Swing Space Update

Board Studied Middle School Facilities for 7+ Yrs

Countless Community Input Resulted in:

◦ Decision to Renovate/Add-On Beginning in 2013

◦ Community Approved Bond Levy of $25mm

73% Voter Approval

Goal of Board/Administration:

◦ Ensure Student and Staff Safety During Construction

◦ Continue Academic Excellence

◦ Maximize Dollars for Scholastic Benefit

◦ Minimize “Sunk Costs”

School districts must:

◦ Estimate the expenses of the project first based upon knowledge at the time;

◦ Determine millage of the bond issue and the cost to voters;

◦ Obtain approval from voters;

◦ Hire architectural firm and construction manager

◦ Develop detailed plans, and then

◦ Offer bid packages based upon plans.

During the bond issue campaign

◦ Keep two grades of students in the building and move two

grades out into modular units.

The cost estimate was $500,000.

During the bond issue campaign

◦ Keep two grades of students in the building and move two

grades out into modular units.

The cost estimate was $500,000.

After visiting a construction site firsthand (Mariemont

Elementary), the decision was made to look for an

alternative solution to house students due to safety and

academic concerns.

During the bond issue campaign◦ Keep two grades of students in the building and move two

grades out into modular units.

The cost estimate was $500,000.

After visiting a construction site firsthand (Mariemont Elementary), the decision was made to look for an alternative solution to house students due to safety and academic concerns.

Locating modular units behind the MS limited construction drop-offs and equipment needs.

Research was done around utilizing space at St. James,

the Civic Center, and placing modular units on the MS

site

Research was done around utilizing space at St. James,

the Civic Center, and placing modular units on the MS

site

The Board’s decision was NOT to proceed due to

safety/space concerns:

◦ Students crossing the Pike several times a day,

◦ Sunk Costs to upgrade Civic Center, and

◦ Placing modular units on a construction space.

The next idea evolved around putting modular units on

the High School baseball field. (September)

◦ But, the district needed multiple modular units.

The next idea evolved around putting modular units on

the High School baseball field.

◦ But, the district needed multiple modular units. (September)

In fall, Board Decided to go forward:

◦ Forward with this site

◦ Bid packages for site work and the units issued for a required

60 day time span.

The next idea evolved around putting modular units on the

High School baseball field.

◦ But, the district needed multiple modular units. (September)

In fall, Board Decided to go forward:

◦ Forward with this site

◦ Bid packages for site work and the units issued for a required 60 day

time span.

On December 4th, bids came in at $1.9 million

◦ This cost reflects site work ,three modular units, and enhancement of the baseball field.

The Board felt that spending funds on this “soft cost” was unreasonably high. ◦ Market Sets Rates, Not Estimators

Contingency funds are available, but board chose to save for actual renovation/addition of 90 yr. old building (preserve as much of the $25mm as possible)

◦ Remember, the district cannot exceed the voted amount of $25 million.

At the January 9, 2013 meeting, the Board made the

decision to not go forward with the modular units at

Spring Break.

Additionally, Board decided to shift project start date

from June 2013 from April 2013.

The Board authorized Dr. Lang to continue to look at

options:

◦ Negotiate a contract for swing space if needed.

The Board authorized Dr. Lang to continue to look at

options

◦ Negotiate a contract for swing space if needed.

Dr. Lang has explored options to house students with:

Mt. Healthy Schools, Reading Schools, Princeton

Schools, Winton Woods Schools, Finneytown

Schools, Greenhills, and the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.

The Board authorized Dr. Lang to continue to look at options◦ Negotiate a contract for swing space if needed.

Dr. Lang has explored options to house students with: Mt. Healthy Schools, Reading Schools, Princeton Schools, Winton Woods Schools, Finneytown Schools, Greenhills, and the Archdiocese of Cincinnati.

St. Peter and Paul School in Reading emerged as the best option.

Rising 4th grade students will remain in their home

Primary school for 5th grade while the renovation is

underway.

Rising 5th, 6th, and 7th graders will attend classes at

St. Peter and Paul in Reading.

-Temporary Classrooms will augment current school

buildings.

This decision ultimately accomplished three things:

1. Moved Construction Timeline from a condensed schedule of 14 to 18 Months

1. Utilize time To Finalize Swing Space Logistics

1. Redirect Approximately $1mm back into the MS Permanent Scholastic Needs

Logistics Plan Still Being Finalized:

◦ Staff/Administration Input

◦ City of Wyoming

◦ City of Reading

◦ First Student Transportation

We recognize community has many questions to be answered

The Board, Superintendent, and Middle School and Primary Principals are working to anticipate and answer those questions

Wyoming is once again asked to make some short-term sacrifices for long-term benefit of our students

Logistical Answers In Development

◦ Grade-Based Parent Meetings Beginning in February/March

◦ Community Information Session in March/April

◦ Complete Plan Released by End of May, 2013

Always keep in mind…we are

committed to ensure….

Wyoming students will receive a

Wyoming education with

Wyoming teachers in a

safe and secure location.

Photos of the Facilities at St. Peter

and Paul

The Board of Education is committed to ensuring student safety, preserving academic excellence, and being good stewards of the community’s funds.

The Board, Dr. Lang, and Middle School and Primary School Principals Mike Overbey, Chris Heybruch and Jennifer Klein, are working diligently to formulate detailed plans.

With the community’s decision to renovate the building, we knew planning for swing space would be the most difficult process.

We are asking for patience, flexibility, and an openness to ideas from the

community.

Everyone connected with this project is trying to reach the best solution

possible.