District to Survey Residents About New Middle School

The school district will try to gauge voters' feelings about building a new middle school through an online survey.

Starting May 4, residents will be asked to take a survey on the Strongsville Schools' website regarding the proposed $72 million bond issue to build a new middle school and make improvements to other buildings.

There will be a link under the "Welcome" heading on the main page to the survey, according to Mark Donnelly, director of business services.

The school board agreed last week to , saying the district moves quickly enough, it can realize enough savings to avert the need for a new operating levy in a few years.

The plan hinges on consolidating and into one building and closing one elementary school, possibly by moving sixth-graders into the new middle school.

A consultant warned the board last week that although the plan  was basically solid, there could be game-changing obstacles ahead -- like potential wetlands and size problems with the proposed site.

The 17 acres next to the , behind , includes , the consultant said.

Still, board members said now is the time to pursue the bond issue. Because other issues are being paid off, most property owners would see their taxes increase only $12 to $16 a year.

The six-question survey will run through 3 p.m. Thursday, May 13, Donnelly said.

Strongsville Patch will post a reminder next Friday, May 4, that the survey is under way.

Donnelly can be reached at 440-572-7052.