So long trailers, hello building additions at 2 Boardman schools

By Denise Dick

BOARDMAN — What has been a staple at Robinwood Lane and Stadium Drive elementary schools will be but a memory come the 2010-11 school year.

The classroom trailers, two at Stadium Drive and four at Robinwood, were installed in the 1960s to provide more space, not long after the schools were built.

The school board recently decided to add on to both schools, and the additional classrooms provided will mean the trailers can be hauled away.

“They’re adding six classrooms, a computer lab and a library/media center,” said Jim Goske, Stadium Drive principal.

Robinwood’s addition includes seven classrooms, a music room and art room, said Don Robinson, Robinwood principal.

“We’re thrilled,” said Teresa Reilly, incoming PTA president at Robinwood, whose daughter is in second grade. “We can’t wait.”

Money to pay for the work — $2.6 million at Robinwood and $2.8 million at Stadium Drive — is part of nearly $6 million the school board plans to borrow and repay over 30 years.

After voters rejected an issue that would have allowed the district to borrow $51.5 million through the sale of bonds for building improvements, the district took another tack with a scaled-down version of improvements.

In May 2008, the school board voted to instead pursue the 30-year loan.

The district plans to use a portion of the money from a capital improvement levy renewed in 2007 to repay the loan.