Latest news with #MasterFacilitiesPlan
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
End of an era in Duval County as five historic elementary schools close
Friday marked the last day of classes for Duval County students and the permanent closure of five neighborhood elementary schools under a district consolidation plan. The following consolidations will occur in the 2025-26 school year: 1. Annie R. Morgan Elementary into Biltmore Elementary 2. Kings Trail Elementary into Beauclerc Elementary 3. Susie E. Tolbert Elementary into S. P. Livingston Elementary In addition to these consolidations, the School Board previously approved the consolidation of R.V. Daniels Elementary School into R.L. Brown Elementary School and Windy Hill Elementary School into a new Southside Estates Elementary School. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] The closures stem from an updated Master Facilities Plan approved last year to address a $1.4 billion budget shortfall. 'For nearly 30 years, this school has been part of our daily routine,' said parent John Sherman, who was able to walk his daughter Hanna just one minute from home to Kings Trail. 'An extra ten minutes isn't a big deal, but I'll miss that community feel.' Nine-year-old Hanna Sherman admitted she'll miss her friends. 'Some of my classmates are going to different schools,' she said. District leaders say consolidations will concentrate resources and expand educational opportunities, but many families worry the loss of their local campuses will affect current ease of commutes and disrupt longstanding traditions. More elementary school consolidations are planned for the 2026-27 school year. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Voters once again reject bid for new school in Loudonville-Perrysville District
Voters in the Loudonville-Perrysville Exempted School District once again rejected a bid for a new school building. Unofficial tallies show 981 voted for the levy while 1,326 voted against the levy, which would have provided the LPESD a new K-12 facility. Of the 34,963 registered voters in Ashland County, fewer than 15 percent (14.4%) of the voters participated in Tuesday primary eledction. The numbers include 254 voters who live in Holmes County. The district was seeking a 6.62 mill bond and a 0.25% income tax in the election on Tuesday. Superintendent Jennifer Allerding acknowledged the outcome and emphasized the district's continued commitment to students and community engagement. Ashland County poll worker Scott Kaufman looks on as Loudonville voter Bob Stewart casts his ballott at the American Legion Post 257. Respect for community's voice; will continue to explore options 'We respect the voice of our community," Allerding said. "Our focus remains on providing the best educational environment possible and we will continue to collaborate with our staff, families and community to find a path forward.' The bond would have funded the district's Master Facilities Plan, which included building a new PreK-12 facility, targeted demolitions and improvements to existing structures. The measure did not pass despite revisions to the a proposal in November. The May option reduced the local share by $12.5 million through cost savings and increased district contributions. 'As we move forward, we will continue to explore options to address our aging buildings and infrastructure while seeking solutions that reflect both our students' needs and the priorities of our community,' Allerding added. This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: Loudonville-Perrysville voters reject proposal for new building
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Elementary school updates are focus of Oakwood's $40M bond levy on May ballot
Apr. 12—Updates to Oakwood City Schools' two elementary buildings are the focus of a 4.75-mill, $40 million bond levy on the May 6 ballot. If approved by voters, the proposed 33-year levy would cost taxpayers about $165.90 a year for each $100,000 in appraised home value. "Our community made a strong statement that they want to keep their iconic facilities and buildings," Oakwood Superintendent Neil Gupta said. The levy would fund updates to Smith and Harman elementary schools in addition to targeted projects at Oakwood High School/Junior High School and Lange School, officials said. The high school/junior high building was the focus of the first phase of the district's master facilities plan, which has been completed. The proposed bond issue would fund the second phase, with 85% going toward the elementary buildings. Harman Elementary School was built in 1908 and Smith Elementary School was built in 1929, district records show. Work at Harman and Smith would include mechanical, electrical and plumbing projects along with targeted Americans with Disabilities Act upgrades. At the high school/junior high, work would include upgrades to HVAC systems, ceiling lights and the roof. Lange School is in need of new HVAC systems, Frank Eaton, the district's business manager, said during a board presentation earlier this year. "One of the main goals is to address all the pertinent needs that do not fit within permanent improvement funding," he said. The bond issue is a result of the school district's Master Facilities Plan process, with input from local stakeholders. Oakwood resident Barbara Richardson said she always supports the local school system and plans to vote for the bond issue, saying she loves the old buildings and wants to see them kept up. Comments on social media and in local publications have shown both support and opposition to the bond plan. Some in favor of the tax cite Oakwood schools' financial efficiency and careful planning of this project. Those opposed to the levy have focused on the already-high tax burden for Oakwood schools after years of other levies. Some have argued Oakwood should delay the bond spending and look harder at long-term financial plans. Retired teacher Linda Spears said she'll support the bond issue to maintain the buildings, adding, "We believe the schools and education is what makes our community a great community."
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Loudonville-Perrysville Schools team with local expert for new facilities plan
The Loudonville-Perrysville Exempted Village School District is collaborating with a local construction expert to consult on its Revised Master Facilities Plan. Joseph Shrock, of Shrock Premier Custom Construction based in Loudonville, brings decades of experience to the project, according to an announcement from the district. 'We are incredibly fortunate to have someone of Mr. Shrock's experience and integrity consulting on this initiative,' Superintendent Jennifer Allerding said in the announcement. 'His willingness to offer expertise on our plans and materials costs, while offering to bid on aspects of the project that align with his company's expertise, reflects his commitment to community and giving back. We truly appreciate his willingness to share his expertise to help us make informed decisions.' Shrock Premier Custom Construction, founded in the 1960s by Shrock's father, Melvin Shrock, is known for residential and commercial projects in areas including Ashland, Wooster, Medina and Columbus. 'After reviewing the plan with Superintendent Allerding, it is reasonable, and while the scope of this project isn't the right fit for my company, I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to my community through my experience,' Shrock said in the announcement. The proposed plan involves constructing a preK-12 building on the high school campus while reducing costs from the November 2024 proposal through strategic adjustments. The changes include removing features such as a metal roof and rubberized playground, and increasing the district contribution through Certificate of Participation Loans (COPs), leading to a $12.5 million reduction in the local share compared to the previous plan, according to the news release. 'The total cost of the project is $69,204,575. The state will contribute 29% (about $15.5 million), which, in combination with the district contribution, accounts for 41% of the total cost,' Allerding said. 'The remaining local share of the project cost amounts to $41 million, funded through a 6.62 mill property tax and a 0.25% income tax levy.' The need for improved facilities was identified through a series of community engagement activities conducted in the fall of 2022, where parents, students, staff and community members were invited to share feedback. The district partnered with Garmann Miller, a planning and design firm, to conduct a facilities assessment. In 2023, a Facilities Task Force was established, leading to the development of the initial Master Facilities Plan. 'By partnering with Mr. Shrock and leveraging his local expertise, we are continuing to work toward our goal of providing a safe, community-driven and accessible learning environment that honors our history while educating future generations,' Allerding said. For the latest updates and detailed information about the district's Master Facilities Plan, visit the PK-12 Master Facilities Plan section on the Loudonville-Perrysville Schools website. This story was created by Jane Imbody, jimbody@ with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at This article originally appeared on Ashland Times Gazette: Loudonville-Perrysville Schools to get advice on facilities plan
