For many months now, the Woodridge Local School District Board of Education has been engaged in a comprehensive facilities study. Examining every facet of our district facilities, from available square footage and enrollment to the physical condition of our buildings and grounds, to the adequacy of classroom space for 21st century teaching and learning; the study has been thorough and detailed. As a result of this study, we believe the resolution of these facility issues is critical for the future success of our district. In addition, Woodridge Middle School is nearly 20 years old and the roof needs replaced.

We're throwing good money after bad:

• The Woodridge Local School District has worked hard to maintain all of its buildings.
• However, a recent architectural study showed both the primary and intermediate school buildings are in need of significant repairs, the costs of which would exceed estimates to replace both facilities.
• With growing enrollment, we do not have enough classrooms for the number of courses we have to offer each period at the high school. Additionally, the gymnasium capacity is far below what is needed for school assemblies, athletic contests and general use.
• In addition, Woodridge Middle School is nearly 20 years old and the roof needs replaced.

For a more detailed explanation addressing the buildings and properties please see the letter from Superintendent Davis that summarizes the laws surrounding this issue. The letter more specifically addresses the Peninsula community given the future of the Intermediate School. While there are no official plans at this time, it is important to note that the district and communities impacted by these properties are working together on a solution. It is also important to note that what can be done with the buildings is controlled, in some respects, by the State of Ohio.

The following summarizes the current general plan as required (Ohio Revised Code 3313.41) in sequential order:

1. Upon passage of the bond and completion of the building design phases, construction will begin and once complete the Primary and Intermediate buildings will be closed. K-5 students will then be housed in the new building on the Quick Rd campus.
2. First, when closing the buildings the Board of Education must offer the property for sale to the governing authorities of start-up community schools or college-preparatory boarding schools located within the territory of the school district. No such schools currently exist at this time.
3. Second, the State requires the Board of Education to work with the local municipal jurisdiction, Cuyahoga Falls for the Primary School and Peninsula for the Intermediate School, where the buildings and property reside to determine how they will be used.
4. Finally, if the local municipality does not wish to use the property the Board of Education can sell it at a public auction.

The goal is to have a plan defined prior to the election so that the community will be able to make an informed decision with their vote. As soon as this plan is finalized and available for the public, it will be posted here as well as other sources.

The bond issue would pay for a new primary and intermediate school facility on the Quick Road campus, a new roof on the existing middle school and expanded classroom space, including a new gymnasium at the existing high school.

The primary and intermediate schools do not provide adequate educational space for our students. The architectural study completed this year suggests that both the primary and intermediate school buildings are in need of significant repairs, the costs of which exceeds estimates to replace both facilities.

While no final design has been created, we do believe that the current primary (PreK-2) and intermediate (3-5) grade level setup best meets our needs. As such, while we may build one facility, we will likely retain the grade level division as two separate schools. Additionally, a campus setting creates cost savings and efficiencies, while making transportation easier for parents with students in multiple buildings.

Woodridge Middle School is nearly 20 years old now. The current roof and gutter system is worn and we have been dealing with leaks in recent months. As a part of our architectural study, the roof was examined thoroughly. It is time for a replacement.

The high school requires facility upgrades to address growing enrollment and programming needs.

When the high school was built, it was designed to house far fewer students. Over the years, our enrollment has grown such that we now have the largest classes in Woodridge history. The class of 2014 is well over 180 students. With growing enrollment, we do not have enough classrooms for the number of courses we have to offer each period. Additionally, the gymnasium capacity if far below what is needed for school assemblies, athletic contests, and general use.

A community committee has been formed to work on the issues related to the campaign. For questions, please contact Chairman Scott Karlo at 330.945.9486.

You can also attend our meetings to help:

Bond Issue Meetings are held at 6:30PM at the WMS library on the following dates:

• Aug 25
• Sept 29
• Oct 13
• Oct 27

The total cost for the project is estimated at $33 million. This amount would likely be paid for with a 36-year bond.

It is estimated that a 3.8 mill bond would be required to support the 36-year bond.

Unfortunately, no. Funding for new school construction is based on a district’s property valuation. Our district valuation is higher than most. As such, we are not "in line" for State funds for construction purposes. This, however, is also an advantage as it frees our district to build what we feel our community needs without the restrictions that coincide with State assistance.

It would be a 36-year bond, raising $33 million over the 36 year-period.

As the Board of Education is preparing for community discussion about the bond issue itself, we have not yet engaged the architects in creating a design for the projects. As such, if the bond were to pass in November, the project design phase would begin then. With all that is required in building a new school, it will likely take a few years for construction to begin. We will continue to be open and honest throughout the process, and will update you with new information as it becomes available.

The bond issue would cost the owner of a $100,000 home approximately $11 per month.

No. The district will continue to have two beginning and end times, one for the primary and intermediate and one for the middle school and high school. Additionally, we are researching ways to create additional access to the campus from State Road to enhance traffic flow.