The first public forum to discuss a bond levy on the November ballot in the Woodmore School District has been scheduled for Sept. 19 in the elementary school auditorium.

The forum will start at 7 p.m.

Voters will decide the fate of a 6.95-mill bond levy to pay the local share of construction costs for a building that would house pre-kindergarten classes through the eighth grade; as well as a performing arts center and home economics classroom at the high school, and other improvements.

If passed, the bond issue will generate approximately $19.5 million and have a repayment schedule of 37 years.

Voters will also see a 0.5-mill levy on the ballot for maintaining the building. The maintenance levy is required by the Ohio School Facilities Commission, which would provide slightly more than $7 million – equal to 32 percent – of the project’s cost.

District officials are projecting the total cost of the project to be approximately $26.5 million.

The performing arts center, home economics classroom, and additional space at the proposed elementary school are not covered by OSFC funding. They’re costs will total about $4.6 million and are included in the district’s share, said John Fernbaugh, district superintendent.

A committee of levy supporters held its first meeting earlier this month.

The administration and school board are hoping to convince voters the aging elementary building in Woodville should be replaced.

The board in May approved a contract of $60,782 to repair the roof. The building’s boiler system is also outdated and the electrical system also needs extensive upgrades, according to the administration.

Woodmore voters two years ago rejected a 6.97-mill, 37-year bond issue that would have raised funds for a new elementary that also was eligible for OSFC participation.

This past May, voters approved a 3.95-mill, 5-year operating levy.

District residents can take a brief virtual tour of what they’ll be voting on in November.

The administration has posted computer generated drawings on its website of the exterior and grounds of the proposed elementary school building that would be constructed if voters approve the bond issue.

If the levy is approved, the administration plans to organize focus groups of parents and school employees to meet with the district’s architect and gather their input on the building’s final design.

“There will be more than a year of planning from the time the levy passes to the start of construction,” Fernbaugh said.

Another public forum may be scheduled for late October to address any questions the public may have, he added.

Moving day Monday
Superintendent Fernbaugh said the administrative and school board offices will be moving to Elmore Sept. 19.

The school board recently purchased the Blair building for $150,000 in a deal that calls for Diversified Insurance to lease a floor for $1,000 a month.

The administration is projecting cost savings from saved rent and other expenses to reach $31,200 annually.

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