BUCKEYE E-NEWSLETTER (October, 2009)

Over Crowding at the Primary and Intermediate Schools

"Why doesn’t the school district move back into the vacated Litchfield School?"

By having all the Buckeye students from kindergarten through sixth grade located in the same building, the district has been able to operate much more effectively and efficiently. The increase in test scores and the money saved by the district, since the merger of the elementary schools, have proven this fact. However, because of the increasing number of students, it has become necessary to add on to the existing building.

The question being asked by some community members is "Why doesn’t the school district move back into the vacated Litchfield School?" Being more effective in the instruction of the students at a more efficient cost are good answers, but there are two other significant facts. First, the community defeated 11 consecutive levy issues from 2004-2007. The majority of the funds from those levies were to be used to re-open and occupy Litchfield School. In 2010, it would cost the district upwards to $300,000.00 per year to open and operate the school. Most of that money would have to come from operating expenses. The elementary schools, since combining have flourished and saved the district money by being on one campus. The second reason for adding on to the existing building is that the cost of the 3.5 million dollar elementary addition will be paid for by Medina County sales tax money. Approximately 40% of the yearly Medina County sales tax collections will be used to pay for the addition. By using only 40% of the collections, the district will still have approximately $400,000.00 per year available for technology, textbooks, bus purchases and maintaining and upgrading present facilities. Please know that by state law the Medina County sales tax money cannot be used for operating expenses, only capital improvements.

Another important part of the project is the financing through the Medina County sales tax money. In February, the district was approved for 5.5% financing on the 3.5 million dollars over a 15 year period. In May, a grant from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act became available that may enable the district to finance the project between 0% and 1.5%. The district applied for and received the grant. Though the exact amount is not known at this time the district may save well over a million dollars over the next fifteen years from this grant!

In conclusion, the leaders of the Buckeye Local Schools are being proactive and taking the initiative to give our students and staff the space they need to learn and grow as well as looking out for the interest of the tax payers.

As always, my goal is to keep you informed on what is happening in your schools.

Yours with Pride,

Ken Woodruff,
Community Outreach Coordinator
Buckeye Local Schools