BUCKEYE E-NEWSLETTER (November, 2009)
“What is the progress of the addition onto the elementary building and how is the district paying for it?”
It's a good question. Let me answer the second part of the question first. The project will be financed entirely by Medina County sales tax money, which by law can only be used for permanent/capital improvements. The school district has sold bonds and received a low interest rate of 5% due to the district’s positive bond rating. The district will be financing the 3.5 million dollar project over a 15 year period without any additional cost to the taxpayers.
In early October the project went out for bid and at the pre-bid meeting on October 14th there were over two dozen contractors interested in bidding on the project. The bids were opened on October 27th for the 18,046 square foot addition, which includes ten classrooms, two 1,700 square foot science centers and restrooms. Two alternate bids were also opened for two greenhouses and the widening of the paved drive behind the elementary school used for the drop-off and picking-up of students. The school district is excited that the bids came in under estimated cost. At a November 3rd meeting the school board accepted the bids from contractors for the addition to the elementary building and all alternate bids. The district is hoping to break ground in mid-November with the completion scheduled for August 1, 2010.
For more information regarding the Buckeye Local Schools visit our website www.ourbuckeye.com. This website was developed and is managed by community members and by me. At the website you can click on “Hot Topics” or “News” and learn the facts on important school issues and what is going on in your schools. You can access everyday information like the color of the day for the elementary students, lunch menus and school and community events. Communication can be a two-way process as the website also allows you to ask questions regarding your schools and get a return answer. The goal is to keep you informed so you will know the facts about the Buckeye Local Schools.
Yours in education,
Ken Woodruff