view of administrators, to generate support for a bond issue that is expected to be presented to the public this November.

“We are at a crossroads, and we need to pass this issue,” said Superintendent Rocco Adduci.

The public was able to vote interactively after a presentation in which school representatives explained that the city’s four elementary schools and McKinley High School have fallen well below state standards in room size and quality of facilities. McKinley is more than 50 years old; the oldest building, Washington Elementary, was built in 1924.

“The allotment of space is not correct for the delivery of education to your children today,” said Robert McAuliffe Jr., construction manager.

McAuliffe said the relative wealth of the Niles school district is significantly decreasing, meaning the state share of funds for the schools will go up.

“That’s why we need community input and [to] get this program moving,” McAuliffe said.

Residents were asked for their opinions on each building option. The first option includes construction of a new high school and two elementary schools. The second option also provides for a new high school but only one elementary school and a wing added to the middle school.

In both proposals, the four elementary schools and high school would be demolished.

The Ohio School Facilities Commission will pay 72 percent of the cost of either project, leaving the schools responsible for the remaining 28 percent. Niles’ share of the cost would amount to $18.5 million for the first option and $18.8 million for the second.

Residents were given computerized vote controls, similar to those used by television show audiences, to vote their preferences. On the critical question of support for a property tax increase to fund the project, 63 percent voted in favor. The crowd applauded when the total flashed on the screen. In addition, an overwhelming 82 percent favored the first option, a total that also drew applause.

Adduci said he was heartened by the support, noting that two previous school bond issues have been rejected by the voters. The earlier issues included construction of a new stadium, which is not contained in either of the two new building plans.

In another total shown on the screen, 75 percent of the attendees said they have lived in the district for more than 20 years.

The next meeting is scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday in the Eastwood Mall Community Room. The final public meeting will be April 15 at 7 p.m. in the Niles Middle School Cafetorium.