The district is preparing for community engagement sessions ahead of possible renovations to all district complexes over the next decade.
Superintendent Jason Fine said the district decided the buildings needed renovations since many of them were built over 80 years ago, but the project is in its preliminary stages of planning.
The planning process includes an assessment of the current state of the schools, community engagement sessions and feedback from the architects, he explained. The district hired architectural firms Moody Nolan and Perkins & Will to assist in the process, Fine added.
Director of Facilities and Operations Harley Williams said the district is looking to update classrooms, athletic spaces, lighting and restrooms.
Additionally, the heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC), roof and windows pose concerns because of their age and need updating, he said.
The basic plan, which updates systems like plumbing, HVAC and lighting, costs about $40 million, he said, but a comprehensive plan would cost upwards of $70 million. The more expensive plan would include replacing and restructuring lighting, restrooms and cafeteria space, he added.
He explained these costs are from a 2017 Ohio Facilities Construction Commission audit, but the architectural firms are determining the exact cost of renovations. He added the high cost of the current maintenance, about $400,000, has raised concerns within the community, mostly about where the money is going.
Williams said there is a calendar for community engagement sessions on the district website, and these meetings allow Bexley residents to voice opinions, ask questions and express concerns. Additionally, there is a link to a Google Form at the top of the website where community members can provide feedback.
The architectural firm will get a sense for what the city values and will base decisions on what is brought up at these meetings, Williams said. He added there is no set timeline yet for any renovations, but he is hopeful there will be a firm vision by March 2025.
Fine explained the district’s goals are to develop long-term strategies that will equip the district for higher populations, support dynamic learning to help meet the needs of every student and create welcoming spaces for everyone.
Once community engagement sessions have concluded, Williams said Fine will submit a recommendation to the Board of Education of what work needs to be done in addition to how much it will cost. He said the Board can review the report, and then they will decide whether or not to place a levy on the ballot.
“I would rather work with the community from the start in order to get this approved quickly,” Williams said. “I don’t want to go through this process just for it to get rejected in a vote.”
This project has been in the works since Dec. 13, when the Board approved a resolution to research and plan the school facilities as part of the district’s new strategic plan, according to the website.
Fine said he encourages anyone interested to get involved, despite the project’s longevity.
“We need everyone to participate,” he said. “Our facilities belong to our community, and we want this facility process to be community-led and driven, just like our strategic plan.”
