Talawanda: Facilities message must be stronger
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
OXFORD — The Talawanda School District made no decision on a ballot issue for facilities after a work session Tuesday, May 6, but officials and residents agreed the district needs to do a better job of getting its message out to voters.
About two dozen residents attended the meeting, most of whom were from Oxford, which has traditionally supported school issues on Election Day. A number of residents noted the absence of voters in the townships, who usually vote down the issues.
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Board members considered several options to address the aging facilities in the district. These included: building a new high school, at a cost of $45.9 million; renovating the existing high school for $16.3 million; moving Kramer Elementary students to the current high school and building a new Kramer for $50.9 million; renovating Kramer for $7.5 million; or renovating all existing buildings at a cost of $36.4 million.
When Talawanda completes its master plan for facilities, the state would pay for 24 percent of any of those costs.
Residents agreed that new buildings were expensive, but might save money in the long run by reducing expenses. On the other hand, with the poor economy weighing down finances, many people also said that a fix — however temporary — might be all anyone is able to afford right now.
Whatever decision the district makes, board member Mike Crowder said that it ought to seriously consider dealing with Kramer, which he called "by far the worst" building.
Resident Rob Rollins, who was one of the backers of the district's failed attempt at the ballot last November, said, "I'm glad we're looking at options ... we need to be coming up with something the entire community could get behind."
Superintendent Phil Cagwin said the board would weigh its options at its meeting Monday, May 12, at Bogan Elementary School and "hopefully reach a consensus."
Contact this reporter at (513) 705-2836 or erobinette@coxohio.com.
