[ back ]
CW schools seek state monies for master building plans
(by Linda Dillman, staff writer - December 15, 2009)
Canal Winchester school district administrators are hoping to capitalize on a promise made by the state to help finish a master building plan with millions of dollars earned through credit from previous projects.
During the Dec. 14 Canal Winchester Board of Education meeting, Superintendent Kim Miller-Smith reported on a recent meeting between district representatives and Ohio School Facilities Commission staff.
"There are some exciting opportunities for the district," said Miller-Smith. "We are able to use credit for a build-out of the master plan or a segment of the master plan. The opportunity uses established credit and allows the district to take advantage of very competitive construction prices. It would serve the district well into the future and put us in a nice place for growth. We will have a timeline and what's next in January. We're three districts away from being funded. We're going to have to wait and see, but funding is very probable in fiscal year 2011."
Miller-Smith said the cost for a new 5th-6th grade building is $18.9 million, a pre-kindergarten/kindergarten building is approximately $9.7 million, and expanding the high school is estimated at $17.7 million. Razing the intermediate school - if deemed necessary - is projected to cost $898,000.
"We earned $38.3 million in credit," said Miller-Smith. "The state share (for construction) is 31 percent and our share is 69 percent."
Win-Win Agreement
Miller-Smith said the board will be researching and in negotiations for possible renewal of the Win-Win Agreement between Columbus Public Schools and surrounding districts, including Canal Winchester.
"It was last renewed in 2004," said Miller-Smith. "We're meeting in February and more information will be given out. A financial analysis on behalf of the 16 districts will help us make a decision if Win-Win is beneficial for us. It's not a transfer from Columbus to Canal Winchester. Any new annexation land within the Win-Win territory would go to Columbus schools. If Win-Win goes away, students attending Canal Winchester (with a Columbus mailing address) would not transfer back to Columbus Public."
According to Miller-Smith, one of the reasons districts are re-evaluating the agreement is the loss of tangible personal property tax revenue.
State funding dilemma
Canal Winchester administrators are keeping a close eye on state legislators and the next state budget. If a shortfall in state funding is not filled by the end of December, the district could lose $3.5 million over the next biennium. In addition, an emergency levy passed by voters this year only lasts two years.
"It's very important to know and keep sight," said Miller-Smith. "We have to begin planning to know what we're going to do (with the levy expiring in Dec. 2011).
"It's got to be a number one concern with balancing the other options. Our money woes are not over, but they are relaxed a little bit. We have lots of options to discuss about what's best for the district."
Farewells
This was the last regular board meeting for board members Stan Smith and Chuck Miller and both commented on their combined careers of 32 years.
"It's been a pleasure serving you for 10 years," Miller said.
Smith, who was first elected to the board 22 years ago, added, "It's been a privilege to serve the district. I've served on lots of committees and boards and this has been one of the finest. I'm proud of the condition this board leaves the school district. It's been my pleasure."
[ back ]
