Charlie Jahnigan speaks with Shawnee residents about the possibility of new schools.
SHAWNEE TOWNSHIP — Replacing old school buildings can be a complex process that requires careful planning and execution. There are several reasons why schools might choose to replace their buildings, such as outdated infrastructure, a need for increased capacity, or a desire to improve the learning environment.
SHP, an architecture firm from Cincinnati, has been looking at the Shawnee facilities. The Ohio Facilities Construction Commission evaluated the buildings. The middle school, which was built in 1924, does not have a sprinkler systemwhich meaning it is not up to the current code for schools. The newest buildings are Maplewood and Elmwood, built in 1969 and 1973 respectively. The school board recently approved money to repair Maplewood. Upkeep for buildings that are over fifty years old can be expensive.
For over a year, SHP and a community advisory team (CAT) comprised of members of the Shawnee community have been meeting to provide input for the suggestions that will be placed before the school board to make a decision about which way the district will proceed in re-configuring the quality of education that students receive and the learning environment they experience at Shawnee.
Charlie Jahnigan, from firm SHP said, “There are two scenarios. Converting Elmwood to a K-5 building and then building a new 6-12 building.”
The project could be done all at once or built in two phases. Each time there is a community meeting, the plans moving forward are refined. The current plan is to have another Community Advisory Team meeting that will eventually make a suggestion to the board of education sometime in March or April.
Once the design is complete, the next step is to secure funding for the project. The state will pay for only 28% of the costs of the new buildings. The new K-5 building would cost $26.6 million. The 6-12 building would cost $57.6 million. Local funding would be between 8.3 to 8.7 mills which equates to $578 to $608 based on $200,000 property valuation paid over 37 years.
Shawnee resident Michael Wildermuth said, “People see there is a need to upgrade (the school buildings). I think that came across pretty clear from the crowd that was here tonight.” When asked if the people would support the building efforts he said, “I don’t think so. I think one of the main reasons is that last year we had the reappraisal, and then we had a renewal levy and we had a levy for the fire department. You know all of those things hit and people when they opened up their tax bills in February, they were shocked. We have inflation. I don’t think the people are in the mood for higher taxes.”
Overall, replacing old school buildings is a complex process that requires careful planning and execution, but it can have a significant benefit for residents of the district.
Reach Dean Brown at 567-242-0409
