Poland school board seeks community input on buildings

POLAND — Now that the school board has committed to a reorganization plan, the next step is to get community input on the district’s future, school district officials said at tonight's town-hall meeting.

“We are trying very hard to receive your messages, so keep them coming,” board President Elinor Zedaker said.

The board’s plan includes elimination of one elementary school and reorganization at the other buildings.

The plan, which is projected to save the district between $2 million and $2.5 million over the next five years, is a response to a sharp enrollment decline.

The issue, however, is the school buildings have a number of problems, which include leaking roofs, crumbling foundations, and sewage and plumbing problems.

The district must soon decide whether to accept the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission’s offer to build and renovate facilities. The state would cover 19 percent of the cost, leaving the district to raise about $46 million. The plan would be to build a K-5th-grade building and a new building for sixth- through eighth-graders, and to renovate the high school.

For the complete story, read Tuesday's Vindicator and Vindy.com