Patch-
Can you find out how much it cost to acquire the 17 acres that they want to build the new school on?

How is timing crucial? A project like this needs to be thought out and done right, not fast. November isn't the last chance to get the issue on the ballot. It's just the last chance to get the issue on the ballot while being able to tell taxpayers that it will only cost them $16 to $24 per year. Public relations is not a reasonable driver of a multi-million dollar construction project.

They want so badly to sell the property that Center sits on. But since Center is more centrally located and there is more property there to handle what is required to have a new school, why are we spinning our wheels to make it work at that 17 acres, where actually only 12 is able to be used because of the wetlands. Why was no study done before the property was acquired? Why not get rid of that 17 acres? Lets be smart in our decisions. And take our time, as Ken has said. Be sure to do it right. I'm tired of money being spent and then a few years later we are told that the original construction or planning was not adequate or enough to handle the population needs. What happens when in 15 years they need to expand, and the 12 acres can't even handle what is needed now? It doesn't sound like many on the board are thinking - they only have this dream of a campus of both schools in one location. But if that square peg won't fit into that round hole, quite trying to jam it in there.
And why wasn't an alternate location an option asked on the survey? This is probably one of the most important questions that needs asked. Probably because of fear of hearing the public's response - leave it at Center's location.

Lyn. Richard Micko, the new member of the board, is holding an informal get-together just to meet people and hear their concerns - at Donut Scene tomorrow - Saturday, May 12 - from 9 a.m. to noon. You might want to stop in and talk with Richard about this. More importantly, Donut Scene has the best donuts.

Would it work to build on the 17-acre site behind Jardine's, keep the middle school as just 7th- and 8th-graders (unless problem with elementary schools accommodating K thru 6), and schedule middle-school athletics in such a way that they could [also] use the SHS facilities; then sell the [more] valuable current Center Middle School property on Pearl Road? Practicality and economy should drive these decisions, and part of this would be short- and long-term considerations - - including, but not limited to, structural improvements to existing buildings, technological updates throughout the entire system, and building capacities.

Tom.
According to the land records of the county auditor, the Center and Administration building property includes two parcels that make up 10 acres apiece (about 856,000 square feet total). The land records may be questionable, however, given that they list the Catan Bridal property as exactly one acre, which is clearly not the case.

By the way, the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections told me that the deadline to get on the November ballot is August 8, not July 9.

Ken.
I have contacted the Board of Elections twice about this. The Board of Elections says the deadline is August 8 for all local issues, bond or levy.

According to Bill Parkinson, school treasurer, the deadline to file with the Board of Elections is August 8. However, the board also has to file some materials with the Ohio Department of Education and the Ohio Department of Taxation by July 9.

And here is what Parkinson said must be filed by July 9:

* Estimated interest rate.
* Maximum maturity based on the weighted average useful life of the proposed facilities to be financed. The weighted average requires an estimated aggregate of hard dollar costs expected to be spent on the following: (1) land acquisition, (2) “bricks and mortar”, (3) site improvements, (4) furnishings and equipment, (5) technology, (6) paving and/or resurfacing, and (7) athletic and/or recreational equipment. These categories and their respective useful lives are based on statute. This information has to be obtained from a professional planner and the numbers calculated by an underwriter and bond counsel.

Parkinson believes it is reasonable to believe that this can all be properly gathered and filed by the deadline.

In my opinion, something obviously needs to be done to repair or replace the problem facilities and the cost is not very much. That said, although this is not my area of expertise, I don't see how so many decisions can be properly investigated and made within such a short period of time. Unless the board can prove otherwise, my opinion is that they should target a May or November 2013 election and allow time to get it right.